The Dickinson press., 1896-11-07

ceeded in half dignified. half pro-
testing fashion, l turned into grassy
lane between two tall hedges and
drove through a lonely district until
the dreamy influence Of night over
came me, and l drifted into a somno-
lent state midway between sleep aud
waking.
was aroused by the sudden halting
Of my horse, that gave frightened
snort and planted both front feet firm
ly before him.
distress A subdued sobbing, as of a
woman In distress, fell upon my ears.
and. leaning forward, pcered into the
moonlight to discover whence it came.
A high brick wall ran close to the
roadway, covered with ivy and lichens,
and leaning against an angle Of this
o few steps before me was slight,
glrlish form, draped in dark mantle.
sprang to the ground and softly ap-
preached her. Her face was buried in
her hands and she sobbcd bitterly.
"Mademolselle,' l said, speaking in
French, you are in trouble. Can as
eist you In any way?'
She lifted her head, and the moon
light fell upon the most beautiful face
have ever seen. Absolutely fault
less in feature, 1t was surlnuuntcd by
u crown of ycllOw lair that shOne like
gold in the glare of the moonbeams,
while pair of deep viciet eyes that
even tears could not dim looked earn
estly into mine.
"Who are you:' asked gently. land
why ere you hare::''
II am Amelia de Boursons, mon
sieur, and reside ut the chateau just
within these gates"
The soft, musical notes of her voice
added to the powerful impression her
exquisite beauty had already produced
upon my heart.
"But 1t is late" continued, "surely
some great misfortune must have be-
fallen you to bring you here at this
hour"
1T is true, monsieur" she replied,
struggling with a new paroxysm of
grief; tomorrow is my wedding day."
The tone Of despair in which these
words were uttered startled me.
"But is that so terrible an event?"
asked.
"lf you but knew. monsieur" she
said, "how vile and brutal is the man
they are forcing me to marry, YOU
would willingly save ME from my hor-
rible fate!'
She accompanied these words with
an appealing look into my face, and
then she dropped her head and sobbed
anew.
did not stop to reason upon the
strangeness of all this. was young,
generous-hearted man in those days,
and could not resist the appeal from
beauty in distress.
But, tell me-" l said, chow can l
riage? DO you wish to fly? l have
conveyance close by and will gladly
escort you to a place of safety"
''TO fly would avail me nothing" she
answered with sweet sadness: they
would follow US and force Inc to re-
turn"
but how else can save you:' I
asked, helplessly.
Il do not KNOW" she replied. with
sudden calmness that suggested de-
spair. "But unless you can find some
way to succor me shall take my own
life"
There was no doubt, from the ex-
preston Of her low, earnest voice, that
she meant this, and. filed with con-
sternation at the thought. racked my
brains for some way ~ preserve both
her life and happiness.
At last an idea came 10 me. Eut
trembled at my own presumption, as
suggested 1t.
"Mademoiselle," said hal,ingly, Il
see hut one alternative. You must
marry me-"
The violet eyes opened wide in sur
prise. Marry you, monsieury'
"Then pursuit would be useless. Be-
ing my wife, you would escape this
villain who insists upon wedding you.
I am free and able to give you all that
would add to your happiness land l
shall learn to love you very dearly. 1t
Is true that am stranger to you, but
assure you am In all ways worthy
to seek both your heart and your
hand"
She gazed with earnestness into my
face for moment, and then replied
slowly:
II think shall trust you, monsieur.
Indeed. cannot p help myself. l will
There was no coyness in her answer.
no blush tinted the pale, beautiful
face; but s1e drew herself up with an
air Of simple dignity that commanded
my respect and admiration.
Then come" I said. eagerly; 1--WE
must lose no tine. 1t will be midnight
before we can hope to reach Danvers.' -
"Not Danvers," she replied. shrink
ing back as sought to take her hand;
"let us 60 to Tregonne; there is a not
ary there who will marry US. and we
are far safer from pursuit"
every WE'LL" answered, ''let us be
off,"
Refusing my proffered assistance
Mile. de Boursons walked to the car
riage and sprang lightly to the bacl
seat. Rather awkwardly, took M,
p place in front, gathered up the reins
and drove of as swiftly as could in
duce the ancient steed to move.
Madamoiselle drew her mantle close
ly over her head and shoulders, an
hut once during the long drive did sh
speak. THen IT was to ulrect me to th
Tregonne road.
With ample time for reflection, m
adventure began to seem rather quce
and uncanny, and by the time we iii.
covered the lights Of Tregonne twink
ling before us came to doubt the pei
feet wisdom of my present course.
But 1t was too late to draw buc
sAAAW &AsS 6AAA W00 SCly
'.This IL the notarys," said my con
panion. In her low, sweet voice, ind
eating by gesture a rambling stru
ture from whose windows cleaned
single light.
l leaped out, found the door at til
end Of q long pathway. and knocke
upon 1t loudly.
A tall, thin man, beyond the midd
age, holding a tallow candle hie
above his head, answered my call.
You are the notary?" I asked, brie
y.
He nodded assent,
II wish to be married"
Married" he echoed, in surpris
sbut when, Monsieur?" -
snow; at once"
tBut the bride, monsieurY'
will fetch the bride. She is wai
Ing without"
thoueht he intended to protest;
laH him abruptly and returpelisf
THE lady. She was already ssI665S
- ths house. aud % MID 81