Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1896-02-27
Roger Vapbrueh's Wife. 5;
BY ADELINE SERGEANT.
BY ADELINE SERGEANT.


ANDANNNN
called her "a clever girl and laughed.
He took his cue from her at once.
There was little disagreement be-
tween your father and myself at one
time, mademoiselle, and the remem-
brance of it disturbed me. But let by
cones be bygones, as you English say.
Mdlie Madeline, you will favor me with
your hand-with your friendship? The
friends of Mdlle. Constance, they are
mine"
He held out his hand, after the
English fashion" as he said to him
self and Madeline, timidly, half-shrink-
ingly, put the tips of her fingers into
it.
There, that is settled" he said,
gayly. Now come and have luncheon,
4 have ordered it and it is just what
you will like"
Shall we have timer" asked Con-
stance.
Plenty Of time You want to be at
Mrs. Gervase's about o'clock; it is
1850 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 1t was over Madeline be-
came aware of a significant glance
flashed between Constance and De
Marsae. Immediately afterward the
count murmured some excuse and
moved away-perhaps to pay the bill.
Constance seized Madeline by the wrist
with rather convulsive movement
and looked at her strangely. There
was red flush on her cheek, a 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 Madelines cheek. She
did not quite know why. But she had
suddenly thought Of Lancelot and If
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.
We must be at Mrs. Gervases by 3"
And we shall be there by 2-or n
few minutes after. ! mean-just what
you see now-and presently
Constance, how can tell? What
Ii soing to happen presently"
I'VE are only going to an office, I
said Constance, rather family, "and /
want you to promise to say nothing
about il. Rene and / want to be form
ally engaged-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 inno-
cent minded girl.
You don't mean marriage, that has
to be in church,
"Of course it has. Oh, nothing o.
that sort. 1t is just a little promise
in a room belonging to one of Reni's
friends
But, Constance, do you mean to go
to somebody's house-and promise TO
marry NJ. de Marsac, without asking
Lady Esler first?"
"Oh, it's all right about her" said
Constance, boldly. II have told her
and as | have no parents living, | have
the right to do as | please, you know.
It's all right--it is indeed; only | want
you to promise not to say anything
about il"
Put if am asked" said Madeline,
with innocent eyes fixed doubtfully on
Constance's face.
oh you won't be asked never fear.
Promise not to say anything until you
are asked, won't you? There's darl-
ing. / am sure you cannot be so un-
kind and so silly too-as to refuseg
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 CLEAN
in his eye and a complacent twirl Of
his dark mustache, which made Made
line detest him.
"The carriage is waiting, he said, IL
a confidential undertone. Shall we
go2"
"oh, yes, II it is ready" said Con
stance. picking up her gloves with
rather nervous al.
And your young friend? Will she
us? Or will she wait here
for our return"
she Will come with Us. It's an
right: she is quite safe said Con-
stance. lowering her tone. But Made