Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1898-06-02
Won by w aiting.
EDNA LYALL.

"Ah! of course not; | forgot" said
Claude, amused by her earnestness.
Your Auvergne scenery is, doubtless,
much more beautiful, but will not
not call this ugly any more?"
NO, indeed, will not; and you
will tell Gaspard when you see him
THAT you have quite converted me,
for | have sent him most unfavorable
accounts OF the country"
II will certainly tell him." said
Claude. Il shall try to see him next
week"
do you leave Rllchester so soon?"
Yes, I'll leave tomorrow" replied
Claude. MY commission Is finished,
and 1t is time | was at home again
Il am so sorry" said Esperance,
simply. But it is delightful 10
think of your seeing Gaspard so
soon. though it makes me little en-
yious.'
You will be coming up to town
soon. perhaps" suggested Claude
Esperance shook her head
Il don't see how that can be, but Of
course | hope, or else | could not get
on at all; my motto in life must be
" Esperez touiours.
ut is certainly a good one" replied
Claude, musingly, but in his artist
soul longing to catch once more the
hopeless look which he wished to rep
resent in his picture
It did not return that afternoon,
but the next day, when he paid his
farewell call to the deanery, all the
expression OF detection, misery and
hopelessness was there in full force.
Esperance was evidntly in disgrace,
while Mrs, Mortlake and Cornelia
were in that disturbed, ruffled state
which betokens family disagree
ment and although Mrs, Mortlake
was particularly cordial. Claude de-
tected subdued irritation in the forced
tone of her voice.
Esperance scarcely spoke, but sat
looking half abstractedly out of the
window, her knitting lying untouched
on her knee, her hands tightly
clasped
Claude could not have wished FOR a
better opportunity, but now that his
desire was granted he began to feel
such pity for Esperanc that he would
far rather have missed seeing her.
He tried to draw her into converse
ton, but without success; she an
swered with constraint, and only
looked more miserable.
At last he rose to go, took leave OF
Mrs Mortlake and Cornelia, and then
turned to Esperance, determined that
she should at least sepak to him.
You will not forget our walk yes
terday, and the beauties OF level
country" he said. smiling.
She colored painfully, and her hand
trembled as Claude took ii in his.
What message may | take for you
to your brother?" he asked.
Her color deepened. the tears rose
to her eyes, and her voice was low
and tremulous as she answered
Tell him. please. that | am very
well, that will write soon"
She broke off abruptly, not daring
to trust her voice any longer, and
Claude, seeing that 1t was sheer cru
city to keep her, said goodbye, tried
to put Mrs. Mortlake in a good humor
by leaving a playful message for
Bella, and alludiug to her prettiness,
then left the house, dissatisfied and
perpleXed
Esperance was really almost desper-
ate Claude could hardly have chosen
a more unfayorable time for his visit,
for as he had rightly judged he had
come in during a dispute, II indeed
that could be called disputing in
which two leagued against one re-
fused to listen TO reason or justice.
It all arose from a simple remark
made by Esperanee. She casually
mentioned Claudes intended depar.
ture and this led to an account Of
their walk on the preceding day
Mrs. Mortlake, ever ready to find
fault. declared that she behaved with
far too much freedom, that she ought
70 have kept beside the dean, and not
'%t'N'N va H'lNtiA e ltlH-0leie Win
Claude Maguay.
Esperauce explained that this had
not been possible. and owned that it
had never occurred to her that any
one could think so simple an act
improper
Whereat Mrs Mortlake accused her
Of speaking disrespectfully, denounced
her French, manners. and losing all
prudence and justice in anger, said
that all along she had been flirting
with Claude
Esperance was SO entirely innocent
In this respect that for moment she
was too much surprised and shocked
% retute the charge She was unac-
oustomed 70 society, and knew little
either OF French or English etiquette.
aud her father had been we'll content
70 leave her without any artificial
rules beyond those Of natural good
breeding While she paused Cornella
uttered one II her cold sarcasms.
Never mind, Christahel. Won know