Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-03-19

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 a sad
enough scene for a wOman'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. 1t 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 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 have a question to ask
you," she began. He bowed low.
II 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
WlDuOWSs anu stOOu tHcic Ior oil III
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 you?" he said.
They will remain in the garrison
until the conclusion of the war"
| land them"
| "1hen, 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
one? 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
speaking more tcnderly 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 n
thought of tenderness frSn that gentle
hearth" She drew back and looked
at him with naughty defiance.
Il have no tenderness. You mis-
judge me if you think So"
May" he laughedwith soft amusc-
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. "
His amusement increased.
"You can be fierce, too he said.
well, don't know but that l like
you better in that mood. Even-tem-
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 aid? 1t is at
your service" She flushed all over
her delicate face.
"Oh, if you would--if you would"
she cried eagerly, "only sec 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 ne his name
yet"
''Peierre Leroux. a young Nor
man.
.'Ah! and he was your lover once,
thene"
Have l not told you am nothing
to him--nothing? ask you to serve
him because well, because he has
been basely wronged, cruelty treated,
knew him once, as you say, and
am sorry for him. That is all"
THAT is ALL" he repeated with a
hooking smile. 'And enough, truly.
| would give good deal for such ill.,
terest from you, ina belief
Her face darkcned with anger.
IL have asked you too much" she
said coldly. Il forgot that disinter.
ested service is a thing rarely render.
ed by man to a woman"
II will render you any ser.
vice you please while can,
he said gently. Il am not here
for long. l was invalided, but nov
| since l have recovered, l go back tc
, the frontier with the troops who
came to-day; but will ascertain the
, whereabouts Of this-friend, and lei
/ you know of his welfare"
She caught his hands in hers with {
, sudden passionate gratitude. "May
heaven bless your she said tearfully
! And one thing more, you will no
l mention my name-ever.'
"Why not?"
Il wish it," He smiled amusedly
"a GO "eason, certainly. Well
I obey. morrow shall bring yo,
news OF And now, pretty one