Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1889-08-01

tnan usual, IS not one WnlJ more ulnl-
cult of conquest than the rest"
The night went on. The play
grew wilder, broken only by intervals
when cool drinks and sparkling wines
were passed round. 1t was n sad
enough scene for womaa's eyes to
gaze upon-this fever of madness, this
whirl of gambling, and bitterness of
heart-burning, and stir OF restless pas
sions, reused by an excitement false
and deadly. IL was very late ere the
play ceased, leaving Leon Monprat for
once considerable loser. Most OF
the men had left The Prussian col
onel fingered behind, and at q sign
from Ninette her father muttered
some hasty excuse and quilted the
room. The girl turned hurriedly,
eagerly, toward her companion.
Pardon me, monsieur, for my bold
ness, but l have a question to ask
you," she began. He bowed low.
IL am at mademoiselle's service"
he said quietly, while light of tri-
umph shone in his eyes. She moved
restlessly away to where the gray
light of the dawn fell through the
windows, and stood there for an in
slant silent.
"Can you tell me" she said, nerv-
ously, "what will be done with the
prisoners of war that will be sent
hither?" He looked at her in aston
ishment.
"Does that interest youP" he said.
"They will remain in the garrison
until the conclusion of the war"
"And then"
Then, of course, be ransomed or
sent back. according to the terms of
the treaty"
She drew deep breath.
"They are-they will be kindly
used" she stammered. He laughed
aloud.
.Mein Gott- yes! Far better than
they deserve, the insolent braggarts.
But why all these questions. pretty
oneP You have no lover among them,
l hope?" She grew very pale.
"No," she answered coldly, "but
they are my countrymen-some OF
them-and, am sorry for them"
"Be as sorry as you please" he
said, drawing nearer to her, and
speaking more tenGeriy as his eyes
took in the perfect beauty and grace
of the dropping figure that leant so
listlessly against the suffered win
dows. "Be as sorry as you please,
but do not forget others for their sake.
Can only your countrymen claim a
thought Of tenderness from that gentle
hearth" She drew back and looked
at him with naughty defiance.
IL have no tenderness. You mis-
Judge me If you th.uk So"
NAY" he laughedwith soft amuse-
ment. "Your eyes belle your words
they tell your secrets better than you
are aware of. There is some one you
have cared for or do care for now,
among those men?"
That is none of your business. y"
His amusement increased.
"You can be fierce, too" he said.
"Well, / don't know but that l like
you better in that mood. Even TEN
pered women bore one So soon. Now,
tell me, what is it you want of me?
Have you some special friend among
those prisoners that you are interested
in? DO you wish my aidP 1t is at
your service" She flushed all over
her delicate face.
"Oh, if you would-if you would"
she cried eagerly, "only see that he is
not harshly treated, that he does not
suffer; he looks SO ill-so i'll. "Oh,
will you do this for me?"
"You have not told me his name
yet"
"Peierre Leroux. A young Nor
man.
"Ah! and he was your lover once,
thenP"
"Have not told you l am nothing
TO him-nothingP | ask you to serve
him because well, because he has
been basely wronged, cruelty treated,
l knew him once, as you say, and l
am sorry for him. That is all"
That is ALL" he repeated with a
mocking smile. "And enough, truly.
would give good deal for such in
terest from you, ma BELIEF
IlcT IdCC udThcueu Wlln dUHeT.
IL have asked you too much" she
said coldly. II forgot that disinter-
ested service is thing rarely render
ed by man to woman"
II will render you any SER
vice you please while l can, p"
he said gently. 81 am not here
for long. | was invalided, but now,
since l have recovered, / go back to
the frontier with the troops who
came to-day; but | will ascertain the
whereabouts of this-friend, and let
you know of his welfare"
She caught his hands in hers with a
sudden passionate gratitude. MAY
heaven bless you!" she said tearfully.
''And one thing more, you will not
mention my name-ever"
"Why notg"
IL wish it," He smiled amusedly.
"a good reason, certainly. Well,
/ obey. Tomorrow / shall bring you
news OF him. And now, pretty one,
give me my payment. A kiss is not
much to ask for the service you re-