Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1895-01-24

down on the beautiful fete In a con-
tinuous line from Louis the Fat. In
the music rooms, with stiff demeanor
and heavy dignity. the guests were
listening to II Of Haydn's sonatas.
With genuine stolcism. the noble as
scmbly concealed the megrims and en-
nui produced by the Performance.
A sudden outcry among the servants
caused the musicians to spring from
their places. A hatless stranger, with
wild Gemeanor and growls of rage,
is struggling to cast of the hands laid
upon him. With the strength of Il
maniac, he breaks loose and rushes
into the drawing-room. At sight Of
this apparent mailman, pale and hag-
gard, his hair beaten down on his fore
head by the storm, his clothes covered
with mud, a cry Of horror goes out
"It's Lacombe!!' gasped Robert. as
he sprang forward to die If necessary
in defense of his fathers guests.
Eyes: it's Lacombe!!' Missed Andre,
"and you're the mar I'm looking TOR.
Oh, this is no time for your airs Of
grand seigneur. I've turned lpon you
at last. l come"
A deeper pallor overspread his coun-
tenance, there was Il gurgling sound
in his throat, he threw up his hands
and staggered back, and must have
fallen Xix a log to the floor, had not
the servants caught him in their
arms. He seemed as good as dead.
Amid cries for a physician, low whis-
pers and the exchange of significant
glances, the guests hurried from the
chateau.
At midnight Andre was still uncon-
scious. and when, on the following
day, he opened his eyes and looked in
quiringly about him, it was discovered
that a violent fever had set in, and that
all the symptoms pointed to a danger
ous attack Of congestion of the lungs.
1t was out of the question to think of
moving him to Fecamp. 1t would be
putting him to death. The old MARQUIS
went about in a daze, while Robert,
beside himself, announced his firm de-
termination to STAY Lacombe. Mar
guerite, controlling her feelings with
difficulty, declared that another duel
would be as criminal as it would be
~senseless. To their fathers question
ing, they both made evasive answers.
Meanwhile, Tongues wagged more fu-
riously than ever.
The romance had been heightened
by a new chapter, in which Andre and
Robert were the principal actors. The
young engineer had been installed in
the chateau. But why? No one could
tell, and yet every n felt that the
condition Of affairs was becoming
more and more delicate. After the
lapse of a week, when Andre had been
pronounced out Of danger, an intimate
friend Of the Marquis put in an appear
ance at the chateau.
when will the marriage take
placer" he inquired, nonchalantly.
"What marriage?" asked the Mar
quis.
"Why, you understand me perfectly
well. Marguerite's, Of course"
"Marguerite's?" echoed the Marquis.
"Oh, have done with this comedy
business"
But whom should she marry?' ex-
claimed the Marquis, in a tone Of be-
wilderment.
"Why, the young man, of course. who
made such an unceremonious entrance
into your salon last Thursday. You will
pardon my frankness, Marquis, but it
seems to me that this marriage must
%oIyo ,,10o1 II Sr,sll = n% 1~ n-~@1s,>- x~-r,
surprising. NJ. Lacombe is not of gen.
tie birth, but I'm informed that he is
a perfectly honorable man. and that
counts for something. Then, again,
your daughter likes him. You know
there has been a great deal of talk
about this matter"
The moment the Marquis was alone
he sent for Marguerite and Robert
and demanded fullest explanations
from both. The two stories failed ut
terly to tally. Robert charged Andre
with being a vile seducer, and swore
that he would avenge his sisters hon
or. Marguerite showed how Andre was
perfectly innocent, and how a strange
misadventure had caused the whole
trouble.
"There must be no more duels," she
exclaimed. IN. Lacombe's life must
not be trifled with in this way; be-
sides, such action will only serve to
compromise me still more deeply. l
stand ready to become NJ. Lacombe's
wife. l honor him. l admire him. If
MgNA 81 LII