Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1897-02-04

its girlish loneliness, and gave to her
his pale, noble countenance, with those
deep, luminous eyes, that broad, intel
lectual sweep of the forehead, and those
sadly wistful eyes.
Sweet image Of the past! what can
you know of Emile" exclaimed he.
''My mother has told me; and, an, l
admire, 1 respect you so much; and l
wish"
"What do you wish, innocent one?'
"That I could comfort your! was
Felicie's fervent answer.
He seized her hand and kissed 1t pas
sionately. She was almost sure that a
shower Of hot tears accompanied the
caress.
"Be satisfied; you have comforted
me! Countess, this is the sweetest mo-
ment have known for years"
"Heaven will reward you, sometime,
Emile. l can never for a moment
doubt it. AS for me, I am poWerless
to express my gratitude for your dis
luL6TebJeu uSNOIAOhs
He turned the light slowly upon her
face, and was evidently shocked at the
traces of care and time.
$50 changed" murmured he; an
my lady, heart-griefs wear deepest,
You had scarcely have been more worn
had you become a peasants wife"
The countess made a deprecating ges-
ture.
Hush, Emile, do not allude to the
past. am faded, careworn woman
and / am the Countess Languedoc.
Both should prevent you from recalling
any other knowledge Of me. am
thankful to see you still in the very
pride of manly strength; and 1 am
deeply grateful for your kindness"
His eye had again turned upon Fe-
licie.
"The past years seem but day when
I look upon her. 1t seems that once
more behold the Lady Violante OF my
youthful Dreams" murmured he, IN a
dreamy tone.
The countess watched him uneasily'
"My daughter is betrothed to the
young Marquis De Berri. The marriage
Is to take place at once"
81 know" answered Emile, with a
grave smile; "he is a noble youth, and
Is worthy of her. Though these be
scarcely the times for marrying or CIV
ing in marriage, may prosperity and
peace attend them! 1t should be so, II
my poor will were law. And now to
return to the danger which surrounds
you. It is imperative that return to
Paris Immediately, but 1 shall make no
tarrying there. l only go to perfect
arrangements for your future safety.
do not believe there will be any dis
turbance during my absence. At all
events, you have this retreat in case OF
imperative need. I shall work on the
subterranean chamber the rest OF the
night. and leave it habltable, though
not as comfortable as intend to leave
it. I think you will see the count in
two days at the longest. OF course,
YOU will not need my caution to keep
all that you have witnessed tonight
entirely to yourselves. By all means
try. to appear before this wretched
overseer as If you had still faith In his
honesty"
ave shall fortunately be spared the
need of assembling. He is aware how
little respect we bear him."
"That is well. Now we must arrange
some signal, whereby I may acquaint
you with my presence here. What shall
1t be-"
"a bunch of wild flowers thrown on
the rocky bridge Of the meadow. will
look for them myself, every morning" "
cried Felicie, eagerly.
Some one might pick them up" OBJ
served the countess.
ooh, no; for shall be before them
ALL" answered Felicie.
$50 be 1t then. And now 1 will ac-
company you through the woods into
sight Of the chateau"
"Pray extinguish your lantern" cried
Felicie, archly. II shall have no fancy
for the uncanny company Of a ghost
. "Where are your fears, Felicie? In
view Of all we have heard and seen, l
expected you would need all my per-
suasion to keep calm"
"Ah! but 1 did not know in the be-
ginning that Emile was to be our pro-
tectorw
sweet, ingenious childp cried
Emile; Heaven give me the power
to deserve your charming confidence.
[ cannot resist the influence. Countess
Violante, must thank you for teach
ing your daughter to have such kindly
sentiments for me-"
"I told her the story, Emile, to ex-
plain why had kept her in such strict
retirement, and because of her girlish
repugnance to her marriage with the
marquis"
"You do not approve, then, Of these
unions which consult only fortune and
title, Lady Felicie?" observed Emile,
as they slowly left the wood.
II abhor themp returned she, with
tervor.
"And what says the countess?"
THAT it Is cruel to excite repug-
nance to a destiny you know is in
evitable. But the system Is as de-
testable to me as to any one"
"It Is TO last hut a frail moment