Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-19
CHAPTER XIII.
THE STOLEN KEY.

 stood at the gate watching the rapidly disappearing carriole and did not stir till the last sound of the horses hoofs died away on the distant highway of St. Maurice. Then, with one accord, they turned to re-enter the house. Poor Clem- entine, as was natural, looked rather downcast, though she was evidently doing her best to keep a cheerful face. Still she could not help thinking little of the i'll omened whispers she had over heard and began to half regret she had consented to let Charles go. Now that he was really gone it seemed to her she could have better borne the delay if he had been with her. She would at least have known that he was safe in the house, and now who could tell what ac- cident might befall him by the way?-then she would never forgive herself At this thought her face grew so melancholy that it attracted M. Dumont's attention.
 Come, come, ma petite" he said, talk ing her arm atfectionately under his own, "cheer up. We cant have your pretty face looking so triste. Charles will be back safely before you open your eyes tomorrow morning, and when you see him you will laugh at your own fears. Come, now, we will go in and amuse ourselves with n game of trictraC until A,dtime and try and forget all our little troubles"
 So they went in, NJ. Dumont telling Margot 10 prepare them some of her spe- cial mulled wine by bedtime, which he said was a capital specific for making one sleep soundly.
 I and they began their game.
 NJ. Germenil did not join in the game but sat down to read a Paris news paper which the cure had lent him, and which, though 10 days old, was consid- cred quite new in that out of the way place-and a great treat too. After awhile he folded up his paper, and say ing he would go and smoke pipe in the courtyard betook himself off, leaving NJ. Dumont and Clementine deep in their game, for trictrac was a favorite game with both of them.
 NJ. Germenil was a kind hearted man and was touched by the deep dejection of the poor wayfarer's attitude and the sad expression of her face
 "Poor creature" he thought to him self as he paced mp and down before the house w;ltC'l'''- ! ." ti,'' .'r she in- terestS me; st.c looks us Ii snc had seen better days. She certainly has seen great trouble. Her face tells that and her whole appearance. l wish we could do something for her. She might be useful to them here or I would take her home with me and find her something to do. Of course 1t is rather a risk with a stran- ger one knows nothing about. But like her looks, and l dare say she will be able to give some account of herself. will speak to her at any rate, poor soul, and see what she has to say
 At which point of his meditations, hay ing finished his pipe he knocked the ashes carefully out. and putting il into his pocket advanced to the womans side.
 As We have seen, she had risen from her seat with the intention of seeking her benefactors, thanking them for their goodness to her and then resuming her journey. Perceiving M. Germenil be- side her as she turned. she made him deep courtesy.
 Well" he said kindly, Il am afraid we had forgotten you for the moment, my good woman. But you have had some dinner at any rate:'
 "YeS, sir, thank you!' she replied.
 Well, he went on, sit down again. I want to talk to you q little"
 She sat down in silence, trembling in every limb and feeling sure that the questions she dreaded-to escape which she had been about to fly from the only shelter she could hope for that night were about to be asked her
 T have been thinking" he went on, that perhaps we might be able to do something useful for you in the way of enabling you 10 gain decent livelihood as you seem anxious to do. We are all interested in you.'
 broken voice.
 '.But of course it will be necessary that you should tell us little more about yourself. We don't even know your name"
 My name Is Marie. monsieur"'
 Well. Marie, you have not. Iimagine. been always as poor as you now appear to be or as fricndlcss:'
 ''No. sir" sho replied. My parents were well to do people, who cultivated their own land. We wanted for nothing. My youth was happy one. and my flu ture promised to be so, too, but that promise was not realized. Alas. sir. you sec before you one of those wretched be ings whom misfortune and misery seem ever to pursue.'
 Take courage. Marie" said NJ. Ger. menil compassionately. Better days arC no doubt ill store for you, and you will ! yet find a recompense and consolation fol l all your troubles"
 ''Oh, sir. oh, sir she cried, stirred out 1 of her usual reserve and self restraint by 1 his tone and look of compassion, there could be no recompense, no consolation for such trouble as mine. Father, moth 1 CT, brother, child, friends, home, beref- of all, q wanderer on the face of tht earth, but not guilty! Oh, not that! God who sees into all hearts, knows that am innocent"
 Innocent" repeated NJ. Germenil Have you then been falsely accused O some crime: Speak. Marie; you have sai, too much to stop there. You must ex plain those words"
 She had risen to her feet in the excite ment of speaking and now sank dow again in an attitude of utter despair saying in dull, hopeless tone: T cannot! cannot~
 You cannot" he said in a tone o surprise. If you are innocent, wh, should you fear to speak? You can a least tell me the circumstances unde which you were accused and leave m to judge. You will not find me harsl judge. Marie"
 By this time she had recovered he composure and self control, and risin to her feet again she turned her pale