Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1897-10-29

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ments' conversation. Be seated"
One who had lately seen her gentle
and aHectionate department in the pre-
vious conversation with her daughter
could not have imagined that queenly
dignity was in the power of the Coun-
tess Languedoc to assume.
She waved her hand toward the chair
beyond her. and NJ. Pierre, while he
shot one swift glance OF defiance toward
her, accepted it.
Il have received letters from the
count, as you are aware M. Pierre. He
desires you to keep vigilant observation
upon all that occurs around us. For
urgent and sufficient reasons, he wishes
you to prevent any of our people leay-
ing the village, and especially charges
you to keep away all strangers from
meddling with them"
'Humphl l might as well try to
empty the basin of the Mediterranean"
said M. Pierre, in a querulous tone. Il
should like to see the letter, my lady"
The cheek of the countess flushed
Il have given you his message, M.
Pierre, word for word; there is no more
in the letter which concerns you"
Just as your ladyship pleases, sup
pose; but if the count were here,
should know what has led to such sin
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.
II am not aware that the correct full
filment 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 if they are al
lowed to run to you for redress every
half hour"
81 shall not hinder the execution of
the counts wishes. | shall certainly
refuse to allow you to use unnecessary
harshness with our good people" an
swered she, with icy calmness.
IL thought the question of your in
reference was settled the last time the
count was away" said M. Pierre, with
a malicious glance of triumph.
A little glow burned a moment on her
pale cheek and then died out, leaving
1t whittier still. She had not yet forgot
ten the humiliating scene when her I'M
feeling, tyrannical husband had al
lowed this brutal wretch to tran.ple 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 reprimanded 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.
IN. Pierre" said the countess. in
that severe. Icy tone, my husband has
peculiar ideas concerning the authority
of an overseer over the peasants; | |
have yet to learn that he will sanction
insolence. from that overseer, to the
Countess Languedoc"
M. Pierre cast down his eyes, and
.wirled his hat In silence.
IL wish to ask you concerning these
about strange man with
spade. seen in the Little Forest. Taken
IN connection with these instructions
rom the count, 1t grows significant,
md | desire to have it investigated
M. Pierre's sallow countenance took
/ still dingier hue.
An old woman's story. got UP by
hat old driveler, Jeannotr exclaimed
lie, testify.
Then you have heard about it?"
IL could not keep my ears open, your
and not hear. Some one or
ther is chattering about it continual
y" was his hasty reply.
II conclude that you give the story
little credence. by your tone"
Certainly not; II is all manufactured
y the superstitious fools"
you do not think that such a man
as been SEEM"
mo one in their senses would believe
. No one Of them has ever seen such
man at all, was the decisive but over
reply.
The countess kept her calm eyes on ,
Is face.
"Jeannot is not given to idle stories.
wish. NJ. Pierre, you would look into
ne matter. and sift It out thorough
="
But my lady, l assure you there has
cen no such man seen by any one" :
M. Pierre, Lady Felicie saw him
it'll her own eyes this very night"
NJ. Pierre with difficulty repressed an
ath; his face was fairly convulsed
it'll his efforts to hide his chagrin and