The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1893-08-23

recently LAID aside her weeds II began
u ~neuvaine. when an order from the
king enioined her to lodge a captain and
his squadron. which had been sent to
clear the country of an audacious band
Of brigands.
The young widow submitted with
good grace. While the dragons had
free access to the pantry, she did the
honors of her table for their chief. the
Due de Merval. Dom Maroufiot, the
chaplain of the chateau. acted as chap
eron.
One evening the duke was talking and
drinking in the large w~ainscoted room,
where he vas playing chess with Dom
Marouf1ot. The marquise, who wore an
exceptionally elegant toilet, was asking
herself for the thousandth time that
week, DO | really love him." and,
though she reflected seriously. her ques-
ton remained unanswered.
That Gillou is a clever banditr'
growled the captain between two games.
For two weeks we have secured the
country, and still he slips through our
fingers. | have decided to search for him
tomorrow with the whole squadron.
"Gillou is not an ordinary brigand,"
continued the duke; they say he is edu-
Gated, courteous and even gallant upon
occasion"
AS the marquise drew her chair nearer
10 the table where the two men were
sitting. the captain began to tease her.
What a serious countenance, ma
dame! | fear my stories about brigands
have so frightened you that you will not
dare to venture two steps in the park
this evening"
Dom Marouflot looked at the clock
and said: 1T is the hour for your neu-
vaine, madame. | will ring for the serv-
ants to escort you"
mo, no., it is needless!" replied the
marquise, piqued by the dukes sarcasm.
II shall go to the chapel alone. | wish
to prove to Captain Merval that women
are not such towards as he believes"
The old chapel was at the farther end
of the park. Once out of the house the
marquise began to regret her brayado.
Mime. Beaaminois' mind was filed with
the stories she had heard concerning Gill
lou-"the man in the mask" as the old
women Of the country called him. Under
her fine satin corsage her heart beat so
loudly she could almost hear it.
AT last she reached the chapel. and en-
tering kneeled and said her prayers a
little more quickly than usual. Then
she rose aud went toward the door.
Suddenly she stopped and caught her
breath. \ masked man was standing
zeal the holy water vessel. As she saw
that he remained motioulcss and in are-
spectful attitude, she took courage and
advHnced
The man dipped his fingers in the holy
water and held them out to her. She did
not dare to refuse the strangers offer,
and, thanks to a ray of moonlight that
filtered through a stained glass window
she remarked that he had a very 5eauti
f1l hand.
A little treasured. she made a sign Of
the cross and left the chapel.
She had scarcely taken 10 steps before
the unknown man rejoined her, and she
started at hearing a voice which she
thought she recognized, although 1t was
singularly sottenel.
will You allow me to offer you my
arm. madame? SoNls accident might be
fall you alone in this great park at such
an hour"
He had such IA courtiy bearing that
the marquise felt perfectly safe,
AS they crossed an opening bathed II
moonlight. she examined her companion
more closely. dis mask left the lower
~--& r. I,p Frn. y~aa,-1raJ Nnt r,I,
did she believe that it was not the frs
time she had heard this voice, bUt i
seemed to her that it was the same blont
mustache which had lightly touched he
hand each, evening in a discreet kiss
The masked mar had therefore almos
the same voice. mustache and figure a
the duke.
He had disguised himself to frightel
her. This discovery gave her a grea
desire to laugh. and she leaned upon hi
arm with more confidence. Finding til
adventure a pleasant one, she resolved t
play her part of the courageous woma
seriously so long as it should please tn
duke to remain a brigand.
Besides, what a fine occasion to lear
under cover of popularity the dukes rel
sentiments!
DO you often go out alone like thi
my pretty devoteet"
Yes. NJ. Mask. all alone, just lii
this"
do you not know that Gillou and b
band ere running about the country
Yes, know it,"
"Areyou not afraid of brigands?'
THAT depends upon the brigand."
Myself, for example"
Are you a real brigand?"
ALIAS, yes, fair lady" he said in
melancholy tone.
Indeed" replied the marquise. ia
sorry for you, but you do not brighten n
q bit. Quite the contrary"
The stranger had such agrateful, tie
der and eloquent look that the youn
woman was touched. She would nev
haye believed that the dukes eyes cou
express 50 much as that
Would it be indiscr, 1t, beautif
princess, to ask why you went to the o
chapelyr