Rocky Ford enterprise., 1896-11-26

should know what has led to such sim
gular commands-you are quite well
aware of that"
The words themselves were not so ir-
ritating as the mans manner; the
countess seemed to change into an Icy
statue.
"I am not aware that the correct full
fllment of your masters commands re-
Quires any further enlightenment. NJ.
Pierre; at all events, you will receive
none from me-"
AT least you will refrain from med
ding with me-" said the man. with
suppressed anger. II cannot manage
the obstinate brutes II they are al
lowed to run to you for redress every
half hour"
II shall not hinder the execution Of
the counts wishes. l shall certainly
refuse to allow you to use unnecessary
harshness with our good people" an
swered she. with Icy calmness.
.I thought the question of your in
reference was settled the last time the
count was away" said NJ. Pierre, with
a malicious glance Of triumph.
A little glow burned moment on her
pale cheek, and then died out. leaving
1t winter still. She had not yet forgot
ten the humiliating scene when her un-
feeling, tyrannical husband had al
lowed this brutal wretch to trample up
on her rights. She had interfered be-
tween his angry violence and one OF
the most faithful of the peasants. and
the count had reprlmanded her In the
very presence OF her unworthy oppon-
net, when the latter had carried to him
his audacious complaints.
Felicie, with flaming eyes, sprang to
her feet, but her mothers restraining
hand held her back.
M. Pierre" said the countess, in
that severe, icy tone. my husband has
peculiar ideas concerning the authority
of an overseer over the peasants: l
have yet to learn that he will sanction
insolence, from that overseer, to the
Countess Languedoc.
NJ, Pierre cast down his eyes. and
twirled his hat in silence.
II wish to ask you concerning these
rumors about strange man with a
spade. seen In the Little Forest. Taken
In connection with these instructions
from the count. 1t grows significant,
and desire to have 1t Investigated"
still dingier hue.
IAN old woman's story, got up by
that old driveller, Jeannotw exclaimed
he. testify.
Then you have heard about it,"
II could not keep my ears open, your
lndyship, and not hear. Some one or
other is chatterlng about 1t continual
ly." was his hasty reply.
"I conclude that you give the story
little credence, by your tone''
Certainly not: 1t is all manufactured
by the superstitious FOOLS"
"You do not think that such a man
has been SEEM"
mo one in their senses would believe
It. No one of them has ever seen such
J man at ALL" was the decisive but over
vehement reply.
The countess kept her calm eyes on
his face.
"Jeannot is not given to idle stories.
wish, NJ. Pierre, you would look into
the matter, and sift 1t out thorough
ly." t.
"But, my lady, assure you there has
been no such man seen by any one."
M. Pierre, Lady Felicie saw him
with her own eyes this very night"
NJ. Pierre with difficulty repressed an
oath; his face was fairly convulsed
with his efforts to hide his chagrin and
confusion.
II am overwhelmed with astonish-
ment," stammered he; "of course l
cannot doubt Lady Felicie's word, but
when one is frightened, Imagination
can go great way"
Lady Felicie's red lips curled, and she
could scarcely hold her quivering voice
to calmness as she interposed
Though l were ever SO terrified, NJ.
: Pierre, 1t would not be likely that my
J companion and myself should have
; seen precisely the same apparition."
you had companion" c
Il did. We both saw dark figure
with spade on his shoulder passing
: along the forest path"
He sat moment in silence; then
crossing himself with a sanctimonious
air. exclaimed:
"Jeannot must be right, then; 1t is
ghost or lie diable himself"
II think you will find the ghost a
substantial one; at all events, 1 wish
You to investigate the matter, and
shall write the count to hasten home
to attend to 1t himself Now. 1 wish
you good evening, M. Pierre"
The overseer rose, bowed, and was
evidently glad to get away. The mo-
ment he was gone, Lady Felicie said
impressively.
Mamma, the detestable man knows
more about the ghost than he pre-
tends. verify believe he is at the bot
tom of it ALL"
The countess looked perplexed and
annoyed, but wisely refrained from
adding to her daughters agitation.
CHAPTER ",