Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-11-24
CHAPTER ~.


49, -~t-<r
tall and green on the mounds around
La Fere, which marked the graves OF
those who fought and died there. II
was autumn now, and as /, well and
strong again. walked down the long
avenue of beeches that led to the park
gates OF Bidache. let my memory run
back 10 the days in the hospital OF Ste
Genevieye, whittier was borne from the
field, and above all, to the tall, slight.
black-robed figure that came TO see mt
daily, and for whose coming | used to
long with an infinite desire. Who OF
what she was cared not, and reckless
ly abandoned myself to the feelings
that were aroused in my heart. | shall
not forget what happened one after
noon. A long gallery in the convent OF
Ste. Genevieve Had been turned into
ward, and here the wounded lay on pal
lets with walking space between. Ow
ing TO madame's kindness ] was com
fortably quartered at the end OF the gal
lery. and screen had been set between
me and the other patients. ! was gain
ing strength daily, and, at the moment
! speak of. was in a state between sleep
ing and waking. when heard laugh
and the sound OF footsteps, and saw
through the partly open wing of tht
screen that my lady had come TO make
her daily rounds. not attended. as usual.
only by her women, but by a gayly
dressed cavalier as well, and il was his
lnugh that had heard. In this person,
dressed in the extreme of fashion.
made out NJ. d'Ayen. the same who
had so kindly suggested that should
be left TO die on the field. he battered
along. holding a kerchief edged with
gold lace to his nose. and ever and
again waving ii in the air, whilst h,
spoke in loud tone. regardless OF the
looks cast at him by the sisters in at
tendance on the wounded. They came
slowly toward me. for madame stayed
constantly to speak to some MANNED
wretch. and ] saw her slip money into
the hands of some. and there were kind
words for all. felt strange pleasure
in watching her, whilst at the same
time thought of my past, and how un-
fit was even TO nurse such dream as
my love for her. When within yard OF
so of the screen, madame bent over
sufferer. and d'Ayen exclaimed in his
biting voice:
'Morbleu! Madamei, But you are the
Princess of Charity. Let us hasten to
your interesting patient, however. His
majesty is most anxious TO hear OF
him."
Ills majesty has never done me the
honor to inquire" she answered, coldly. |
"You could hardly expect that.
madame. But ii came about in this |
way. We were at cards. and as usual
held bad cascade"
But madame, to whom his presence |
was unwelcome, waited to hear no more
and, passing the screen, came to my |
side. and would have spoken; d'Ayen
however, cut in with a rudeness for
which / could have run him through.
my compliments. NJ. dAuriac. You
are lucky man. The king takes sc
great an interest in you that he has
me with a message to you.
His majesty bids me say" and his
bead-lilxe eyes twinkled down on me
from his painted cheeks, and then
turned slyly towards madame.
| was about TO make some answer,
when he continued. talking as il his
words were meant for madame as well:
His majesty trusts you will soon be
and relieve Nine. de la BIZ
lache from the strain of watching you.
md begs me to add that he is of tenn
yer that can brook no rival in war--oi
owe. Let me say, on my own account
hat 1t would be well if NJ. lie ChevalieI
would take change of air."
looked from one to another in blank
maze. At the little ape with his cruel
yes, and at madame, who was still as
stone. Then she colored to her eye
ids, her hands fell clenched to her side
nd she turned on d'Ayen. "Such o
MESSAGE, monsieur. should not have
,een delivered before me. l win take
are that NJ d'Auriac has a change OF
ir; and, monsieur. your presence
ppresses me. beg you will not
rouble to escort me farther"
Then she turned from us and passed
own the ward, but Ayen remained.
II will kill you for this" gasped.
He looked at me with a shrug of his
can shoulders.
''Perhaps-I am old. But you would
o well to take my advice, monsieur
nd with a bow he, too. turned and
vent.
l was left lost in wonder. utterly in
he dark as to what this all meant, but
etermined to find out and bring d'Ayen
, book at the first chance. made up :
~ mind to ask the next day. The next
ay came. but madame did not, and
hen another and yet another day oil !
reariness passed. At last some one
Did me she had gone with the court to
antes. and that | would see her no
lore. Later on. when Marescot came
} me. ] begged the favor of his getting
le the knot of ribbon he would find in
ne left hand breast pocket of the :
oubIet wore on the 1av was brought