The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1898-03-10

proceeding, the boy put the stem OF the
rose between his teeth, and stood upon
his hands with his feet against the wall.
Tou-Tou accepted this action as a chal
lenge, and parked louder than ever
"Oh!"exclaimed the countess, aren't
you afraid you will injure YOURSELF"
For reply the boy walked across the
street on his hands and stood against the
opposite wall in a similar position.
From whence he contemplated the ex-
preston of fear on the countess face
with evident relish.
81 like you very much better the other
way up" she called out to him. There
upon he turned cartwheels until he
stood beneath her again.
81 can do that all day." he said; what
can you do?"
I'm afraid can't do anything as ac-
tive as that" answered the countess,
doubtfully. Il can only run in the gar
den and romp with TouTou; and even
then if 1 play too hard my governness
chides me. 1t must be a glorious thing
to be a boy and go about in the won
derful great city with no one to tell
you that you must not Are you never
afraid of getting lost in the big city.
''If ever do get lost 1 only have to
keep going until 1 find myself again."
replied the boy.
81 should like to do it," said the count
ess, ooh, so much"
ITS easy enough" replied the boy.
JNst swing down from the wall, I'll
catch you, and you're off"
The countess shook her head.
"Then there's me river" the boy went
on, in persuasive tone, you dive from
the bridge and the water splashes all
over you. The mud feels so nice and
cool as it squeezes up through your
toes. And under the bridge on the cross
beams you can lie all day in the sun and
fish; and all night you can lie there,
too, and watch the stars and go TO sleep,
and if you wake you can listen to the
striking of the cathedral clock, and it
will tell you the hour. viii you come"
The countess clasped her hands to-
gether with delight.
81 wish were boy and could see all
those things you speak of. But l am
different. l have a governness, who
teaches me every day so many, many
things, and tells me always that shall
some day become a great lady"
Pooh, you're only girl, and that is
why you can't come" said the boy con-
temptuously.
81 know it, admitted the countess,
sadly, tell me more about the big
city"
Here the conversation was interrupt
ed by the dragon, who swept suddenly
down and lifted the countess from off
the wall.
ITO whom are you talking, Mile. de
Tremoille? To that little ragamut1in ?
Go away from here at cnce, little brat.
You, mademoiselle, should have better
sense than to converse like that with
The canaille who pass in the street"
Tie countess suffered herself to be
led away without a word, and the last
she saw of the boy he was walking on his
hands, with the rose in his teeth.
The young countess, Adele de Ire
noble, was in the salon with Nine.
Guardin, formerly her dragon and gov
erness, and now, although still inclined
to be little of dragon, her friend and
companion. There were tears in the
eyes of Mile. de Tremoiile as she turned
imploringly 10 the elder woman; but
:he tone was firm and decided in which
she said:
Il refuse to go alone"
Nine. Guardin regarded her mo-
mont from out OF her clear gray eyes
She was dressed in back. and her man
ner was stiff, repressed, yet there was
tremulo of emotion in her voice, as
she answered: You must, my child;
would not say it if by remaining here
you could do any good; but as it is
your own safety demands that you
should 60"
Mime. Guardin," cried the young
countess, you cannot mean that you
would have me go while my father is
in danger?'
ALAS! yes, | do mean it. They have
already arrested women as innocent
IS yourself. 1t was only yesterday that
they took Nile. de Longueville, and the
day before Nine. de Grancour. Every
day that you remain here increases the
risk At any moment you may be calico
upon to share your fathers danger"
They will find me ready" replied
Countess Adele, drawing herself up;
II shall be proud to be with him.
"Ah, my child, you do not know how
terrible it would be. 1t is also for youl
fathers sake that | counsel you to fly
1t would only add to his trouble to heai
that you, too, had been taken. 1t woulc
make him more unhappy. You wouC
not be together. You would not ever
hear of each other. While if you leave
the country he may be abe to join you
should he be acquitted, or if he should
escape"
Mime. Guardin," said the countess
interrupting her by placing her hand OF
her arm, and looking into her face
with deep earnestness. rs there really
am hope of his being acquitted?'
There is always hope. my child"
THAT is what you have always said
hut | want more satisfactory answer
| Tell me what YOU think"