Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-03-02
CHAPTER VI
COPYRIGHT 1891 ANkELLOCG NEnSFAPERcQ.

lighted to find that she came down to, breakfast next morning in. one of her pleasantest moods, even going so far as to make jocular allnsion to her dis obedience in dancing with Mir. Dunbar, an ohense which was setting a little heavily on the girls conscience. At first Kate thought that mademoiselle, having compromised herself, was not inclined to be censorious, but she soon discovered that she had an ulterior mo-, tive for her sweetness.
 "You seem in excellent spirits after the fatigues of last night, mademoi- selle," Kate remarked.
 "I am more than happy confess, my child, for I have received @ letter this morning which has carried me into A seventh heaven of delight"
 "I am so glad. Was 1t 0 love letter."
 "Ma foi, mol How you young girls minds run on the tender passion-wen, it is natural, and would not have it otherwise. But, if there is no love, there is a dash of romance in my cor respondence. You perhaps never knew, my dear, that, though I am nothing now but a governess in a pension, my fanni- ly were one of the noblest among the commoners of France"
 Kate bowed in silent admiration, ig- norant of the fact that every French exile in foreign lands comes of exalted percentage.
 "Our estates were 1ost-my father died broken-hearted-leaving two chil- dren, my sister Celeste and myself. An, but she was an angelI Ravishingly beautiful, sweet in disposition as a saint. She married-married the rich and noble Viscount d d'Estreville; but strange fatality hangs over our family. My sisters husband, who was a devoted Orleanist, was discovered in a plot against the emperor, and his estates were forfeited to the crown. He fled to London with his wife and only son, but poverty and disappointment were more than he could endure, and he died by his own hand about five years ago a ruined exile."
 Leaving his widow and son unpro- vided for?"
 "Afon Dieu! Yesl What had he to give them?'
 T do not know; but I should have thought it would have been far more noble and chivalric to have lived and worked for their support"
 "Ah, child, you do not understand these things. My sister has done well enough in the world, and as for her boy, he is all that the fondest mother could desire-affectionate brave, gen. erous, inheriting all his fathers virtues and none of his faults"
 "That Is high praise, indeed"
 And think of it, Kate, he will be with us here this very morning. have l 4,,YrsAal 6{y,n k1 ax loughby farm"
 Why, that will be charming" Kate said, picturing to herself the enjoyment she would derive in the companionship of Q bright, intelligent boy. 'I will coax Mr. Barlow to lend him his pony; he shall come with me and Cesar in our walks; and will send to Chertsey for the boat Miss Balderstone ordered out here before because had no one to go with me-"
 "His name Is Leon-Leon d'Estre- villei Is it not a pretty oneP" madem: oiselle asked. "He does not assume the title at present-perhaps some day or other when fortune smiles again he may do so, and his wife would be 6 countess"
 uIh V SuRESSS hC gAAAhS d1ly pnlnH at all about wives at his age, If he is the nice boy you describe him." Kate said saucily.
 "At his agei Why, he is nearly five and-twenty, dear, and -?
 surprise.
 'I thought you said he was boy, she complained.
 | EnSl aor-oxx l5ao vo- nh1as We'll, surely you accept the correction with good grace-a young man O. 1ve-and-twenty would be a more agree able companion to young lady oi nineteen than a mischievous lad o. twelve. But please to remember tha' Leon comes to see me and not you"
 II beg your pardon humbly," Kate cried, always free to confess a fault ''of course he does; andit is very rude O me to talk such nonsense. But is Mis- our menage?"
 kindest letter from her-she is in Ger many now-win you see it?'' F ''No, thank you, mademoiselle; re n ceived a letter from her this morning which is not yet opened, for I was re l serving it as 8 b0T 00ucne afCer preak fast. May break the seal? An, thought so; she alludes to your comini guest. You will have an addition t your little party in the shape of Mile Campignon's nephew. hope you vii n try to make his visit pleasant'-so tha Is all right. Are the Barlows prepare to receive him?"
 "They got their instructions by tn same mail that brought our letters"
 Kate did not pause to consider, or sh would have thought 1t strange that M d'Estreville's invitation must hay been given and accepted before Mis- Balderstone's consent could have bee secured.
 That the reader may fully understan = the real nature of affairs 1t Is necessar to take peep into suite of rooms in IA "A. T,,r