Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1898-07-21

:
= lately, Gaspard?"
NO, not from him, but from ma
: dame" replied Gaspard, sadly. Then
as Esperance looked up inquiringly
II wanted you not to hear Of It,
cherie, but since you have asked that
can not be. Poor Monsieur Lemercier
was arrested as a Communist"
He was not shot." exclaimed Es-
perance, horror-struck.
"N9, no; TIA, he did escape, though
poor madame was kept in suspense
for some time. He is transported
for life"
Poor monsieur Oh, l am so griey-
ed for him! DO you not remember,
Gggpard, how earnest--almost noble
he locked when he wished US good
bye?-how hopeful he was about the
Commune!"
Gaspard gave a heavy sigh.
poor Lemercier! if ever a man
meant well, he did Well cherie, if it
had not been for you, | might perhaps
have been with him, and the disgrace
of that would be worse than starving
here
TIE words slipped from him mad
,vertenuy. Esperance shuddererd, but
took no notice of them, fearing to vex
him.
And poor madame?" she asked
after a brief silence,
1T is some months since | had her
letter; she was in France then, but
bent on working her way out to him
or course they are ruined, for Mon
sieur never had a notion Of saving,
SO she was looking out for a situation
as goyerness."
Poor madame! how sad for her!
But she is brave and gcod-hearted;
she will join monsieur before long,
without doubt. Oh, Gaspard, how
wish [ were old enough TO go out as
a goyerness, then | could help you,
perhaps"
You do that already by your econ
Omy; besides, | am not in despair yet
/ have heard it said, that if work is
honestly wished for and really sought.
It comes sooner OF later"
But in the meantime?' said Esper-
ance with culver in her voice.
We must endure, cherie, and trust
In God. "
His tones were grave and low. and
Esperancc. in spite of a thrill of
happiness, was awed by them. She
was more and more reminded OF her
father, and though her heart ached
when she thought of Gaspards suf-
fcriugs there was comfort in seeing
how good was being brought out of
evil A year ago he had been misera-
BILE and depressed, out OF heart with
himself, and in every way unsettled;
now, notwithstanding his troubles, h.
was more hopeful, and more brayely
patient, while Esperance was con
scious Of a certain growth ana ex-
pansion OF his whole character,
which, though she could not in the
least fathom it. enabled her TO lean
where she had before upheld and to
reverence where she had simply
loved
The clock struck Eve all toe soon:
and when Gaspard spoke Of preparing
for the start, a terrible yearning to
stay with him almost oyermasteTed
her. To go back to the weary,
struggling, scolding life at Rilche ter,
after the short respite, seemed almost
unboarahla and had it not been for
her anxiety to leave Gaspard we'll sat
isfcd with her comfort and happiness,
she must have given way But the
loving little deception helped her, and
she kept M brayoly. Just at the last
the laudlady. who had been very fond
Of her. brought up some coffee, which
She begged ma'mselle to accept and
EspcrauCe. who had tasted nothing
since the morning, made an effort to
he grateful, drove back her tears. and
managed to swallow some OF &c. and
TO talk to tie good-uotured woman.
+ I'm spite Of her dread of leaving
Gaspart She almost looked forward 10
the time when She mish- allow her.
self to- break down tho torture OF
This prolonged parting was worse than
anything. and g. was really q kind OF
relief when they set ont for the sta
ton They found Cornelia and the
dean walking mp and down The plat
form. and Esperauce rather enjoyed
Introducing Gasparj to her cousin.
Coruylia. who had from The FIRST
been much more DESTROYS TO he'r
Gaspard than to adept hts sister was
evidently struck with him. talked
with him. ut first patronizlngly, but