The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1897-04-13
BI HENRY NEWB0L T.

done with, CldI lie IIllSlL DC AlCC ~ AOi
get himself once more in the enjoy
ment of her society. How long 1T
seemed since they parted! What an
age since their delightful meeting this
morningl That absurd but annoying
interview with old Wickerby had come
between, and all this worry about the
coloneIs preposterous invitation. How
ever by this time the colonel, at any
rate, was undeceived Probably he had
accepted the rejection of his proposals
in good part, and in spite of all would
welcome Dick again as friend to-
morrow morning. Tomorrow. Why
not tonight? It was now some time,
some considerable time, since he had
received and read the letter. Surely
by this he had got over his disappoint-
ment, if he had really had any such
feeling. Now was the oportune mo-
ment for a visit. In the morning there
would be the chance of going too early
to see Camilla, or too late to find her
in. Tonight she was certain to be
at home. This last reflection decided
Dick. He left his rooms again, and
walked quickly to Bedford Square. He
reached the doorstep flushed and
GREATNESS, and rang the peIl. 1t was
since he had turned away to go home
after seeing the shadow on the blind.
The servant appeared.
'Ts Madame de Montaut at homer
asked Dick, stepping forward to enter
as he spoke.
mot at home, SIR
Colonel de Montaut, then?' said
Dick.
mot at home, SIR" repeated the man,
in the same formal tone.
"Thank you. I'll call tomorrow,
stammered Dick, in utter astonishment,
and he turned mechanically away.
The footman nodded after him, and
grinned maliciously. Then he closed
the door and went to report to his mas
ter M de Montaut took out his watch.
Every good he said; don't forget
again tomorrow And then, as the
man left the room, the colonel, too,
smiled with secret satisfaction.
my poor friend" he murmured,
gently; my poor young friend does not
know Captain Estcourt as we'll as I do.
He says Tomorrow I say, in half an
hour and here he is again in twenty
nine minutes!''
He rose and went to the table, took
up his half-empty glass and raised it
to the light.
LAS for rebuff or two at the door,"
he continued, with the same noiseless
laugh, my poor young friend must not
mind that. We shall all meet again
before long! Au revoir donc!' And he
tossed off the wine and went upstairs.
That night Dick slept uneasily, and it
was late in the morning when he awoke.
However, by half-past ten he was again
in Bedford Square, and rang the bell
with an outward appearance Of calm
ness, though his heart was beating fast
within.
The same footman came to the door,
'Is Madame de Montaut in?" Dick
asked.
mot at home, SIR
HAS she gone out this morning al
ready?"
Madame de Montaut is not at home,
SIR" repeated the man. in the same in
variable formula.
Dick thought he detected imperti-
nence in his voice, and flushed indig-
nantly.
What do you mean?" he said.
'"Those are my orders, sir
did you tell Madame de Montaut
Dick asked this in still more peremp-
tory tone.
Certainly, SIR
well, and what did she saw"
She said that she was not at home"
mot at home to me?" said Dick.
choking with rage at the mans grow
ing inSolence of manner
Particularly not at home to YOU"
door in his face.
Dick stood for a moment petrified
with anger and dismay; then with an
effort he reused himself and walked
steadily away, but with a terrible pain
gripping at his heart the while. Not
that he could yet believe any serious
harm to have been done; his reason told
him that Camilla was merely mistaken.
and that it still needed but a few words
from him to change her disappointment
into sympathy; but his feelings were
sharply hurt, and would not let him
near the voice of reason without inter
ruption.
To the colonel, as distinguished from
hef, ne did not give thought. If he
ndu uone SO, ne would hardly have
treated him with the same leniencv.
LOT ne mad been unable, from the first
moment, to think it possible for him to
De genuinely mistaken as to the dutv
OF an English officer. A woman might
De excused for not thinking Of such con-
sioerauons, but to man, and especi-
ally 10 soldier, they should have an
pealeo at once. and with unanswer-
able force.
lie decided that he must see Camilla
d. once. He would write note beg-
ging for an intaruiorr i,a:4 2