Middletown transcript., 1898-01-01

and be walked at such rate that the
poor old servitor could scarcely keep
up with him.
1t was the young Viscount Hervs de
Plenhoec, and he was on his way to
the chateau Of the Marquise du Dol
men to wish her happy New Year.
He was handsome lad, upright and
straight as dart, and his large, dark
eyes had an honest, frank look in them
that won all hearts.
Presently they came within sight of
the old manor house, with its tower and
turrets, and the little viscount bounded
on in his hurry to arrive. Very un-
tremendously he rushed through the
hall into the long, tapestry hung draw
room, which, with its huge, old fash
ioned furniture and high ceiling, looked
like corner of cathedral. A state
| ly looking old lady was seated, and in
deed was almost buried in an Immense
armchair, while in the wide fireplace a
cheerful log fire was cracking.
"Why, Herye, you must have risen
early this morning to get here at this
time," exclaimed the marquise, look
ing adimiringly at the handsome boy
had rushed in like whirlwind.
"Ob, grannie, and | had learned
such piece of poetry to say to you,
but am afraid l have forgotten every
word of it, 1 was in such hurry to
get here" said Herve ruefully.
"Never mind, we'll have it another
time" said the indulgent old lady
"You shall see first how you like your
presents"
IilOn table near werethe said presents
some story books, some games and-a
gun, real gun! Herve was nearly be
side himself with joy. For two long
years he had wished for gun, but his
parents had always been afraid of ar
accident and had refused to get him
oae. His large eyes lighted up witt
pride and delight as he handled hi
precious treasure, and, oh, how he
wished there were ,me enemy now be-
fore him that he could try his aim q
oncel
Herye belonged to family in VIII icl
allthe men had been soldiers, and mos
of his ancestors had met their death oI
the battlefield. His grandfather ha
been killed in the Crimean war during
, the siege Of Sevastopol, and Herve ha
always delighted in hearing tales o
wars.
On his way home again that after
noon Herve kept admiring his preciou
gun. The old servitor was carrying a
the other presents, but the boy coul
: not trust his treasure to any Othe
hands, and he kept pulling the trigge
and delighting in the click it made a
loused it.
They had gone along some distanc
when Herve Secame aware that It'll
boy was following them, and as he KEEP
quite near all The time the little Wis
count turned round at last and locke
at him. He was boy of about hi
own age, but very poorly clad, aud th
thin, sunken cheeks and pale face toll
Of hunger and suffering, while the dar
eyes looked so wistfully at him tha
Herve said kindly:
"What is it you want, little boy ?"
"Nothing. / was only looking a
the gun," replied the little lad, abash
ed.
"What's your nameP" asked Herve
"Tanneguy," replied the other chilt
$ 81 live near to your house, and l ofte
watch you riding on your pony" Am
then, emboldened by Herve's kindl
manner, the poor little fellow venture
to put one finger on. the shInin ng trigge
of the marvellous treasure.
it's one of my presents, "said Herve
'sIsn't it fine oneP Have you ha'
any presents?" he asked.
The poor little fellow laughed bitter
ly.
"There's nobody to give me anything
My parents are dead.n
Herve looked at all the parcels th
old servant man was carrying, and b
said eagerly:
''Choose one of my presents littl
boy"
The lad glanced at all the parcels In
differently, and then his eyes went bac
to the one treasure, the coveted gun
and he shook his head,
mo. Books and games wouldn't b
much use to me. Can look at IL
gun9 Can 1 hold it minute?"
Herve handed it to him, and they a
three walked along little way togetl
er, Tapneguy pressing the trigger an
listening with delight to the click,
Herve had done. The little viscouI
looked very thoughtful, ard then !
said:
"And you haven't got a mother Q
any one, and you haven't had on
presentP'
"No," replied the other sorrowfulll
his eyes stilled fixed on the weapon b
was holding SO carefully.
Herve was silent again for mir
He was having an inward str
with himself. At length he s.
% petuously, as though afraid
D. ing himself 10 hesitate'