The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1897-12-25


vent prayer. After that she smiled
calmly.
1T Is indeed wrong in me to brighten
you, my Felicie; the weakness is over.
Whatever it may be, 1 accept my fate
humbly, as the portion dealt out to me
by Heaven"
How often afteTward 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 ii. Vs.
1T was not Emile, then. Somehow
| fancied it 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 a fishing vessel lies wait
ing for us. The marquis and myself
have converted everything possible into
diamonds, and we shall not need to
burden ourselves with anything bulky.
We might take the plate, if it can be
packed without discovery by the SER
wants, No one but M. Pierre will know
of our movements, till too late to him
der"
IN. Pierre" exclaimed both mother
and daughter, in horror.
THE old story!" calculated the
count, angrily; zone would think at
this awful time you might put aside
this perversity."
Count Languedoc, if you confide in
that man, you are ruined; the horrors
which come, whatever they may be, will
lie upon your own conscience. Believe
me, l beseech you, for this once in your
life. M. Pierre is the leader of the band
who wait but the signal for numbering
us al" cried the countess, sternly.
"A pretty accusation to bring forward
against faithful fellow / have known
and trusted for years; he is as anxious
and alarmed as any one of u.s."
He is an artful knave, indeed, if he
has won your confidence so thoroughly
that you will accept his word in contra
diction to your wife and child" re-
torted the countess, bitterly.
ooh, papa, papa, believe u.s." cried
Felicie,o 1--WE have proof of his treach-
cry, we heard with our own ears, we
saw with our own eyes"
Tell me precisely what you accuse
him Of, what is your proof?"
Il will gladly do it, if you will assure
me that you will not carry the story
to him"
All" sneered the count, "you will
not allow him the opportunity to clear
himself. I shall give you no such as
surance, for should certainly allow
him to vindicate his honesty"
The countess wrung her hands.
Perverse to the last! ImmovabIe as
a rock! What can we do?"
"Obey my instructions, get ready
your clothing, and have a bridal dress
for Felicie. 1t shall not be said a Lam
guedoc was without fitting wedding
garments, even in such a time as this"
The countess and her daughter went
away. What could be done to
him of the folly and wicked
ness of his conduct?
Edward was feverish and too i'll to
rise the next morning. Much as this de-
lay distressed them, there seemed no |
other alternative than to be patient.
But they were careworn, anxious faces
which gathered around the breakfast
liable. Immediately after the meal. how |
ever, Lady Felicie came flying to her
mothers side with sparkling eyes. In
her hand she held a small nosegay of
wild flowers.
ooh, mamma, seem to have found
strength and safety. Emile is certainly
at hand"
The countess face frightened like
wise. A.
you found them on the bridge?"
Eyes, yes. What if we go to meet
aim there at the tree? You know since
ny fathers return, the ghosts have for
aiken the woods. He may give us valu-
lble information"
Il will think about it. It will be diff
icult to elude your fathers observa-
ion, and he would peremptorlly forbid
'ur leaving the house. Yet it is worth
he trial"
"You do not look equal to It. ma
here mere. How wan your face has
Town! almost think I have courage
o go alone, rather than that you
hould venture"
CTo BE coNTINUBD.J