The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1897-12-11

You are right wish for few mo-
ments' conversation. Be seated"
One who had lately seen her gentle
and affectionate department in the pre-
Yious conversation with her daughter
could not have imagined that queenly
dignity was in the power of the Coun-
tess Languedoc to assume.
She waved her hand toward the chair
beyond her, and NJ Pierre, while he
shot one swift glance of defiance toward
her, accepted it.
Il have received letters from the
count, as you are aware, M. Pierre. He
desires you to keep vigilant observation
upon all that occurs around u.s. For
urgent and sufficient reasons, he wishes
! you to prevent any of our people leav-
ing the village, and especially charges
you to keep away all strangers from
meddling with them"
'Humph! might as well try to
empty the basin of the Mediterranean
said M. Pierre, in a querulous tone. II
should like to see the letter, my lady"
The cheek of the countess flushed.
Il have given you his message, M.
I Pierre. word for word there is no more
in the letter which concerns you"
Just as your ladyship pleases, sup
pose; but If the count were here, l
should know what has led to such sin
gular commands are quite well
aware of that"
The words themselves were not so ir-
ritating as the mans manner; the
| countess seemed to change into an icy
statue. rv. .a..,
Il am not aware that the correct full
tilment of your masters commands re-
quires any further enlightenment, M.
Pierre; at all events, you will receive
none from me-"
AT least you will refrain from med
ding with me-" said the man, with
suppressed anger 81 cannot manage
the obstinate brutes if they are al
lowed to run to you for redress every
half hour"
Il shall not hinder the execution of
the counts wishes. shall certainly
refuse to allow you to use unnecessary
harshness with our good people," an
swered she, with icy calmness.
Il thought the question of your in
reference was settled the last time the
count was away" said M. Pierre, with
malicious glance of triumph
A little glow burned moment on her
pale cheek, and then died out, leaving
it whittier still. She had not yet forgot
ten the humiliating scene when her I'M
feeling, tyrannical husband had al
lowed this brutal wretch to trarsple up
on her rights. She had interfered be-
tween his angry violence and one of
the most faithful of the peasants, and
the count had repTimanded her in the
very presence of her unworthy oppon-
net, when the latter had carried to him
his audacious complaints
Felicie, Withdrawing eyes, sprang to
her feet, but her mothers restraining
hand held her back.
IN Pierre" said the countess, in
that severe, icy tone, my husband has
peculiar ideas concerning the authority
of an overseer over the peasants; 1
have yet to learn that he will sanction
insolence, from that overseer, to the
Countess Languedoc."
M. Pierre cast down his eyes, and
twirled his hat in silence.
81 wish to ask you concerning these
rumors about strange man with a
spade, seen in the Little Forest. Taken
in connection with these instructions
from the count, it grows significant,
and I desire to have it investigated"
NJ Pierre's sallow countenance took
still dingier hue.
IAN old woman's story, got up by
that old driveller, Jeannotw exclaimed
he, testify,
Then you have heard about it?"
81 could not keep my ears open, your
ladyship, and not hear. Some one or
other is chattering about it continual
ly," was his hasty reply.
II conclude that you give the story
little credence, by your tone"
Certainly not; it is all manufactured
by the superstitious FOOLS"
You do not think that such man
has been SEEM"
mo one in their senses would believe
it. No one of them has ever seen such
a man at all" was the decisive but over
vehement reply.
The countess kept her calm eyes on
his face.
"Jeannot is not given to idle stories.
l wish, NJ. Pierre, you would look into
the matter, and sift it out thorough
ly.'
But. my lady, assure you there has
been no such man seen by any one"
Oh L
with her own eyes this very night"
NJ. Pierre with difficulty repressed an
oath; his face was fairly convulsed