Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-11-13

thought of separation. Ask him, and
he will confirm what l say"
''What if the chances of war should
leave him unprotected" asked Ninon.
HE would return to Mrs. Vernon"
81 know you are generous and unseH-
ish, "said the young lady earnestly. 81
owe everything to those qualities, and
appeal to them now. Leave Ariel with US
for a time. HIS devotion to you has
taxed his strength beyond the natural
limit. He needs rest and care"
ga mothers care" added Mrs. Vernon,
with emotion. Captain Marden, 1 urge
that claim, although I cannot prove it
legally; but I believe that my prayer
has been heard and that one of my lost
children has been restored to me in the
person of this boy. Nine. Chevreul, you
know my story-the long years of be-
reavement and hope deferred. Plead
for me-"
Marden, much agitated, was pacing
up and down the room He stopped
and faced the lady. He was very pale
and his lips trembled.
SIT needs not" he said: 81 admit your
claim His mind reverted to the story
which JADE told him in the ruined hut
in the forest, and which had passed
from his memory like dream in the
exciting incidents which followed it's
narration.
s'There need then be no delay and no
parting scene" he added after a pause.
81 will depart at once. The canoe
which brought us lies upon the shore,
and there is possibility of overtaking
Jabez Locke and his party"
'Not So" exclaimed Ninon, earnestly.
''There is moro to be told, but not now.
Wait till tomorrow, Captain Marden. I
entreat you to add this to the great debt
| of gratitude 1 owe you. and perhaps"
she added, laughing and sobbing hyster-
| ically, Il may be able to pay some part
of that dcbt-to give you in exchange
| for the life you saved. a precious some
| thing which will adorn your own
''Ninon!" exclaimed her aunt, rising
| in great alarm.
s'Nay, aunt, bear with me for time.
And you, dear Mrs. Vernon; I will ex-
plain all to you, Captain Marden," she
! added, regaining her composure. though
| her eyes were shining through their
wet lashes. ''You will grant my re-
quest?''
81 cannot do otherwise" he stammer-
ed, his surprise overcoming his reason
ing faculties. '.But assure you, Mile.
Destain, that there can be no question OF
reward between US. I have done no
more than my duty to you and my
friend De Barzac, and"
''He will thank you for both of u.s.
she said, blushing, and holding out her
hand, which he pressed to his lips, and
bowling to the elder ladies, retired to
rest. escorted by Francois.
Ariel was not at the breakfast table
next morning, and MaIden observed that
| Mrs. Vernon's face wore an expression OF
serene content which made her look ten
years younger. Nine. Chevreul, too.
cast aside her omens and premonitions
and sparkled with gayety.
Ninon alone, while she regained bel
usual compoSure, was paler than her
won't, and her eyes frequently wander
ed to Marden's face, as if she was trying
to fathom his inmost thoughts, which
if she had succeeded, would scarcely
have repaid her for her pains, being
indeed, in chaotic state; for it should
be remembered that the young soldier
was more used to the life of camps thar
the sweet yet perplexing tactics of the
fairer sex. The prospect, too, of hi:
solitary journey may have affected hi:
spirits, and the ladies found him silen
and distracted.
After breakfast Ninon and Mrs. Yer
non withdrew, leaving Nine. Chevreul tc
entertain the guest, task for which
she was we'll fitted, and while she inter
ested him in the story of some of he1
husbands campaigns, she drew him OF
to tell his own, unsuspecting that thu
time thus occupied was essential to thu
preparation of a grand tableau vivant IL
which he was to take an involun tar,
part. Presently door opened benin.
them. Nine. Chevreul rose and faced
about. Marden mechanically followed
her example. Three ladies entered thu
room, Mile. Destain leading by the han.
one closely vailed, Mrs. Vernon a STE
behind.
Nine. Chevreul took the young sold
ier'S hand and led him forward.
Captain Marden," she said, 81 hav
the honor to introduce you to Miss Lu
ellie Vernon
He trembled and stood still. Deftl.
the vail was removed and fell to tn
feet of the statue sque figure.
Marden's brain reeled, stout soldier a
he was; he put his hands to his hear
and staggered forward. He saw pair o
eyes brimful of holy love gazing int
his. Ho fell upon his knees and graspo'
; hand whose pressure he knew full well
, He heard voice he never heard before
; George! dear masterl It is your ow-
Ariel!' Surprised and bewildered-