The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1890-11-05

In the forest, and which had passed
from his memory like dream in the
exciting incidents which followed 1t:
narration.
There need then be no delay and nc
parting scene" he added after pause.
IL will depart at once. The canoe
which brought us lies upon the shore,
and there is possibility OF overtaking
Jabez Locke and his party"
mot so, exclaimed Ninon, earnestly.
There is more TO be told, but not now.
Wait till tomorrow, Captain Marden. l
entreat you to add this to the great debt
Of gratitude owe you, and perhaps" {"
she added, laughing and sobbing hyster-
ically, II may be able to pay some part
OF that debt-to give you in exchange
for the life you saved, precious some-
thing which win adorn your own.p
"Nlnoni' exclaimed her aunt, rising
In great alarm.
NAY, aunt, bear with me for time.
And you, dear Mrs. Vernon; 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-
cd, his surprise overcoming his reason
ing faculties. "But | assure you, Mile.
Destain, that there can be no question Of
reward between us. have done no
more than my duty to you and my
friend Dc Barzac, and"
"He will thank you for both Of u.s.
she said, blushing, and holding out her
hand, which no 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 Marden observed that
Mrs. Vernon's face wore IN expression Of
serene content which made her look ten
years younger. Nine. Chevreul. too,
cast aside her omens and premonitions
md sparkled with gayety.
Ninon alone, while she regained her
usual composure, was paler than her
won't, and her eyes frequently wander
ed to Marden's face, as II she was trying
10 fathom his inmost thoughts, which,
II she had succeeded, would scarcely |
have repaid her for her pains, being, |
indeed, in chaotic state; for II should
be remembered that the young soldier
was moro used TO the life OF camps than
The sweet yet perplexing tactics OF the
'airer sex. The prospect, too, OF his
'olitary journey may have affected his
spirits, and the ladies found him silent
Ind abstracted.
After breakfast Ninon and Mrs. Yer
ION withdrew, leaving Nine. Chevreul TO
entertain the guest, task for which
Tho was well fitted, and while she inter
'sted him In the story OF some Of her
husbands campaigns, she drew him on
o tell his own, unsuspecting that the
imc thus occupied was essential to the
Of grand tableau vivant in
which he was to take an involuntary
'art. Presently door opened behind
hem. Nine. Chevreul rose and faced
bout. Marden mechanically followed
Ter example. Three ladies' entered tho
oom, Mile. Destain leading by the hand
ne closely vailed, Mrs. Vernon step
,ehind.
Nine. Chevrcul took the young sold
er's hand and led him forward.
Captain Msrden," she said. 81 have
he honor to introduce you to Miss Lu-
lille Vernon"
He tremblod and stood still. Deftly
he vail was removed and fell to the
ect OF the statuesque figure.
Marden's brain reeled, stout soldieras
10 was; he put his hands to his heart
nd staggered forward. lie saw pair Of
yes hrimful OF holy love gazing into
is. He fell upon his knees and grasped
hand whose pressure he knew full we'll.
Ie heard voice he never heard before:
''Georgel dear masterl II is Your own
Irielr' Surprised and bewildered-a
housand memories rushing tumultuous-
: over his goul-hiy fingers relaxed
heir hold upon her hand, and hc fell
onsclcss at her feet f'Aitf )