Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-09-11
.sof generals like Dieskan and Mont

name of De Barzac is inscribed on that
roll of honor, the bulletins of the Com
mander-in-C Chief" Thedark eyes flashed
upon him for a moment, pardon me-
she said, softly. 81 am sure that France
will not forget her heroes
BY this time three or four officers had
joined the group, one of whom, man
of large proportions, whose bronzed
face indicated the habit of command,
but not of self-control, and whose eyes
had that furtive look which we asso-
ciate with moral obliquity, interrupted
the conversation with ford compli-
ments to the ladies. He was Colonel
Lemourier, commander of scouts and
irregular troops, and distinguished not
only as an Indian fighter but duelist,
dead shot, and an invincible swords
man.
''He is her fiancee," whispered the
elder lady, Madame Chevreul to De Bar
FAC. 1.-THE match was arranged by their
families in France, and as he could not
get leave of absence she was sent out to
me, and the marriage will take place
when he returns from the campaign
which is now preparin G."
Doubtless the kind-hearted lady had
detected the admiring glance in the
young mans eyes, and thus took the
opportunity to warn him against vain
hopes. De Barzac was conscious of
pang of disappointment SO keen that
he was about to retire when she laid
OBTAINING hand upon his arm.
eve give little tste tonight in honor
| of my niece" she said, "and 1 shall ex-
pect you. Promise me-"
It was late when De Barzac arrived at
| the home of Nine. Chevreul. The
rooms were brilliantly lighted and
crowded with men in uniform, while
| the number of ladies and civilians was
much less. The oldor people were play
ing cards or discussing military affairs,
| while the younger portion were dancing
| or Longing around the rooms, listening
to the music and trying to fancy them
| selves in Partisan salon.
| The hostess met De Barzac at the
door.
| ''Loiterer!" she exclaimed, ''Where
hast thou tarried so long? or is thine
ear so attuned to trumpet call and war
whoop that thou carest no more for the
music of the dance? But I have a
! pleasant task in store for thee"
81 am too much your debtor, madam,
to decline any service of yours"
| ''Come, then! where are your eyes?
All, you have found her! Yes, Mile.
| Destain sits there encircled by admirers,
whose idle words she heeds not. She is
thinking of something else. Perhaps
she is piqued because Lemourier is not
more attentive. Did you not hear him
as you passed, boasting of his achieve
ments to those young officers? Ha! he
thinks that she is secure-that he need
not trouble himself to play the lover.
| We shall see!''
Her flashing eyes and heightened
| color, not less then her words, evinced
! her resentment.
"But you shall lead her to the dance,
mon cher; you shall tell her tales of adj
venture that will make her forget this
| braggard and his rudeness!' Her anger
was at white heat now.
De Barzac smiled; his spirits rose; he
would try, and that meant much to a
man whom no danger Or difficulty could
| dismay.
It seemed as if Nile. Destain lost
something of her apathy when her aunt
presented the young officer.
She accepted his invita- ton to dance;
she listened to his sketches of army
life, it's tolls, it's triumphs: the romance
of war colored by an ardent enthusiasm
| which forgot the narrator in the soul
inspiring theme.
The pride of birth, which was after all
but flimsy vail, melted before the elo-
quence of the young soldier, whose Grip
pied arm was the only indication that
he had shared the dangers which he de-
scribed.
The announcement of supper, how
;v% %11 ~ I'D
Chevreul, who had not lost sight of her
proteges and in whose face anger had
given way to triumph, placed them to-
gether at the table.
Perhaps it occurred to Lemourier
that it would be as we'll to pay Mile.
Destain the attention of taking her in
to supper. But she was not to be found.
''How now, Lemourier, what have you
ing his perplexed look.
"Where is MY mean where is Mile
Destain?" he responded.
''She went in to supper with De Bar.
zac," said a young officer, adding ma.
liciously: HE has mOnopolized her fol
the last two hours
"Look to your laurels, Lemourier; De
Barzac is no mean rival" said another
| wiling 20 3ou 10 MS annOy3nCe.
Gentlemen, supper awaits you" II
was Nine. Chevreul who spoke. She
was regarding Demourier with malic
iOus satisfaction. The cloud on thai
gentleman's brow spread itself over his
; face. He could scarcely command his
voice.
"Mlle. Destain?'
''She is at supper"
| SsSha-1ha has n ocpnrfcs
s'IprOvided her with an escort, sir.'
II believe that privilege is mine, mad
anne"
Pardon me; I am her guardian;
am also the mistress of this house and
permit no dictation."
Lemourier was accustomed to dominate
men, but this lady's high-bred dignity
over-awed him and he retired to the
supper-room with much greater appe
tite for revenge than for the edibies
spread before him.
A distant view of his fiancee at the
opposite side of the table added fuel to
his wrath. Her face wore an expression
which he had never seen there before