The Yale expositor. (Yale, St. Clair County, Mich.) 1894-current, 1895-03-01

and her golden hair cleaned softly
under her white straw hat. Her
father stood looking at her, and for a
moment his eyes grew dim.
"Poor Blanche" he muttered; "she
is so happy now!"
lighted a cigar. His thoughts were
travelling back TO the day when his
beloved wife hal died, leaving him
q lonely widower, with that one child.
Since then Blanche had been tho Joy
and comfort of his life, and they had
dwelt together in solitude, seeing
little or no society, and seldom quit
ting their country home. A student
almost a bookworm-he had belied
all the traditions of his house by de-
clining at the very outset military
career, for which he had neither
taste nor inclination. He had held a
commission during his youth, and
seen some active service abroad; but
when the empire came, he had left
the army, married, and led the life of
a quiet country gentleman. Thus it
came to pass that he found himself,
at middle age, quite without busy oc-
cupation or worldly ambition.
Father Andre came according to APP
pointment. and the three dined to-
gether in the large sale manger OF
the chateau waited on by old Hubert,
the butler, who was clad in the faded
livery of the family. More than once
during the repast the talk turned upon
the central topic OF public interest;
and the little priest, warmed with
wine, had occasion to reiterate his
belligerent sentiments, to the huge
delight and approval of old Hubert,
who almost dropped the dishes in the
excitement of his eager sympathy. At
last Blanche left the table, Hubert re-
tired, and the two gentlemen were
left alone over their coffee.
For some minutes they talked on
| general matters; then after an un-
easy glance at the closed door, the
chevalier said.
IL wished to speak to you, Father
/ Andre, on a subject which concerns
the happiness of my dear daughter"
"Ah"
The priests eyes sparkled, and he
pursed his lips knowingly.
blanche, as you know, is nov
nearly eighteen. Should anything
happen TO me she would be alone an
tho world"
Just So" nodded Father Andre.
or then, without doubt, you are think
ing of selecting her a suitable husband
of her own rank? Possibly you have
already made your selection"
The chevalier drew back his chair
with look of establishment, not IN
mingled with irritation.
"Absurd!" he cried. blanche is a
mere child, far too young even to
think of such things yet"
"a thousand pardons; but
thought"
+You are wrong--altogether wrong.
The fact is, Father Andre, that i can
not quite acquit myself OF seliishnes;
and want of patriotism at a moment
so threatening to the liberties OF my
dear country. l have hesitated for q
long time. but now my mind is made
up. have not drawn sword fol
over twenty years; but last night
wrote TO the administration, Offering
my services as an old officer and q
volunteer"
"But Mademoiselle Blanche? Does
she krowP Have you told her?"
.'Up TO the present moment | have
not had the courage. You know the
deep affection which binds us to
gether. Since my dying wife placed
the child in my arms, we have dwell
almost alone here at the chateau.
dread my poor child's grief when
toll her that we must be separated,
even if it is only for a short time"
The priest was almost at loss fol-
something to say. His own sympa
thies were so entirely military that he
was unable to find any fault with the
cheyalier's patriotic decision; but he
saw that his patron was seriously un'
easy and attributed the uneasiness TO
a very natural hesitation.
ITO BE CONTTNUFD