Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-06-08

bowed low.
 "I am at mademoisclie service" he said quietly, while n light of t,i0nph shone in his eyes. Sho moved restlesslv away to whore the gray light of tho dawn fell through the windows, and stood there for an instant silent.
 "Can you toll me-" she said nervously, "what will bc dono with the prisoners Of war who will be sent hithor?" He looked It her in astonishment.
 'Does that interest yoi.S' he said. "They will remain in the garrisoc antil the conclu- sion of the war"
 And then"
 "Then, of course, be ransomed or sen, back, according to the terms of tho treaty" She drew deep breath.
 "They arc-they will se kindly used?" she stammorcd. He laughed aloud.
 "Mein Gott-yes! Far better than they de- serve the insolent braggarts. But why all these questions, pretty onep You have nc lover among them, hopc?" She grew very pale.
 "No." she answered boldly "but they are my ycountrymen-some of thom-and-I am sorry for them."
 Be as sorry as you ploasc," he said. draw ing near to her, and speaking moro tenderly as his eyes took in the perfect beauty and grace of the dropping figure that leant so list lessly against tho shuttered windows. "Be as sorry as you pleaso but do not forgot others for their sake. Gan only your coun- trymen claim thought Of tenderness from that gentle heart?" She drow back and looked at him with naughty defiance.
 'I have no tenderness. You misjudgo me If you think so."
 Nay" he laughed with soft amusement 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." His amusement increased.
 "You can bo fierce, too,' he said. ''Well don't know but that I like you better in tha, mood. Even-tempered women bore ono so soon Now, tell me, what is it you want of me2 Have you some special frend among those prisoners that you arc interested in? Do you wish my aid? It is at your service" She flushed all over her delicate face.
 "Oh, if you would-if you would p' she cried eagerly, "only see that he isnot harshly treated, that he does not suffer he looks so iAA-oo III. Ni, WILL you uO tlllS LOT lue!
 You have not told me his name yet"
 Pierre Leroux. young Norman"
 "Ah and he was your lover once, then?
 Have not told you I am nothing to him nothing? ask you to serve him because well, because he has been basely wrongod, cruelty treated. knew him once, as you say, and am sorry for him. That is al.'
 'That is all," he repeated, with mocking smile. And enough truly would give q good deal for such interest from you, ma beller
 Her face darkened with anger.
 II have asked you too much," she said coldly. II forgot that disinterested service is d thing rarely rendered by man to a woman."
 II will render you any service you please while can" he said gently. "I am not here for long. was invalided, but now, since have recovered, I go back to the frontier with tho troops who came today; but will ascertain the whereabouts of this-friend and let you know of his welfare.''
 She caught his hands in hers with sud. den passionate gratitude. "May heaven bless your she said tearfully. And one thing more, you will not mention my name ever"
 "Why not?"
 II wish it," He smiled amusedly.
 "A good reason, certainly. We'll, obey Tomorrow shall bring you news of him. And now, pretty one, give me my payment X kiss is not much to ask for the service you require"
 His arms closed around her; his eager lips were close to her own. With the outraged passion of woman, the fury of child, she wrested herself from his embrace, and faced him in the wavering shadows of :he dawn "How dare you?" she cried furiously
 He surveyed her with amazed and angry eyes.
 Arc you offended at that? Can you not spare one kiss from your soldier lover2 How do you know that shall not leave him to his fate, unless you bribe me with the oaress ask for?"
 Her eyes literally blazed in their passionate scorn at the insolent words.
 "A promise that needs bribery will never be kept" she answered curtly. Forget thai ever asked you to serve ne. It were dearly paid for at the price you ask.''
 Stay" he implored, as she turned to the door. Forgive mo; I will not offend again. l will do your bidding"
 ''1t needs not, if you are unwilling" she answered proudly. "I sue no mans favor il he wishes to retain it.''
 And with no other words she left him. He went out into the quiet street, and the morning air struck chill and cold on his flushed and fevered face.
 ''The first time Q woman has ever refused me anything" he said to himself, "and, strange to say, the novelty of tho sensation is not unpleasant wish was not going away so soon; this girl interests me. With such scounGrel of a father, wonder where she had derived her notions of honesty and purity. What is this Frenchman to her, wonder? There can be but one tie possible besween one of her youth and beauty and man of his years; she said he was young." Thus he unused going homeward through the quiet city. He was man of wide power. of great wealth, of boundless self-indulgence. In all his life he had but to ask and to have, yet he had a calm wisdom that kept even his worst passions in restraint and made them ministers to his pleasure, not masters of his life.
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