Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1860-03-31
SATURDAY, MARCH 81, 1860.

strong conviction that Perrail had guessed hi
errand, and was now saving himself by nigh
from the vengeance of the order. Joyfully h'
now raised his eyes towards his kind hostess
and sank them again, lost in admiration of hei
beauty. Her simple attire added nothing tc
her loyeliness, but, on the contrary, borrowed
charms from 1t; while, as she stood before the
youth, with the innocent child in her arms, she
seemed to him living image of the Madonna
A rough dog, of enormous size, crouched hum
bly, at her feet, and jealously watched every
motion of his mistress. ... 3. t-..
g The soup is most excellent said Guy, as
he laid down the empty basin. "NIay God re-
ward the hospitality yon have exercised to-
wards stranger And now, pardon me fol
asking, has your husband explained to you the
business which has led me here?" .,s IL
81 know nothing about it," replied Blanche
fore or not, and has not alluded in any way to
the business which brings you. here. 1t is
more my dutyto attend to our guest, than to
ask questions concerning him."
"But has not---l mean Gilbert, explain
ed----in short, made you acquainted with
the circumstances of his past life ?" rejoined
Guy.
"oh, yesp replied Blanche, with the sim
plicity ofa child. His occupation has always
been known to every one. The life of a master
mason is necessarily commonplace, and with
out adventure unless during the time passed
in travelling to learn the trade Gilbert's life
has been like the rest. He was born in the
city of Aries, and journeyed about in his youth,
till he became master. Then he took a fancy
to revisit France, the land of his birth, and
passing through Calais, got acquainted with
my father, to whom this farm belonged, part OIL
the fermer possessions of the Templars, the
ruins of whose hospital can be seen from this
window Ny father ard Gilbert formed q
strong friendship, and, after while, the latter
gave up his trade, and took to agriculture
when he married me My father did not long
enjoy the assistance of his honest son-in-law
He died, and was consoled on his death-bed by
the thought, that he was leaving me to kind
protector. Believe me, kind sir, Gilbert is one
ofthc best of men, and is respected throughout
the whole country. But perhaps you knew
him before, and am tring you with my talk
"ou the contrary" said Guy, "you interest
me greatly. But what is keeping Gilbert?-
He is very long in returning perhaps the pond
is at distance .
"No !" replied Blanche, ''it is quite near
begin to wonder also that he is so long"
.'God be praisedp' whispered Guys con.
science; for all conspired to confirm his pre-.
vious conjecture. "God be praisedl He has
escaped. and am spared the commission ofar
act which would have filled me with remors'
to the end of my days. My errand is accom-
plishod, and, to avoid any unlucky mischance
shall instantly return to where left my lit
tie vessel" Then, wrapping himself in hi
mantle, and grasping his sword, he strobe to
wards the hearth, where Blanche was busil.
preparing some food. Farewell, kind hos
tess -" he hurriedly began, as though h
feared to be detained; "accept my warmes
thanks for your hospitality. Imust depart i'm
mediately. Farewell y
Blanche raised her eyes in astsnishmeni
unable to account for this sudden resolution
care you obliged to go 2" she inquired. Elbow
What sthis? know not what you mean. |
It possible that have offended you?"
"on the contrary, you have gained my esteer
and friendship" replied Guy, in great agitation
" and for that very reason must depart" q
al do not comprehend you. My husband
Gilbert, will be very much grieved when h
finds you gone at his RETURN het ts
sI wish to go before his return continue
Guy, II wish TO spare both him and myself
painful meeting. Unfortunate woman, do nj
detain me | The happiness of your life is d'
parted, should remain Once more he pre-
sed the hand of Blanche, and turned TOWARD
the door; but started back as though annih
lated--for on the threshold he met Gilbert.
"How7 where are you going in such a hui
ry 2" exclaimed Gilbert, after silently scannir
the youth for a moment. "Return, beg n
worthy guest. The weather is unpleasant.
cold wind blows from the sea, and the appea
ance of the sky is more like winter than sun
mer." s.aa n4
"The gentleman wishes to leave US" inte
posed Blanche. ain my ignorance Ihave gil
en- him offence; or else our humble accomm'
!, dation is not to his taste" h
Gilbert gaEed at the youth with calm ar
steady glance, which penetrated to his SOUL
"Dear, sir, said he, at last, to Guy, who stot
like detected culprit before him, ''you wi
not surely affront me before my neighbors, |
thus suddenly leaving my house, without eve
explaining the business which led you her
SEQ! have brought you beautiful fish, whit
the steward of the estate has kindly permitt
mo to catch from the pond. Blanche shs
cook them, and you shall have as good di
ner as the Templars themselves could ha
had"
With these words,he emptied the net in viii
he carried the ish, into large vessel fill
, with water, and busted himself in assisting
wife In her.preparation. Meanwhile, a sudd
resolve daYted into the mind Of the youth, a
earnestly he grasped the hand of his host.
, "a word with yonW said he, in a meant
( tone. 'sNow ---- instantly ii must be 81
4 ken wish to be without witnesses"
a "As you please" replied Gilbert, calm
d and making signs TO Blanche to reman behil
led his guest to verandah, which opened
b the garden and commanded view of the de-
d late ruins Of the hospital "Here think
!, shall be unheard," continued he to his moe
and stern companion. "Speak on" aa
d al will" replied Guy in constrained ton