Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1884-11-20

ASssao"SaO, SuI through Deeulng gray
cliffs, the old cottages. perched here
and there, each sending out through
It's steep red or yellow or timed roof,
a sleepy drift of smoke. Lights shone
through the windows of the little
ancient church; the door was open; ;
he could see Grigoeaux, the fat
beadle, climbing into his high seat !;
then came Father Matthien up the
hull, half dozen children of the in
habitants, with their wa-like features
and glittering black eyes, Juggling at
his gown.
AT the foot of the hill rolled the
silent, fathomless tide of the Saguenay
that mystery of the north, black as
the line drawn by death through the
live beauty ana comfort of the hills
and village. Just then the notes of
the French horn filed the air with a
melancholy sobbing. Louis gave a
quick nod of satisfaction. That was
his father; he always knew the old
man was happy as long as he was fill
ing the world with his melodious pip
ing Some young fellows-his com
rades-on the pier caught sight of
Noel.
CHI hi Louis" they called.
He shouted back, waving ms hat to
Pere Mattiheu, who laughed and
nodded. Two Sisters of Mercy, pacing
dccorously IN their black robes to the
church, glanced furtively up and
smiled at each OTHER. The whole vii
iage knew and liked the merry fellow
and the old father of whom he was so
ond.
The gate clicked. Wall, tired of
waiting for him, had gone angrily
away.
Thanks to Godm said Noel He
hurried toward Hester, then stopped
short in a spasm of shame. Who was
hel To go to ask her to give herself
to him2 The best man in the world
was not fit to touch her Look at her
sitting there, the sun shining full on
her Her hand went with her work,
in and out, in and out the monet
ony of motion maddened him. For
two years he had followed her faith
full as a dog. 1t had been almost
enough to see her, to hear her speak
now and then If he told her now
that he loved her, he would risk all
this; she would drive him away.
Never TO see Hester again2 Neverl Ii
she married WALTZ For a moment he
could not get his Dreath-the world
gaped empty about him.
Then has blood swelled with sudden
triumph. Why, he was not child:
he was man, and that was the dear
woman he loved He went to her,
leaping over fallen tree, and threw
himself breathless on the grass. Hes
ter, amused, looked down at his sensi-
tive face and burning eyes.
II heard you singing, Monsieur
NOEL she said after while.
ooh Did you like my voice." Gag
erly. my father does. | don't know.
He is a great musician. Perhaps
you would like me 10 sing to you
MOVIE"
mo Hester smiled. "You-you
can talk to me instead, " she said shy
ly.
Noel did not answer. He rose slow
ly, and leaning against tree, looked
steadily down INTO her face, She saw
how he trcmbled, though she did not
raise her eyes The very wind was
still. A cricket chrping in the stub
BILE counted off the long minutes; far
away sank and swelled the low chant
ing IN the church Hester's fingers
still went in and oat of that weari-
some net, but they shook, now she
could not see her work. 1t seemed TO
her as if all had been already said
between them.
Hester, y he broke out at last, you
must have known this long timer /
suppose it seems like mad folly to
you. l know I'm only Louis Noel.
I'm headlong, good for nothing fei-
lowl But" He caught her hand
and stroked it passionately in his cold
fingers.
Hester glanced up at the pension
window. She did not forget to be de-
corous.
mo, don't speak yetI' he cried.
Don't send me away yeti ! know
the Americans think me flighty-a
vaurien. But l can work. can make
you such happy home here IN lad
ousac. l know you like Tadousac.
Oh, | know all your whims and fan
cies I'm a weak little fellow; bat |
love you so that | could keep trouble
away from you as if | were God p
Hester looked at him thoughtfully.
She had known for a year that each
of these two men would ask her to be
his wife, and she knew precisely what
answer she would give them, but she
was not going to be hurried out of
her orderly course.
Louis drew back. "You will not
take nay love2"
His sudden pallor, his relaxed
features annoyed her. What was the
use, after all, of such wearisome,
tragic emotions2
81 will see you again" she said,
coldly. Eve are not alone, now. Here
is Mr.. Wall
Wall stood within the gate. Noel
turned and joined him without a
word. As the men went out together,
branch of woodbine struck against
one of their faces. Miss Page, as soon