The National tribune., 1882-02-18

the hills and village. Just then the notes of q
French horn filed the air with melancholy
sobbing. Louis gave quick nod of satisfaction.
That was his father; he always knew that the
old man was happy as long as he was filling the
world with his melodious piping. Some young
fellows, his comrades, on the pier caught sight
of Noel
Hi hi Louis!" they called
He shouted back, waving his hat to Pere Mat
thieu, who laughed and nodded. Two Sisters of
Mercy, pacing decorously in their black robes to
the church, glanced furtively up and smiled to
each other. The whole village knew and liked
the merry fellow and the old father of whom he
was so fond.
The gate clicked. Wall, tired of waiting on
him, had gone angrily away.
Thanks to God" chuckled Noel. He hur-
ried towards Hester then stopped short in a
spasm of shame. Who was he? To 60 to her to
ask her to give herself to him. The first man
in the world is not fit to touch her! Look at her
sitting there, the sun shining full on her! Her
hands went with their work in and out, in and
out The monotony of motion maddened him.
For two years he had followed her faithful as
dog. 1t had been almost enough to see her, to
uSdI SPEAK uO" duO tueu IL ue tOlu ueT
now that he loved her he would risk all this; she
would drive him away. Never to see Hester
again? Never? If she married Wall? For a
moment he could not get his breath-the world
gaped empty about him.
Then his blood swelled with sudden triumph.
Why, he was not child; he was man, and
that was the dear woman that he loved He
went to her, leaped over fallen tree. and threw
himself breathless on the grass. Hester, amused
looked down at his sensitive face and burning
eyes
II heard you singing, Monsieur Noel" she said
after while.
ooh! Did you like my voice?" eagerly. my
father does. 1 don't know. He is great musi-
clan. Perhaps-would you like me to sing to
you now?"
"No" Hester smiled. "You-yo can talk to
me instead" she added shyly.
Noel did not answer. He rose slowly, and
leaning against tree looked steadily down into
her face She saw how he trembled though she
did not raise her eyes. The very wind was still.
A cricket chrping in the stubble counted off the
long minutes; far away swelled and sank the
low chanting in the church. Hester's fingers
still went in and out of that wearisome net, but
they shook now; she could not see her work It |
tween them.
Hester" he broke out at last, you must have |
known it this long time. l suppose it seems mad |
folly to you. know! I'm only Louis Noel I'm
a headlong, good nothing fellow. But He
caught her hand and stroked it passionately in
his cold fingers.
Hester glanced up at the pension windows
She did not forget to be decorous.
mo! Don't speak yeti" he cried Don't
send me away yet! l know the Americans
hink me fighty-a vaurien. But I can work
can make you such happy home here in Ia
lousac. l know you like Tadousac. Oh, know
III your whims and fancies, Pm weak little
elbow; but l love you so that could keep trou-
lie away from you as if were God"
Hester locked at him thoughtfully She had
,nown for year that each of these two men
would ask her to be his wife, and she knew pre-
isely what answer she would give them, but she
vas not going to be hurried out of her orderly
curse.
Louis drew back. You will not-take nv
oye?"
His sudden pallor, his relaxed features annoy
d her. What was the use after all Of such weari-
ONE tragic emotions? ...
Il will see you again." she said coldly; we
re not alone now. Mr.. Wall"-
Wall stood within the gate. Noel turned and
,ined him without word. AS the men went
ut together a branch of woodbine struck against
ne of their faces. Miss Page when she was
lone broke it off and shyly put it to her lips
nth a bright blush. : =
Bring the reports and money here" said Wall
hen they reached the house
The money" stammered Noel it is in a
saled package. Is it necessary to count it?"
Noels suppressed excitement as he left Hester
ad startled Wall He eyed his dazed face now
18th sudden suspicion.
Bring me the money" he said sharply.
Louis ran up to his chamber. There were steps
verheard, then pause. Ten minutes half an !
our passed. Then the door opened and he stood I
it. He looked shrunken and years older than 1
hen he went out.
The money is gone, WALL" he said. c
"The money? Gone? What do you mean?"
"The package / sealed it yesterday locked a
in my desk y t
"And it is gomez"
Noel sank chair near the door. Wall Y
ent up to him. He was powerfully built man, !
Id he lowered over Louis, who was but puny
oung fellow. Bring me that money!" he said.
Noel nuShad him aUav ctoodi1y HVaa,, vn,,r +