Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1897-02-11

Some terrible thing has happened in
Versailles, for one man muttered, when
he thought the count was too far away
to hear, What do you think Of Yer
sailles? How many are left Of the
Guards? All, madam, 1 fear every
thing horribleg"
The countess sighed, but would not |
add to his disquietude by the reVela-
lions In her power to disclose.
The days wore on into weeks; the
weeks became month. Continual re-
ports Of additional horrors arrived, but
no sign Of the Marquis Edward. In
vain, also, Lady Felicie strolled off
morning after morning, to the meadow
bridge. No longed-for blossoms APP
peared. If Emile fingered much longer
the chilly winter winds would despoil
them all. The father was restless and
miserable, and dared not return to
search for his son. The count, too,
grew anxious and less confident. 1t
was terribly trying time for all. The
countess wasted away fearfully; the
suspense seemed consuming her very
life. M. Pierre still remained with
them, and outwardly everything pro-
ceeded calmly; but what feverish
tide surged and throbbed beneath the
assumed mask Of indifference on all
sides.
The count and his noble guest were
pacing the terrace just at twilight one
October afternoon, when a ragged fig
ure, in rough peasant blouse, came
slowly up the avenue. The count lifted
his arm in a gesture of rebuke for the
presumption, but the forlorn-looking
creature gave no heed, only hurriedly
approached nearer. Suddenly the mar
quis with a sob Of relief and astonish-
ment rushed to meet him.
Edward! Good Heavens! In what
plight"
Eyes, my father. Thank Heaven, /
have reached you at last, but I am
nearly dead with exposure and suffer-
Ing" exclaimed the youth, and as he
spoke he tottered and would have fall
en- but for the fathers outstretched
arm.
They carried him into the house
through the balcony window, to save
the prying curiosity of the servants,
and so came most abruptly upon the
countess and her daughter in the little
parlor they had used constantly since
the counts return. Lady Felicie's first
view Of her betrothed husband was
certainly not very flattering one. The
pale face, the disordered hair, the rough,
stained clothing might well change
poor Edwards appearance. She retreat
ed in dismay, and left them busily re-
storing animation to the half insensible
youth. When at length she summoned
courage to return, he had been moved
into an adjoining chamber. Her moth
er came out, and flinging her arms
around her neck, fairly sObbed.
what is it, dear mamma?" exclaim-
ed Felicie.
ooh, my child, what horrible times
have we fallen upon! That poor youth
has narrowly escaped with his life. He
has been in prison all Of this time; he
escaped the day after a fearful massa-
ere. The palace was sacked, the Guards
cut down; more than twenty thousand
souls sent into eternity. The poor king
and the royal family are close prison
ers. La Fayette, himself, is denounced,
and has fed to Germany. The whole
land will be STEPPED In blood"
"But now the Marquis Edward has
come, we shall all escape" said Fe-
licie, soothingly, alarmed at the fixed
look of anguish on her mothers face.
Heaven grant 1t, my child; for you,
at least, may there be safety, but wild
foreboding has seized me; / cannot
shake it Off"
"Hush, hush, my precious mamma,
my blessed one, you are nervous and
excited. Perhaps, Emile has come,
likewise. Oh, do not give way, you
who are all my support and strength"
The noble mother clasped her daugh-
ter closely in her arms, closed her eyes,
and Felicie saw her lips moving in fer
vent prayer. After that she smiled
calmly.
1T Is indeed wrong in me to frighten
you, my Felicie; the weakness is over.
Whatever 1t may be, 1 accept my fate
humbly, as the portion dealt out to me
by Heaven"
How often afterward did these thrill
ing words return to the tender daugh-
ter! How much comfort and grace did
they pour into her bleeding, mournful
heart!
Some one aided him. It was a
strange name-the Gray Falcon, think
he called It,"
ut was not Emile, then. Somehow
I fancled 1t might be this which de-
tanned him so long"
At this moment the count came into
the apartment; he was fairly trembling
with terror.
Make ready for instant departure,
Violante," said he; "the moment Ed
ward is able to be moved, the marriage
must take place, and an hour after
ward must see us on the road to st.
Joseph, where fishing vessel lies wait
ing for us. The marquis and myself
have converted everything possible into
diamonds. and we shall not need to