The St. Johns herald., 1897-05-29

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 GSAEh,N M yaadA cabbage n d
 J" L. the dampness and dirt were insupportable, and 30 I decided to push on to Dan- vers. The only vehicle I could pro- cure was a rattling twO-seated gig. drawn by b0ny white horse of doubt ful ability; but as my destination was only three hours away, and l was not liable to meet any one on the lonely road, I started off cheerfully enough, resolved to enjoy my solitary drive to the utmost.
 The moonlight, as 1t glinted on the soft green of the hedges, and streaked the gray of the dusty road, was very beautiful and before half a league had been passed over I heartily congratu- lated myself upon my good fortune ill escaping the horrible inn at Loudre
 After an hours dreamy and delight full ride I came to a cross roads where with difficulty I deciphered the batter ed signpOst and learned I must turn l to the left to reach Danvers. So, cluck- 1 ing up my deliberate steed, which pro- ceeded in half dignitied, half protest ! ing fashion, I turned into a grassy lane between two tall hedges and drove through a lonely district until the dreamy influence of night overcame me, and drifted into a somnolent state midway between sleep and waking. I was aroused by the sudden halt Ing of my horse, that gave a fright ened snort and planted both front feet firmly before him.
 A subdued sobbing, as of woman in distress, fell upon my ears, and lean- ing forward peered into the moonlight to discover whence 1t came. A high brick wall ran close to the roadway, covered with ivy and lichens, and leaning against an angle of this, few steps before me, was slight girl ish form, draped in a dark mantle.
 sprang to the ground and softly ap- preached her. Her face was buried in her hands and she sobbed bitterly.
 ''Mademoiselle," l said, speaking in
  assist you ia any way"
 She lifted her head, and the moon light fell upon the most beautiful face have ever seen. Absolutely faultless In feature, 1t was surmounted by a crown of yellow hair that shone like gold in the glare of the moonbeams, while a pair of deep violet eyes that even tears could not dim looked earn estly into mine.
 "Who are you?" I asked gently, "and why are you here:"
 "I am Amelie de BoursOns, monsieur, and l reside at 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 It is late," I continued; "surely some great misfortune must have be- fallen you to bring you here at this hour"
 Tt 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?' I asked.
 'If 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.
 l did not stop to reason upon the strangeness of all this. I was young. generous hearted man in those days, and could not resist this appeal from beauty In distress.
 But, tell me-. I said, "how can I save you from this distasteful mar riage? Do you wish to fly? I have conveyance close by, and will gladly escort you to place of safety"
 'To fly would avail me nothing" she answered with a sweet sadness; ''they would follow us and force me to re- turn"
 But how else can I save you?" I asked, helplessly.
 ''I do not know" she replied. with a sudden calmness that suggested de spair. But unless you can find some way to succOr me I shall take my own life.'
 There was no doubt, from the expres- sion of her low, earnest voice, that she meant this, and, filled with consterna- tion at the thought, racked my brain for some way to preserve both her life and happiness. At last m idea came to me, but I trembled at my own presumption as I suggested 1t. "Mademoiselle," said, haltingly, "I see but one alternative. You must marry me" The violet eyes opened wide in sur prise. Marry you, monsieur?" '1hen pursuit would be useless. Be- ing my wife, you would escape this vil- lain who insists upon wedding you. am free and able to give you all that would add to your happiness, and I shall learn to love you very dearly. It is true that am a stranger to you. but assure you that I am in all ways wor- thy to seek both your heart and your hand" She pazpd with earneStnaSS into my