Rocky Ford enterprise., 1896-11-12

opened HIS InOulu, anu IL luuhuciSu,ouu
the very ground seemed to quake. Oh
| I smelt the sulphur, and saw the blue
flames. Don't. doubt it. Lady Felicie
| i wouldn't come again for the kings
scepter. I came now only to convince
you. am afraid. some terrible thing
is to happen to us, and that this is the
sign. Holy Mary, have mercy! 1 Will
get the good priest to say prayers fol-
us all. But come, we must return. My
lady, the countess, will be angry with
me for bringing you here, and Victoire
will be tired of waiting where you sta
toned her." T -l.-
And looking around him shudder-
ingly, Jeannot stepped forth into the
path. ni a7'# lt' as e3
Lady Felicie followed thoughtfully.
1T is very odd." murmured She
when my father returns from Paris,
1t must be thoroughly Investigated"
"Ah, yes; shall be SO glad when the
count gets home. NJ. Pierre, the over
seer, called me foolish, old driveller
and bade me hold my tongue. The
noble count might believe him, but
you, Lady Felicie, can assure him that
do not lie. Pm sure that ! do not
want to frighten all the people. as NJ.
Pierre says do: but this is dreadful
thing to keep to myself" sgd alI
Don't talk now, Jeannot," said La
dy Felicie impatiently. How dark 1t
has grown! don't know what my
mother would say. II she knew l came
with you and without any other at
tendant. Pray, let us hurry"
The old servant quickened his pace
at these words, and the lady kept step
with him now.
She gave great sigh of relief when
they reached the open ground. The
stars were out, and the pale silver cres-
cent had frightened into gold. From
the chateau flashed ruddy CLEAN
kindling from window to window.
A light figure came bounding down
the hill.
"oh, my Lady Felicie. have you
come? Your mother has sent out twice
for you. Have you seen it,"
Hush. victolre! keep discreet SILL
ence II you wish my favor. and don't
tease me with questions. will go to
my mother now."
The pretty waiting maid dropped an
humble courtesy. and followed demure-
ly after her mistress. as the latter
turned swiftly toward the chateau. but
she was eagerly repeating to herself:
Lady Felicie has seen the ghost.
am sure-or why does old Jeannot
fling me such a triumphant glance!
How brave these noble ladies' can be!
Nothing. i am sure. could have tempted
me to go with Jeannot into the wood
at this hour. She is SO grave and still
1T is certain that she has seen some-
thing" 'i4 I'
The lady. however. did not crafty
her curiosity. She passed hastily
across the broad hall when she reached
the chateau. and went directly to the
boudoir OF the countess. ....
She was very fine looking woman,
this Countess Languedoc-tall and
stately, and dressed with suitable rich
ness: but there was n sad expression in
| her soft. deep eyes. which betrayed tina,
her noble estate had not brought with
It unmIxed happiness. l.t
She rose from the velvet lounge rs
her daughter entered. and exclaimed
childishly: irfs Tl1t- 1a. ali -..I
.Felicie. Felicie. where have you
been? This wild rambling will no,
answer. You know how deeply II
would displeasc the count to know you
were away from the chateau grounds
unattended. And l have sent twice
for you. and no one knew where you
were, not even v!ctoire. Your
father" r. F. t--
The sweet. red lips OF FelicIe checked
further speech. as she flung her arms
around the lady's neck. and kissing her
repeatedly. answered saily:
"Ah. yes. my father-I understand
my lady mother: but mon pere Is away
in Paris, and will never know. for an
sure you will not tell him. And 1t IL
so refreshing. so delightful to be free
and wild Just little: I'm sure when
have half n dozen servants at my heels
as papa always sends me forth. al! my
pleasure is destroyed. and have many
a time envied one of our own peasant
girls her unmolested freedom. Say
now. my darlingest of mammas. do YOU
blame me. II I take advantage OF my
fathers absence. and send the trouble
some attendants to their propei
places7' ...- .#..
The dancing. sparkling eyes peeret
roguishly into her face. and the coun
tess smiled. even while she sighed.
II suppose It is natural" said sne
yielding, while she stroked back tn,
glossy waves OF hair from the fair fore
| head.
''Of course 1t is." replied Feiicie
gaily: mon pere is $3.50 exceedingl,
particular, 1t Is most tiresome. Where's
the good of grandeur II 1t must tormen
you all the time? Now that he can
insist upon our going down to regular
dinner in that huge dining hall. tina
looks ready to swallow two people lik,
you and me. why not ring the bell ant
order nice little repast for us here
1t would be so cosy. so home like, st
extremely delightful"
The countess smiled still more
brightly. and stretched out her hant
toward the bell.
Felicie few to reach 1t, and after the
necessary orders had been given. sh,
threw of her mantle, playfully seated
the countess again in the easy chair
and drew cushion of emerald velve
to her feet.
Now, mamma, for one Of our cos,
talks-what shall It be about?"
Your absence, tonight, ma chere