Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-09-27

W Wv
RAISING MY HAT. ADVANCED
TOWARDS HER
even word to me-" her voice dropped
little as she said this, but the tone
was cool and friendly, nothing more.
Il go tonight, madame"
$50 soon? But understand why, and
will not press you to stay-here is one
who, like myself, has longed for an op-
portunity to thank you in person. Mon
PEREZ" and she turned to the Huguenot
priest, "this is our friend to whom we
owe so much"
I'm the service of the Lord one would
willingly lay down life," said Palm, as
he shook me warmly by the hand,
nevertheless few hours more of the
world for an old man is a grace not to
be despised, and l thank the instrument
that has bestowed this benefit upon me-"
D'Ayen, between whom and myself
there had passed TO greeting, now spoke
in a voice that fairly tremblcd with
anger.
Il was not aware that should have
the pleasure of meeting you here, NJ. lie
Cheyalier. 1t will surprise the king"
he added, in lower tone to madame.
! made no answer, but the memory
OF his warning ard my determination
to settle with him came up in full force.
MADAME, however, spoke.
M. d'Ayen, when, by the order of the
king, You We're directed to escort me to
Bidache, there was nothing said about
your right to dictate to me who shall be
my guests. Remember, monsieur, that
your company is forced upon me, and
let me add that you are a trife too
paternal."
D'Ayen paled under his rouge, and,
muttering something, remained back a
pace.
Madame sfgnaled lackey to dis
mount and offer me his beast.
II cannot allow you to walk, and we
will reach the house quicker in thie
way, besides want to hear all your
news. My 1rlenus, ana she turned TO
the people, "come to Bidache; it is long
since we have met, and would have
you there to make merry as of old
come, chevalier."
In the cheers which followed, she
touched her horse lightly on the shout
der with her whip and galloped on, Pa
lin and on either hand, and the suite
behind. In little she slackencd pace,
saying with a laugh: eve are going too
fast to talk, chevalier, and l am wom-
an, you know, and must hear my own
voice if nothing else-so you are quite
well and strong again"
II am, madame, thanks to your kind
ness, which Alban de Breuil can never
forget"
Her color deepened slightly. at is
the other way, chevalier, the debt is on
my side"
81 have done nothing-and the repay
ment was too much
III am sorry you think So" looking
straight between her horses ears.
81 did not mean that-I have already
said l can never requite your kindness,
and if madame ever needs stout arm
and a good sword, it is my hope she
will call on that of Auriac."
Perhaps l may some day." she an
swered, "for the blood of my fathers
runs strong in me-"
A turn in the avenue at this moment
brought us in full view of the gray
walls of Bidache. and on the wide stone
staircase that led to the great hall we
saw the servants of the household as
sembled. Madame waved her hand in
greeting, and the cheer which broke
from them was drowned in the boom
of the lombard from the keep. AS the
blue wrcaths of smoke curled upward,
little ball ran to the top of the flag
staff on the keep, and the next moment
the banner of fremouille, with the arms
of Rochemars of Bidache quartete ed
thereon, spread out it's folds to the
morning, and madame was come home
once more.
We dined an hour or so later than
usual-madame, d'Ayen, Palm and. my
self ut the high table, and the rest of the
household with all Bidache at the next.
Madame, who seemed in nowise fa-
tigued with her long ride, was in the
gayest of spirits and ripplcd with talk.
AS If thinking she had punished d'Ayen
enough she directed all her conversa-
ton towards him, and the old beau
was in his element in discussing the in
trigues of court life, and let me add
interesting, for his memory went far
back.
AT last the dinner came to a close,
and Palm, rising, opened his lips in a
long Thanksgiving, to which all, madame
included, listened devoutly. Our host
ess then retired, and we three were left
together in an absolute silence. Had il
been any other place, would have felt
bound to call D'Ayen to account, and
ask him to name a proxy If he was I'm.
:, 49,