The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-07-23
CHAPTER VII

For some minutes forgot MAIDEN oiselle in
| paying those assiduous attentions to my
mother which her state and my duty de-
| manded. and which offered the more anx-
iously that recognized with a sinking heart
the change which age and illness had made In
her since my last visit. The shock of mad
emoiselle's words had thrown her into a syn
time. and then rather through the assistance
OF our strange guide. who seemed well aware
what to do. than through mine. Anxious as
was to learn what had reduced hor to such
straits and such place. this was not the time
to satisfy my curiosity, and prepared myself
instead for the task OF efraoinE the painful i'm
preston which mademoiselle's words had
made on her mind.
On first coming to herself. she did not re-
member them: but content to find me by her
side--for there is something so alchemIc In a
mothers love that doubt not my presence
changed her garrett to n palace-she spent her
self in feeble caresses and broken words. But
presently her eyes falling on MAIDEN oiselle
and her maid. who remained standing by tho
hearth, looking darkly at US from time to time.
she recalled first the shock which had pros
trated her. and then its cause. and. raising her
self on her elbow. looked about her wildly.
"Gaston!" she CRIED on a sudden clutching
NIX hand with her thin fingers. what was 1t
hoard? IL wasoi you, some one spoke,a wo.
mani She called you-or did dream itI-a
Madamei madame" I said. striving to
sy WS ey on dare
e ence S' Y" uS% must indeed have Dreamed it
The words. however. seeming to return more
and y to DER r4sa ssS a
shelter me with the pany strength which lust
But some one" she muttered. her, eyes on
the strangers said it. CASTOR. heard it.
What you heard" I answered with an at
tempt at gayety though the tears stood ip my
eude ron
TI' '"i s.sps5 .a SAID
Was that it" She murmured doubtfully.
That must ha ;.. BEEN ao what you heard
She fell back with sigh OF relief and little
color came into her wan face. hut her eyes still
massmoiseie Who stood loo i su eniy into
soTely that had done very toolIsh Thing il
questions which would be asked and a hun,
dred complications which would ensue. and
folt already the blush OF shame mounting to
who i thst% my mother asked softly. Il
With her fragile finger at my companion
ross. and stiIi Keeping her hand in mine.
turned so as to lace the hearth. Inls.
madame" answered formally. " is Mile. do.
but her. name will make known to you later.
suffice It to say that she is 2 lady OF rank. COM
"A high persona9e?" my mother repeated
gently. glancing at me. and smiling.
"One of the highest" said. Suoh charge
being a great honor to me. thought l could
not better execute 1t. madame. since wo must
be in Blois one night. than by requesting your
hospitality on her behalf"
dared MAIDEN osplle as spoke. dared her
with my eye to contradict or interrupt me.
She looked at me once. inclining her head a
lashes. But that done she turned back to the
fire. and her foot resumed its angry pstting on
the floor. -.
II regret that I cannot receive her better"
my mother answered. II have had losses Of
late hut will speak Of that another time.
Made m iselle doubtless knows" she con-
tinued. with dignity, You. and your position
In the south. too we'll to think Ill Of the mone-
tary straits to which she finds me reduced"
saw mademoisel le start and writhed under
the glance Of covert scora. OF amazed indigna-
gently strokinp my hand. answered: Made
moiselle will think only what Is kind. madame.
Of me. I am assured. And lodgings are scarce
But tell me OF yourself. CASTOR ?" WAS the
eager answer: and I had not the heart. with
her touch on my hand and her eyes on my face.
| to tear myself away. much as l dreaded what
was coming. and longed to end the scene.
with tho King OIL will not name him here"
still. madame" l answered. looking steadi-
ly at mademoiselle though my face burned.
You are still-he consults YOU CASTOR"
she said, eagerly.