The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1892-05-12
CHAPTER VI

be more agreeable, and Kate was de-
lighted to find that she came down to
breakfast next morning in one of her
pleasantcst moods, even going 80 far as
, to make ocular allnsion to her dis
obedience in dancing with Mr.. Dunbar,
an ofense which was setting little
heavily on the girls conscience. At
first Kate thought that mademoisclle,
having compromised herself, wns not
inclined to be censorious. but she soon
discovered that she had an Interior mo-
tive for her sweetness.
"You seem in excellent spirits after
the fatigucs of last night. mademoi-
sclle," Kate remarked.
81 am more than happy confess, my
child, for I have received letter this
morning which has carried me into
seventh heaven Of delight"
II am SO glad. Was it love letter."
''Ma fol, mol How you young girls
minds run on the tender passion-well,
it is natural, and l would not have it
otherwise. But, If there is no love,
there is dash of romance in my cor
rcspondcnce. You perhaps never knew,
my dear, that, though am nothing now
but q govcrncss in pension. my fami-
ly were one of the noblcst among the
commoncrs Of France"
Kate bowed in silent admiration, ig-
norant of the fact that every French
exile in foreign lands comes of exalted
parentage.
"Our estates were lost-my father
died brolScn-heartcd- leaving two chill
dren, my sister Celeste and myself. All,
but she was an angel! Ravishingly
beautiful, sweet in disposition as a
saint She marricd-narricd the rich
and noble Viscount d'Estreville; but
strange fatality hangs over. our family.
My sisters husband, who was n devoted
C;loanist, was discovered in plot
against the emperor, and his estates
were forfeited to tho crown. He fed
to London with his wife and only son.
but poverty and disappointment were
more than he could endure, and he died
10y his own hand about five years ago
ruined exile"
Leaving his widow and son unpro-
! vided for?''
"Mon Dioul Yes! What had he to give
t,,em?"
II do not know; but l should have
thought 1t would have been fur moro
noble and chivalric to have lived and
worked for their support"
!, "Ah, child, you do rot understand
these things. My sister has done we'll
enough in the world. and as for her
boy, he is all that the fondcst mother
could Observation-Disclosures, brave, gen.
erous, inhcriting 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
invited him to spend week ut Will
loughby farm"
''Why, that will be charming" Kate
said, picturing to herself the enjoyment
she would derive in the companionship
of bright, intelligent boy. Il will
coax Mr.. Barlow to lend him his pony;
he shall come with me ana Cesar in
our walks; and will send to Chcrtsey
for the boat Miss Balderstone ordered
for our use, but which have done with
out hero before because had no one to
80 with me-
"His name is Leon-Leou d'Estre-
ville! Is it not pretty ones~ madcm-
oiselle, asked. ''He does not assume
the title ut tpresent--pefhaps some day
or other when fortune smiles again he
may do so, and his wife would be q
countess"
II don't suppose he thinks anything
at all about wives at his age, if he Is the
nice boy you describe him." Kate said,
saucily.
AT his age, Why, he Is nearly FIVE
I autl-twentv dear and-~
but Kate's eyes flashed an indignant
surprise.
II thought You sold he was boy"
she complained
ibid ! convey that idea. my child?
Well. surely you accept the correction
with q good grace-a young man Of
fve-and-twcnty would be moro agree
able companion TO young lady Of
nineteen than mischievous lad of
twelve. hut please to remember that
Leon comes to see me and not you"
Il beg your pardon humbly," Kate
cried, always free to confess q fault
ROT course he does; and is very rude Of
me TO talk such nopseuse-.. but is Miss
Balderstone aware Of this addition to
our menagcP"
''Of course she L. I have had the
ykindest letter from her-she b In Ger
many now-will you see it?"
'''No, thank You, mademoiselle; re
ceived letter from her this morning
which Is not yet opened, for was re
serving n Ms a Don bosschs after break
fast May break the seal? All,
thought COX she alludes TO your coming
guest You will have an addition tt
your little party in the shape OF Mile
Campignon's nephew. hope you will
try TO make his visit pleasant'-so thai
is all right. Are the Barlows prepared
to receive him?"
. 'They got their instructions by the
same mail that brought our letters"
Kate did not pause to consider. or she
would have thought Il strange that M