Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1897-12-08
g2:5''s syslS]
CHAPTER xIn.-tCoNrINurp. J
1V MA " r n 4 R%R 4
sTIBY 5I, Y a., .1i I. a. RQR. sf5


CHAPTER KILL -tCoNTINuED.)
Emile carefully examined the door,
and then went outside, and strewed
leaves around the trunk of the tree, to
hide the traces of the frequent APP
proach that night. Leaving all things
as natural looking as possible, he came
down 10 the lower room, where Felicie
had retreated.
She looked up anxiously in his face.
"Will they discover us, Emile?"
Il think not, my child. We must
manage without fire, till their watch
Is removed. But we can do that well
enough; we are provisoned for sax
months, at least There are several
casks of water upstairs, and the spring
Is not far distant; / can easily replen-
lsh them at night"
How exhausted you must feel!
Take some of the wine, / beg you"
Perhaps | had better; dare not go
to sleep until after the visit to the
woods, for | may hear important plans
discussed. After that l must sleep,
/ for | believe 1t is a week since | have
really taken a nights rest. 1t is
nearly daybreak now; / brought a
basket of provisions from the chateau,
thinking they might please you best;
pray take what refreshment you can,
for we must not have another patient.
Poor fellow! he is in a complete stupor
Keep his head wet all the time-it
seems to be all we can do now; and be
sure and care for yourself!"
"The poor chateau" murmured Fe-
licie, sinking wearily into a chair, and
for the first time throwing off the
heavy black cloak
The bridal dress, rent and soiled,
and in several places crimsoned with
the blood of her father, came to view.
The thought of the tender maternal
care which had arranged every fold
with such proud and loving hands, of
the woeful tragedy which had met her,
Instead of the bridal service, was too
overpowering, and it rushed suddenly
upon her
She fell back fainting. Emile caught
her in his arms, and while the tears
poured over his cheeks, used every ef-
fort to revive her. For a time it
seemed to him he was to be left with
scarcely stirred, and Felicie lay cold
and breathless in his arms
But the latter at length gasped, and
In a few moments opened her eyes.
He laid her tenderly upon the pile of
blankets brought from the chateau.
and gave her spoonful after spoonful
Of wine.
You deserve better behavior" said
she, feebly; u did not mean to yield
to my feelings, but the sudden remem-
brance of my desolation swept aside
all my fortitude."
You have been brave and courag-
eous, my child, | can admire, but not
blame your noble efforts. All, Felicie
If | allow myself to reeur to the
thought that she is gone, my strength
gives way-but for the present we
must not dwell upon 1t. Dearest one
your grief is mine; for her sake you
would be the most precious thing left
In the world, even If your own merits
did not win my esteem. The chateau
brief day of life; thank Heaven, not for
the eternal ages! VIII you consent to
put away your identity as the daughter
of the Count Languedoc? VIII you
adopt me for father. brother, uncle
whatever you like, and take new
name? | think the sooner you use
yourself to it, the safer it will be wher
1t becomes necessary said Emile
gently.
Tell me what you wish, and that ii
enough for me-"
"Your name shall be Chlotilde:
had sister once whose name wal
Reinard-and you shall be for the tim,
Mademoiselle Reinard; and as m,
young friend yonder. II he RECEIVERS
will be likely to be awkward and EN-
barrassed in your presence, knowing
your rank, | particularly request tha
he shall believe you my sisters child
You will become somewhat used to tn
name, hope, before you venture int,
the world. And now | must listen Il
the doings without; lie still and rest
the patient will not stir for man,
hours, and doubtless it is the bes
thing-kindiy nature will recuperat
the palsled brain with the sweetest o
balms, untroubled sleep"