The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1899-03-24
: S3SSS3S56a93GaSaS
CHAPTER I.-(CoNr1Nurp.,

CHAPTER I.-(CoNT1NuED.)
He who had named himself Bernard
watched her with feverish eyes.
And what shall I do with it,"
asked she, as she folded the narrow
alp Of paper.
Ah, II could help it-believe me, I
would rather cut off my right hand
than ask it of you, but it is for the sake
Of another-better, purer than I. l
must tmplore you to carry it yourself
70 the foot Of the great craig that over
hangs the river. at the end of the
chestnut woods, in the evening. Will
you. dare you do 1t, Lady Violante?
when assure you no earthly harm can
come OF it to you; and much, very
much anxiety may be spared me, and
another who is very dear to me-"
Lady ,Violante drew a long breath,
but said firmly: Certainly, will do it,
why do you doubt it? have often
strayed as far, with only a servant in
attendance"
"Ah, yes, but there must be no SER
want near to see or suspect anything.
You must promise no living thing shall
see that, hear word of this converse
ton, or know aught that may be here
after connected with the cliff in your
mind"
The mystery was growing startling!
Lady Violante's cheek blanched, and
for the first time she hesitated.
"Ah!" said he, bitterly, while his
glittering eye followed the changes of
her face. II knew it would be so-you
promised to trust me, but you are al
ready doubling me, and are ready to re-
treat"
mo, no" exclaimed she, impetuous-
iy-"I will not retreat, will do all you
ask Of me-"
"And no one-not even your father
most of all, Count German, your lover,
shall know what have said to you?"
asked he, eagerly.
mo one" repeated she, firmly. II
take your assurance, that there is moth
ing in the transaction to compromise
my character or station, and pass over
your allusion to lover, where there
Is no such relation. Now tell me what
else there Is for me to know"
He had closed his eyes YEARLY, and
his lips writhed with spasm of pain.
The pity again overpowered reserve
You are ill, you are suffering, oh,
that could aid you, could bear half
the suffering myself. Shall 1 call
Julie?"
"No, no." said he, hurriedly, "let me
be assured the note has reached it's
place, I shall be easier at once. You
have but to fasten it to the bough OF
the Topped larch tree, the only one
there, first being sure no one is near,
give low blast on this whistle three
times, and then you may return as
speedily as you please. My errand will
be performed"
He disengaged an ivory whistle from
q chain around his neck, and held it
toward her.
She received it with gentle assur-
ing smile. adding:
Have no fears. I will find means
to obey your injunction to the letter."
Heaven bless your said he, turn
ing his face to the pillow to hide it's
agitation.
And Lady violante glided softly from
the room.
Early the next morning she came
again, and taking advantage of the
'momentary absence of the attendant,
she laid the whistle on his pillow. say
ing quietly:
II have performed your first task;
now show your gratitude by growing
more cheerful, and settling me an
other"
He looked up anxiously.
'And no one saw you? you are sure
of that?"
"Quite certain. Moreover, l took an
early ride that way this morning, and
the note was gone"
He drew long breath of relief. A
smile, so rarely beautiful it almost
startled her, lit up his pallid face, and
with soft sigh, he whispered:
"Now am ready to obey my nurse,
and rest"