Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-27


ingly. put the tips of her fingers into
it.
There, that is settled" lie said,
gayly. Now come and have luncheon,
Il have ordered it and it is just what
you will like"
Shall we have time?" asked Con-
stance.
Plenty of time You want to be at
Mrs. Gervase's about o'clock; it is
1880 now. Come, cheres demoiselles,
come and eat"
Constance looked smilingly at Made
line and even Madeline felt her fears
evaporate. There could be no such
great harm, she thought. in lunching
with the Count de Marsac in this quiet
place. But Madeline was an unsoph-
isticated young woman and did not
comprehend the mysteries of chaperon-
age.
The luncheon was very dainty in
character, and very speedily disposed
of; and when it was over, Madeline be-
came aware of a significant glance
flashed between Constance and De
Marsac. Immediately afterward the
count murmured some excuse and
moved away-perhaps to pay the bill.
Constance seized Madeline by the wrist
with a rather convulsive movement
and looked at her strangely. There
was a red flush on her cheek, wild
light in her eye.
What is the matter?" said Made
line, Wonderingly.
The matter. Oh, you little know
what l feel" said Constance, moved
out of her usual calm by some over
mastering feeling of which Madeline
could but vaguely divine the force.
You are not Old enough to care for
any one as | care for Rene"
A blush rose to Madeline's cheek. She
did not quite know why. But she had
suddenly thought of Lancelot and of
the words he had said to her:
Madeline, you won't betray us?
Whatever happens this afternoon, you
Will keep it to yOurself?"
But what can happen this afternoon.
re must be at Mrs. Gervase's by 2"
And we shall be there by Or a
few minutes after. [ mean-just what
you see noW-and presently"
Constance, how can | tell? What
is going to happen presently"
we are only going to an office y
said Constance, rather family, "and
want you to promise to say nothing
+ I To no
ally ngaged-betrothed, you know, as
people are abroad-before witnesses
and then nobody can come between us. "
She glanced sideways at Madeline out
Of her lovely dark eyes, to see how
far she could impose upon that limo
cent-minded girl
You don't mean-marriage that has
TO be in church,"
"Of course it has. Oh, nothing CT
that sort 1t is just little promise
in a room belonging to one of Rene's
friends
But, Constance, do you mean to go
to somebody's hCuse-and promise to
marry NJ. de Marsac, without asking
Lady Esler first?"
ooh. it's all right about her." said
Constance, boldly. Il have told her
and as | have no parents living, [ have
the right to do as l please, you know.
It's all right-it is indeed; only l want
you to promise not to say anything
about it.
But if I am asked" said Madeline,
with innocent eyes fixed doubtfully on
Constances face.
oh, you won't be asked, never fear.
Promise not to say anything until you
are asked, won't you? There's a darl-
ing, I am sure you cannot be so I'M
kind-and so silly, too-as to refuse?'
{ Madeline did not refuse. She was
silent and Constance took her silence
for consent. But the girl was only
considering the point.
The count sauntered back to them
by and by, his manner was carefully
self-controlled. but there was a CLEAN
in his eye and a complacent twirl of
his dark mustache, which made Made
line detest him.
THE carriage is waiting" he said, in
a confidential undertone "Shall we
go?"
ooh, yes, if it is ready" said Con-
stance, picking up her gloves, with
rather a nervous air.
And your young friend? Will she
accompany us? Or will she wait here
for our return?"
"She will come with us. It's all
right: she is quite safe" said Con-
stance, lowering her tone. But Made
irresolute for a moment and then set
her lips resolutely. She could not do
what she felt was deceitful and treach-
erous to those who were in authority
over her.
Constance" she said, in low, deter
mined tones, 81 am very sorry, but I
can't do it"
Cant do what? Oh, if you like to
stay behind, you may. All the better
perhaps. said Constance, with shrug
Of her graceful shoulders. ''You can
sit here and wait for us; will pick
you up on the wayb ack."
Il don't mean that" said Madeline,
turning very pale. Where you go,
shall go, too. But l mean that l will
not be bound by any promise and that
if l see anything I do not think your
aunt or Miss Joyce would like, I shall
tell Miss Joyce as soon as I get home