Rocky Ford enterprise., 1900-12-14
CHAPTER VII.

Dinner was very late that day, for
Henri did not return home from
visit to the police station until long
after the usual hour. and then Mollie
heard him tell his mother that tho
rumor must have originated through
some tramp being taken up with sus-
picious articles in his possession: but
otherwise the inspector had no further
clue to the perpetrator OF the crime.
II was warm night. almost sultry.
and Mollie opened the long French
windows and went out onto the pan
tiles. leaving them alone. though
henrrs high tones sneering at the
English police. and at madame for be-
iievins all she heard. reached her for
some time.
How soft and fresh the air felt: how
high above her head the myriads OF
stars were twlnkling In the vast
vaults OF heaven. There was whis-
per OF coming summer In the little
breeze that Just lifted the curls on her
brow. speaking of the primroscs that
were blooming down by the stream.
the violets In the shady woods. The
roof covering the pantiies was sup
ported by Iron pillars. and the scene
was the, same as from her bedroom
window. which was Just above. But
Mollie never tired OF IL. and was stand
Ing In dreamy thought. when u voice
close to her startled her.
"Ah! mademoiselle. I have found
you At last. have been looking for
you everywhere" said Henri briskly.
closing the glass doors. You enjoy
the lovely nisht-ycs?"
Anyone would. monsieur" Moiiie
replied. adding mischicvously: Sure
ly II makes you think OF Paris-the
lights. music. dancing. and all that
kind OF th!ng-docs II not!'
You are laughing ut me. mcdcmoi-
sclle." he said. with n very genuine
sigh as the vision rose before him.
But tell me. would you not like to
20 there. SEQ all these things-arc you
not tired Of being herc?''
"oh. no. Why. when I was In Ger
many ! was Just longing to be home
to watch the flowers come out. 70
rnmble In the woods
Henri shrugged his shoulders and
glanced down nt his dainty boots.
yet II Is very unpleasant for you."
he argued. My mother Is peculiar.
She has never recovered from the shock
OF her brothers sudden death. Two
years with her would appai me. were
l girl. And had l the chance Of
going to beautiful Paris. having
home OF my own. husband devoted
to me. should take Il. would not
you?"
moi" said MoiiIc quickly. supprcas-
!nE n gasp Of dismay. Besides. what
good would they be to me II were
not devoted. too. ! am going in''-and
she moved to the window.
Stay. do not be so crucl." and he
s,eppcd In front OF her. you know l
love. ndorc you. Only say. Henri.
return your ardent affection. and will
be yours and my life will be spent
In making you happy
But I don't-l never could" she
cried. not waiting to choose her words
In her hurry. Nor do you love inc.
Henri. so let us say no more about L."
Il tell you l dol" protested he sui
lcnly. why do you doubt me? Con-
sent. md will carry you to my gay
Paris and teach you to lovc!" And he
came nearer and laid hand on her
arm.
Instinctivcly she shrank back. His
face. sai,ow and cunning. was too near
to be pleasant; his black eyes were
fixed. with an expression OF assured
triumph. on hers. Clearly to be read
in them was the conviction that he.
Henri Dubois. was hardly likely to
bc refused. that no girl could resist
when he pleaded. And yet there was
n certain admiration there too. which
she had felt and haled for tho las,
few weeks.
Ito be Continucd.)