Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1897-01-14
CHAPTER II.-lCoNrrrurn.l

But you cannot imagine how keenly
suffer-" sobbed she.
"Can not? ali, my child, you little
guess how thoroughly l read every
thought, how / bleed over every
inward pang."
"And you do not blame me? Say you
10 not think am wrong"
mot wrong, my precious one, but
like the imprisoned bird beating itself
uselessly against the bars, very I'M
wise. What is unavoidable must be
accepted with the best grace possible.
Spare yourself unavailing agony"
and If | could help It," was Felicies
Indignant reply.
Eat least, my love, you might try to
ook upon it in a pleasanter light. Who
knows but the marquis may prove your
IDEAL hero? For l am sure there is no
real love. l have watched you jeal-
ously enough, hope, to make sure Of
hat"
Fslicle's eyes flashed angrily.
Il cannot like him. detest him-to
seek a defenceless, unwilling bride for
he sake Of her wealth-if he were pos
sessed of all the graces should abhor
him"
Now, my daughter is unreasonable"
was the mild remonstrance.
But, mamma, is not this way Of con-
tracing marriage barbarous and re-
yolting?"
Eyes, my dear, exceedingly so. 1t
ia the fault of many years growth. We
in France do not look upon human be-
ings as so many souls, worthy or I'M
worthy; but we rate rank with rank,
whether it joins great hearts and puny
0atures or otherwise. 1t Is a great
evil, yet you and l, Felicle, cannot al
Ter it. Your father approves of it, sees
no harm in it. You know how thor
ough an aristocrat he Is. have hith-
erto tried to conceal from you the
pain 1t gave me to see his lack Of SYM
pathy with those below us. 1t seems
the time has come now when your hap
piness demands better understand
ing"
'T do not need this explanation at
ieast-from a child have seen the diff
ference in your care for our people,
and my fathers. 1 have not always
failed to notice the grateful glance of
adoring love which follows you from
cottage to cottage, nor the angry scowl,
or sullen apathy which greets my faith
er's appearance" replied Felicie, grave
iy.
The countess was silent, lost in a
painful revery.
ooh, mamma, don't think have not
appreciated your noble nature, your
generous dellcacy, that would never
hint to me, nor allow me to refer to-,
my fathers failings. Do you know,
I have often wondered how you cane
to have him, you who must have been
so grand and beautiful in your girl
hood"
Felicie spoke timidly, expecting the
reproof she Immediately received.
Hush, my child! 1 cannot listen to
disparaging ord. He is your father,
my husband would indeed he had
more generous forbearance for the
down trodden peasant; but We are all
sinful in some wayne must forget,
we must overlook each others faults"
"As If there were any fault in your
character exclaimed Felicie warmly,
sinking down into her seat again-her
excitement somewhat exhausted.
"Alack, Felicie, If you knew what
constant struggling 1 have endured!
But It Is of you am thinking. have
been painfully anxious concerning this
engagement; but l build all my hopes
upon the marquis; l have only heard
favorable accounts of him. Oh, my
child, you must learn to love him,
you must subdue this wilful objection
to one you have never seen, or your
happiness will be wrecked. Heaven
save you from all I have undergone"
"You, mammal exclaimed Felicie, in
establishment, quite forgetting her own
grief in pity for the storm of emotion
which the question brought to her usu-
ally calm and gentle mother.
Hush said the countess, regaining
her composure with a powerful effort
They are coming with the refreshment
tray"
The servants entered, spread out the
tiny table with a dainty repast, lighted
the scores of candles in two silver can
delabra, and vanished again.
Now, then. you must tell me about
it, mamma" said Felicie when they
rose from the table.
NLIApTED TIT