The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1878-06-19
CHAPTER IL.

ed nc 8ltlstuA-
Yes" resumed the Countess.
$50 60 and make your toilet and
then join me in the drawing-room
Ii is now eleven o'clock, and we pro-
nose TO breakfast at twelve"
"Who are your guests, dear aunt -
inquired the young nan "yon know
[ have Just arrived, ana sm ignorant
Of oil that has transpired."
"Well. | will fret name my old
ard faithful friend, Monsieur de Man
ual, then lie Pragy, Lucien d'kryil-
lliers. the poet, whose verses ! admire,
and the Countess de Sauvray, who is
somewhat Of blue stocking, although
very amiable."
@Who else z" urged Ernest.
NV god-daughter, Louise, Mad
anne d'Aubrelles, q very lovely wo-
mao Of twenty.six. | have often
spoken Of her to you. Take care you
do not fall in love with her, my boy,
for you will lose your time and tr@u-
ble.n
why SO ?" .
"Oh. / had forgotten" continued
the Countess, laughing merrily. you
are fortified against all impressions,
and invulnerable to the smiles Of my
lovely widow"
Then she is a widow 7"
Eyes, truly, aud charming"
Glow long has she been such!'
About TWO wears. Her husband
left her q large fortune. he was old
enough 10 be her father"
you saw her name is Louise ~ 10
terrupted Ernest.
"Oh l see" replied the Countess.
you already imagine that this lady
NAV be your Louise bot even if she
should prove the mysterious travelling
companion, | should pity you greatly,
for / know that my niece is cherish
ing a romantic attachment. She
saws nothing, but ! have guessed her
secret. She is sad and preoccupied
when | speak Of the probability Of
her marrying again. She never fails
to replv. Neyer!' aud then signs
bitterly"
Since that is the case, our inter
course csn be frank aad agreeable.
| will not be expected to fall in love
with her, nor will she endeavor to
impress me. leave it to you, dear
aunt. to inform the lady that my
heart Is not in my own keeping; thus
we will understand each other at
once"
At breakfast Madame de Breuil
presented her nephew to the assem-
bled guests. On being introduced to
Madame d'Aubrelles, Ernest started,
for he thought be recognized his in
cognito. The same grace in every
attitude was visible-even her style
of dress seemed to recall the stran.
ger.
The first day of his return, Ernest
was greatly oppressed. He tried tc
believe be had found the woman be
had so obstipately loved at . mo.
ment. He was tempted TO fall at heI
feet and confess his eternal tender.
ness: but at the next instant hi:
mind was filed with doubts, and be
knew not whether to cherish remem-
brance or to pray for oblivion.
One day the party concluded tc
explore a portion Of the estate thai
was exceedingly wild and secluded
Ernest and Louise rode side by side
de Merieux having been chosen as
her escort. As they proceeded, Err
nest complained of feeling i'll AID
weak.
LET us dismount and walk (; per
baps YOU may feel better by so doing
said Madame d'Aubrelles. Il am
sure that, when a moment ago yoJ
caught the bride to prevent my hors'
from falling. you strained your arm
Am | not right?
"Yes," responded Ernest, tenderly
"but | wish you TO accord me a pro
mise"
"Name it," said his listener, smil
ing.
THAT you will not ride withou.
me-"
"You wish me to dismouut 2"
Il do"
why, is there less peril when yoJ
are beside me 2" she responded, in /
low voice.
perhaps not, and yet | crave the
PROMISE added Ernest, softly press
ing her arm.
Madame d'Aubrelles realized fully
the feeling that prompted both word
and action. At this moment they
entered a wild, beautiful glade of thu
wood, and through an open vista al
exquisite view was afforded, anC
quite at their feet, spread like e white
and gold carpet, grew innumerabl'
~marguerites.
"See those lovely marguerites =
exclaimed Louise !; they are my fav
orite flowers. Let me gather th'
freshest and most beautiful"
DO you so love the modest mar
guerites ~ inquired Ernest in a trem
bling voice.
Yes, passiouately," she respond
ed "aud | never lose an opportunity
of gathering a bouquet" Their, a
though recalling something OF q pain
ful nature, she added te%arfully. "An(
vet why should | do so, for there is
bouquet Of these flowers somewhere
which would emba:rass me mucl
were it returned to me to-day
Let US each gather some of tb'
flowers, and then consult the oracl,
together" replied Ernest; "but be
fore so doing, let me question these.
As be said these words be dreg from
bis breast a bouquet OF withereC
msrguerites. A few of the flowers
still retained their leaves, although
yellow and dry, and 8 piece of faded
blue ribbon fastened the striugs.
where did you find that bou
quet ?" exclaimed his companion
Can ii be miney Is it possible tina
it was you | saw three years ago
Ernest, and from whom | have since
been separated 7"
Yes. separated then bat now re
united" replied Ernest. And now.
Louise" he continued, "there is more
TO say; bat if the dream Of my life
should be but an Illusion, say nc