Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1898-09-29

theirs hands, and Mr.. Henderson
turned to Frances with a smile.
They have already sworn an eter-
nal friendship. Poor Maggie so sci
dom sees any one of her own age, that
the enjoyment is all the greater. II
is very hard TO find amusementS fCr
an only child; but since Madame Le-
mercier has been with us, | think she
has been much happier. A most IN
valuable lady she is, and very cheer
full in spite of all her troubles"
There is a wonderful elasticity
about the Frenchs" said Frances,
however much they are crushed down
bv trouble, they always seem to rise
above 1t in time. | have noticed 1t
very much in my little friend Esper-
ance de Mabillon | am so glad she
CHANGED to meet Madame Lemercier
to-day; it has been a great pleasure
to her | know"
Perhaps, after all, Maggie's wish
would give pleasure to some one be-
half hestatingly Would it be pos
sible for us to join forces Miss Ne
Vile, and make the excursion to
Llanberis together
1T is very good of you to think OF
1 it," said Frances: but we are such
large party we should only hamper
| you and, indeed, | am half afraid 1t
would be too firing for our invalid.
There would be no walking" ex-
J planned Mr.. Henderson, "and Madame
Lemercier would so much enjoy hav-
Ing her"
| I'VE will talk il over with her,
suggested Frances ut would be
very delightful. and | know the boys
are crazy to see Snowdon."
"Ah! and we might look for the
returning to his pet subject. "On
the Capel Curig side think you said
1t was to be found"
Both Nine. Lemercier and Esper-
OF the Llanberis xpedition, that
Frances could hesitate no longer and
indeed, Esperance was looking so
much better, and appeared so little
| tired with her walk up the glen that
there seemed no reason against try
ing the longer day The whole par
ty Joined in a very merry tea drink
ing on the banks of the river, and In
the cool Of the evening walked down
the glen, parting at the rest-house,
following Monday at the Bangor sta
ton
Esperance went about now with
radiant expression; the sight of
Nine. Lemercier's home-like face had
made her feel much less forlorn, and
she had greatly enjoyed their long
talk together Frances wrote glow
| ing accounts to her sister of the very
satisfactory recovery of their invalid,
and Lady Worthington's prophecy
seemed to be coming true, that II
once they could give Esperance a
| thorough rest and change, she would
pro baby be stronger after this ILL
ness than she had been for years.
Now, for the first time since they
had left Mabillon, her mind was
really free from any pressing care:
| troubles of course, she had and must
have, but Gaspard's privations were
at an end, and she was away from the
frets and annoyances OF the deanery.
among people who could love her and
sympathize with ner. Her strength
returned rapidly, her spirits rose,
and all the old cheerful courage,
which had for time seemed we'll
nigh crushed out of her. came back
oNce more Frances felt quite happy
about her. for she knew that she was
taking the present happiness as a
preparation for the return to life at
| Rilchester. and she bent all her ef-
forts to make the month in Wales as
enjoyable as possible.
! To he Continued