The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-21
CHAPTER I.
TIE NEW ARRIVAL.


IN the spring Of 1903 Charmont-sur-
Pont was one o. the quietest little viii
1ages in the whole Of France. 1t was
nestled in a small valley, through which
a little stream ran to Join the Isere,
about two days journey below Grenoble.
The tree clad hills rising up on either
side sheltered II from all winds and shut
out the hum Of the larger world.
1t was little wonder that tho villagers
were peaceful and prosperous in this lit
tie garden plot of natures making, for
it would be impossible to imagine a more
favorable condition for the enjoyment of
rural life. The glebe was rich, the
springs were many, and the summer sun
shone with such radiant heat in the shell
tered valley that corn and wine ripened
unfailingly, and what farmers call "a
bad year" had never boen known.
But the peace and prosperity were not
merely the growth of positive forces.
Mems troublous ways and the irruptions
of strangers troubled them not. Even
the terrors and troubles of the revolu-
ton had seemed to have passed them by,
and now, when the hamlets Of France
were being drained Of men to recruit the
wasted armies and to swell the ''army
of England" which was gathering on
tho northern coast, this sheltered nook
escaped unscathed.
Such q thing as complete stranger
was unknown in the village. Now and
again came an official on his way from
place to place--a casual peddler or an
itinerant musician on his rounds-and
at such times tho curiosity which lay
dormant in tho breasts Of even these old
world villagers raised its sleepy head
and enjoyed tho rare attraction. Very
few of the villagers had ever been away
from their homes. Tho cure, it's true,
went now and again to Grenoble, and
the doctor had been once to Paris with
in the 40 years during which he had
aided in the incomings and outgoings of
humanity in this quiet spot.
1t was therefore with strange feelings
that the little group assembled under the
spreading limo tree whose shade kept the
clear water Of the well perpetually cool
saw approach q stranger, and not merely
q stranger, but seemingly distinguished
stranger-a young man Of some 30 years
of age, tall and well built, with striking
features and flashing eyes and habit Of
command which, however, tailed but
poorly with his time worn clothes. He
was q handsome, graceful fellow, with
the easy gait that marks the habitual
pedestrian. His glance was bold and
rowing, with something of the predatory
look, which conveys to educated eyes
b customary ignorance Of where the next
meal might como from. In word, the
han in less simple community could
not have been mistaken for anything but
an adventurer, but here in this forgotten
corner of the earth, among a people 80
guileless, his very boldness, stiffness
andextravagance OF action became marks
of higher culture than their own.
AS the stranger came mp the dusty
roadway the little village crowd peered
out eagerly from their shadowy citadel,
and by somo exercise Of that unknown
instinct which brings the vulture TO the
quarry and the crowd 10 the street the
cottages began to pour forth their In
habitants. Tho village maidens made
theiy appearspce with marvellous celeri.