Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1897-03-11
CHAPTRR xIn.-lCoNrlNurp.l

Emile carefully examined the door
and then went outside, and strewet
leaves around the trunk Of the tree, tC
hide the traces Of the frequent ap'
proach that night. Leaving all things
as natural looking as possible, he came
down to the lower room, where Felicit
had retreated.
She looked up anxiously in his face
"Will they discover us, Emile?"
Il think not, my child. We mus
manage without a fire, till their watch
is removed. But we can do that vel
enough; we are provisioned rSF siA
months, at least There are several
casks Of water upstairs, and the spring
is not far distant; l can easily replen'
ish them at night"
How exhausted you must feel
Take some Of the wine, beg you"
Perhaps had better; dare not e
to sleep until after the visit to the
woods, for l may hear important plans
discussed After that 1 must sleep
for believe 1t is week since have
really taken a nights rest. 1t Ii
nearly daybreak now; l brought 8
basket Of provisions from the chateau
thinking they might please you Rest
pray take what refreshment you can
Tor we must not have another patient
Poor fellow! he is in complete stupor
Keep his head wet all the time-7lI
seems to be all we can do now; and be
sure and care for yourself"
"The poor chateau!" murmured Fe-
licie, sinking YEARLY into 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 toe
overpowering, and 1t rushed suddenly
upon her.
She fell back fainting. Emile caught
her in his arms, and while the tears
poured over his cheeks, used every eff
fort to revive her. For time II
seemed to him he was to be left with
two corpses on his hands, for the youth
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; 81 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 l allow myself to recur 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
is gone, they are gone, too, for the
brief day Of life; thank Heaven, not for
the eternal ages! Will you consent to
put away your identity as the daughter
Of the Count Languedoc? Will you
adopt me for father, brother, uncle,
whatever you like, and take a new
name? 1 think the sooner you use
yourself to 1t, the safer it will be when
It becomes necessary" said Emile,
gently.
Tell me what you wish, and that is
enough for me-"
"Your name shall be Chlotllde; l
haC a sister once whose name was
Relnard--and you shall be for the time
Mademoiselle Reinard; and as my
young friend yonder, il he RECEIVERS,
will be likely to be awkward and en-
barrassed in your presence, knowing
your rank, 1 particularly request that
he shall believe you my sisters child.
You will become somewhat used to the
name, hope, before you venture into
the world. And now l must listen to
the dOings without; lie still and rest
the patient will not stir for many
hours, and doubtless it is the best
nature will recuperate
the palsied brain with the sweetest of
balms, untroubled sleep"