The Portland daily press., 1894-08-14

Suppose we ride outside. Ishould en-
joy the fresh air. ;"
II don't see any ladder, said I, little
dismayed at the steep climb.
Bah! One foot on the wheel, another
near the coachlnan, and there you are
You want to break my neck.
Don't be afraid, SIR" said the coach
man, offering me his strong hand and
helping me to mount quite easily
Evidently an ex-soldier,' thought /,
looking admiringly at the robust, hand
some figure of the man.
Eliane seemed no more than feather
in his strong grasp. Before was seated
she was beside me, radiant and happy as
lark
You will be afraid said I, measuring
the distance from our perch to the ground.
Afraid! You don't know me- You
will cry quarter before do. Now, driver,
quick, quick, quick!'
The man smiled rather sarcastically,
thought.
mot too fast, my boy,'' said. Don't
listen to that featherbrain. y
He gathered up his reins and started his
team. Heavens, what a race! My blood
curdles at the thought of it. Eliane clap
ped her hands and melted the pleased
coachman to redoubled efforts. I held on
with might and main, prepared to jump
at the expected crash.
My torture lasted 35 minutes, during
which l must have grown 10 years older.
The carriage turned sharply to the right.
We raced up narrow road and stopped
short in a paved court. The precision with
which the ponies halted at the door would
have done honor to circus horses, but /
was too vexed to admire.
''You came near killing u.s. 1 said to
the coachman.
Every one knows his own business, sir.
I know mine,'' he answered phlegmatical-
ly.
A handsome, refined looking young
man of mediumsheightm met us and assisted
us to alight.
Nine. de Pen-Valloet received us in the
large, gloomy drawing room, hung with
ancestral pictures more or less hideous.
She herself, in her old fashioned, faded
gown, looked like an old family portrait,
descended from it's frame. She greeted US
graciously and herself led us to our apart
ments.
My son Rene" she said, designating
the handsome young man who had first
received us, "has awaited your coming
with great Impotence the curate's de-
scription of you and Mile. Eliane was so
fattering. And then we lead such re-
tired life, have few calls, fewer neighbors,
only some friends of my own age. Your
visit is a perfect godsend and I hope you
will make it a long one
I thought the old lady's severe gray eyes
rested with pleasure on my little ward.
Dinner was ready. We had just time to
change our travelling suits When Eliane
reappeared in her simple white gown, she
looked quesnly beautiful Rene met her
at the door with some compliment which
did not seem to displeas1ser.
Covers were laid for five. We were only
four, however, and the place opposite our
hostess remained vacant. Nobody seemed
to notice it, and dinner was served.
The cuisine was good. The wines were
choice. The service might have been bet
ter. The little servant who waited on us
seemed novice at his task. He broke a
plate and his mistress gave him a severe
look.
just then another guest entered-a man
of about 80, tall and with strong face.
Saluting us he took the empty place OPP
posite Nine. de Pen-Valloet
MY elder son, Marquis Horace de Pen
Valloet, =" she said, presenting him, add
ing. Late, as usual"
'sYou know why, mother" he answered
coldly.
could not take my eyes off the new
conner. Where had I met him?' His voice
awoke some disagreeable memory, yet /
could not place him.
The conversation became 1ivelier I'M
derstood that the marquis had lived in In
dia and asked whether it was SO.
II have travelled great deal,'' he an
swered laconically.
"Too much, - added his mother.
'Are not the eastern climates rather
trying to Europeans?" I asked, not know
ing exactly what to say.
He shock his head. 81 never was bet
ter than when travelling. Only spent
my fortune-a thing my mother cannot
forget"
your fortune and a part of mine"
added the marquise rather bitterly.
We turned the conversation, and when
dinner was over feared the long evening
yet to come.
Nine. de Pen alloet proposed game
of bezique to me, while Rene sat down to
the piano, and with a pretty tenor voice
sang German and Breton songs.
At last came the time for retiring