Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1897-01-07

agination. You have certainly seen
the figure, but l opine 1t will prove to
be decidedly more tangible and natural
than a ghost. You must bring others
with you and follow him"
"oh, my Lady Felicie, it is a ghost,
or the evil one-don't talk so scoflng-
ly. / am afraid an evil spell will fell
upon you as a punishment. was
going to tell you how 1 did
follow him, and how he turned
upon me his blazing eye and
threw up his hands, and little flames
came dancing all around him, and re
opened his mouth, and 1t Numbered, and
the very ground seemed to quake. Oh,
smelt the sulphur, and saw the blue
flames. Don't doubt 1t, Lady Felicie
i wouldn't come again for the kings
scepter. I came now only to convince
you. l am afraid some terrible thing
Is to happen to us, and that this IL the
sign. Holy Mary, have mercy! l will
get the good priest to say prayers for
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."
And looking around him shudder-
ingly, Jeannot stepped forth into the
path.
Lady Felicie followed thoughtfully.
1T is very odd," murmured she;
when my father returns from Paris,
It must be thoroughly investigated"
"Ah, yes; l shall be so glad when the
count gets home. NJ. Pierre, the over
seer, called me foolish, old driVeller,
and babe me hold my tongue. The
noble count might believe him, but
you, Lady Felicie, can assure him that
l do not lie. I'm sure that l do not
want to brighten all the people, as M.
Pierre says do; but this is a dreadful
thing to keep to myself"
Don't talk now, Jeannot," said La
dy Felicie impatiently. How dark it
has grown! 1 don't know what my
mother would say, if 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 a ruddy CLEAN
kindling from window to window.
A light figure came bounding down
the hill.
"oh, my Lady Fellcie, have you
come? Your mother has sent out twice
for you. Have you seen it,"
Hush, Victoire! keep discreet sill
ence if you wish my favor, and don't
tease me with questions. 1 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, l
am sure-or why does old Jeannot
fling me such a triumphant glance!
How brave these noble ladies can be!
Nothing, 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"
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 a sad expression in
her soft, deep eyes, which betrayed that
her noble estate had not brought with
It unmixed happiness.
She rose from the velvet lounge as
her daughter entered, and exclaimed,
"Felicie, Fellcie, where have you
been? This wild rambling will not
answer. You know how deeply 1t
would displease the count to know you
we're away from the chateau grounds,
And l have sent twice
or you, and no one knew where you
we're, not even Victoire. Your
ather-"
The sweet, red lips of Felicle checked |
urther speech, as she flung her arms
round the lady's neck, and kissing her
epeatedly, answered gaily:
"Ah, yes, my father-I understand,
ny lady mother; but mon pere is away
n Paris, and will never know, for am
ure you will not tell him. And 1t is
o refreshing, so delightful to be free
nd wild just little; I'm sure when l
ave half dozen servants at my heels,
s papa always sends me forth, all my
leasure is destroyed, and l have many
time envied one Of our own peasant
iris her unmolested freedom. Say,
ow, my darlingest Of mammas, do you
lame me, IL take advantage of my
ather's absence, and send the trouble
ONE attendants to their proper
laces?"
The dancing, sparkling eyes peered
oguishly into her face, and the coun-
,ss smiled. even while she sighed.