The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-11-12

m
BEFORE THE HOUSE STOOD A sUPERANU-
ATED CARRIAGE, WITH NEVER A HORSE
ToIT.
At the passing of the Host the lieu
tenant had saluted, and when the
young girl reached him the brilliant
blade was again lowered, as if he also
paid homage to this Christian virgin.
And in the stiffness, hardly broken by
the choir-boy's bell and the death
knell which tolled afar from the top of
an unseen church tower, Raoul d. Avri-
court contemplated the unknown in an
ecstacy, and forgot himself SO far IS to
say:
SIT must be bliss to die under the
gaze of two such eyes"
The blush which colored the young
girls cheeks showed plainly that she
had heard these words. Soon the sa-
cred procession disappeared at an angle
of the road, while the cavalry, replac-
ing their swords in their sea bbards
continued their march in the opposite
direction.
D'Avricourt upon reaching his quar-
tiers, made careful toilet, which trans
formed the dusty warrior into high
bred gentleman. Then he went to ask
of the Marquise the honor of being re-
ceived by her. This was long step in
advance of the simple card, which yes
terday the lieutenant considered to be
sufficient courtesy.
The answer returned was that the
Marquise would receive him in five
minutes
At last Raoul was introduced by
Thegonnac to saloon which sadly
matched the old cabriolet without
horses, and the dinners without a
roast In few minutes the Marquise
entered, led by her two granddaugh-
ters On each side of this hand
some old lady, fresh and rosy
face, distingue and charming, replaced
to advantage the missing portraits
The Desmoiselles de Pordic did not re-
semble each other at all, or only in as
much as q read rose resem bles a white
one. One was blonde, dreamy and
melancholy; the other dark joyous
and laughing. seemed to be the elder.
The three ladies were dressed In black,
and one could see at glance that the
dressmaker was not far away.
Madame" said d. Ayricourt making
much more profound bow than they
usually make to-day, 1T is hard for
you not to resent our invasion. I wished
to present to you as soon as possible
my apologies for this involuntary in
trusion."
Involuntary on your part, perhaps,
Monsieur, but not on mine. They have
honored me by sending me so we'll
bred young man. Apropos," added
the old lady gaily, 1T seems that we
had a narrow escape last night But
thanks to your thoughtfulness, was
forewarned that the city would not be
taken"
st will not be captured under eight
days Until then you are condemned
to the annoyance of my presence"
THE annoyance will not be great,
alas! no longer see and I will hear
but little AT least you are not badly
placed here. Your horses agree we'll
with mine, / hope. They are not &C
customed to strangers, but they are
old and gentle"
The two young girls became as red
as cherries on hearing these words AS
to Raoul since the commencement Of
the conversation he had never taken
his eyes off one of the young girls, the
blonde; but she had kept hers resolutely
fixed on the floor.
Pardon, Mademoiselle," he said
"but it seems to me that we met this
morning"
"Yes." she responded. happy in be.
ing a BILE to turn so EN- barrassing a con-
versation. You know, the soldiers !
told you about meeting on the way to
Kergris?" she said, turning to her
sister; it was Monsieur who was in
command Oh, what a fine sight 1t
was to see all those armed cavalry, in
battle array, lowering their swords
before a poor priest, who could we'll
have passed as q symbol of peacep'
"And before you. Mademoiselle, who
seemed an angel of goodness You
are not afraid of fatigue, it seems,
when it is question of charity"
"Alasl l will never tire myself
again by going to poor Annice's house
She has left her little ones without
bread or shelter"
"Will you deign to accept my mite
for your proteges?" asked Raoul, as he
took out his purse.
OH cried the young girl, her eyes
dancing with joy how good you are
How those dear little ones will bless
our meeting! They will now have
bread all winter"
The conversation continued for some