The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1899-04-21
CHAPTER v1.-tCosr1Surp.,
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CHAPTER VI.-(CoNrINUED.l
A nameless terror seized Lacy I-iu-
lante as she read these few lines. She
had heard her father say that morning
to the Count Germain:
Truly, like not the problem. How
France Is to escape bankruptcy l sec
not. The king is improvident, the
treasury empty, and this assembly he
has convened seems inclined to take
oil authority into their own hands.
These frequent mobs have an ugly
look; once excited the canaille are like
wild beasts. Something prompt and
decisive should be done, and that Louis
XVI. is not the one to enforce"
Any warning to her father from
such a source she knew would be un-
needed. Fortunately, he himself saw
the unpleasantness of further stay at
the capital, and hurried back to Gren-
oble.
The premonitory riot of the goth had
left an unpleasant impression. But
even that humiliating cup was moth
ing to the bitter dregs that were yet
to pass to the kings lips. Blow fol-
lowed blow; the instruction spread;
not alone Paris and Versailles were
excited, but the excited fever heat
crept onward to the very borders of
the land.
At Grenoble the frantic zeal of the
revolutionists seemed intensified.
"Vlolante,' said Count Beauvais,
coming into his daughters boudoir one
morning with perturbed brow; "bid
Celeste arrange some sort of bridal fin
cry out Of the family laces and jew
elry. We have decided that an imme-
date union must take place. Count
German proposes a private wedding
this very night, and tomorrow we will
60 down to Marseilles and take passage
for England, and remain till the delir-
tum has blown away from France.
Horrible rumors have arrived from
Paris. The king is deposed, the whole
population in arms, and no one can
guess what horrible atrocities may
come next. We must get away as soon
as possible. like not the dark looks
the crowd flung at me as I rode
through Grenoble."
Lady Violante shivered, and said
stearfully:
Il know not, my father, which fills
me with more dread, the frightful It'd
ings you bring from our country, or
the evenings sacrifice you demand
from me-"
Nonsense, child, will you never
have done with that mawkish senti-
ment? The Count will make you a
good husband, and in these sorry
times, trow, you may consider your
self fortunate to obtain protector
stronger than father, whose strength
Is we'll nigh spent"
IF there is no help, I suppose
must submit, yet far rather would 1
be laid in peaceful grave"
The Count appeared not to under
stand her last observation, and went
himself to give his directions to Ce-
leste.
That evening a small group was
gathered in the little chapel belonging
to the chateau. The able had donned
his sacred vestments, wax candles
cleaned above the silver stands
Beside Count Beauvais stood his
friend. the father of the bridegroom,
and leaning on his arm was the Count
'ess German, a pale, cold-eyed woman.
whose icy stateliness gave no evidence
of any natural motherly emotion, at
this important transaction in the life
of her only son.
Count Emile had led. forward the
pallid bride even to the altar steps,
and the able had given the signal for
them to kneel, when suddenly the door
Of the chapel was flung open, and a tall
figure strobe hurriedly up the aisle,
and looked around him in astonish-
ment
What mummery is this, at such a
time?" exclaimed he, unmindful of the
flashing glances Of anger bent upon
him, "do you have bridals at the Judg-
ment day? Away. away, have come
to warn you. An hour longer and no
power can save you"
Count German stood glazing wildly
" Tue INTRUDER. his son Sprang for
ward, even from the side of the faint
ing bride, and .snatching his fathers
sword from it's sheath, sprang furious
~ toward Bernard.
Wretch! are you here again? low
born varlet, you shall not intrude
again upon my presence!"
Hold" Numbered Bernard, drawing
q pistol in either hand, "forbear your
absurd distinctions at this terrible
hour. Wait until the visitors arrive
who are on their way, and you will
cease prating of your noble birth. Per-
chance you will be glad to change with
the obscure Hugo you have prosecuted
with such relentless enmity. Count
Beauvais, / address myself to you, l
trow there is but one here who has
any claim to such service as freely
give now, but my errand is to you all.
An Infatuated, countless mob, armed
with pixies, muskets, pistols, every
thing they could seize at Grenoble,
having murdered. with fiendish glee.
man, woman and child of the noble
families you have called your friends,
ere marching now to Beauvais, having
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