Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-05-15
CHAPTER TX.

1I13E l. IN
It was not without a sigh of regret
that Helen Montauban observed the rair
which she was forced TO infiict on one
who loved deeply and truly. Francis Egg
erton had inspired her with Il sentiment
Of the most earnest esteem; but the
knowledge Of the depth Of his regard for
her had almost decided her. at first. to
break off an intimacy which. on his part,
claimed something more than the name Of
friendship. This, however seemed too
harsh a measure She could not persuade
herself TO go so far. She liked him sin
cerely; her regard for him was too real
too deep, to permit her thus absolutely
to relinquish the occasional society of
Lord Egerton; while she trusted to cure
him, in time OF the passion. which she
felt too well. from a consciousness Of her
own preference in different quarter, she
should never he able to return
Since his arrival just after Rose had
become an inmate Of the Chateau Montau-
ban, she had begun to feel that she had
4 means. Of assistance At hand. She did
not pause for time to define any plan,
or to say to herself in so many words.
that such and such an ultimate issue had
been guessed at, or hoped. for, by her;
but she appropriated the means present
ed TO her. and trusted that they would
succeed.
Meeting, on the very FIRST evening of
his arrival at the chateau, with repulse,
gentle. though firm, from Helena tIisap-
pointment 70 hopes long, yet aoubtfully,
cherished and feeling that the detection
and unhappincss which he felt would if
observed, draw upon him the attention
of those about HIM he endeayored to con
ceal NIL evidence Of his feelings under a
calm exterior. and to eyince as much in
terest in affairs about him as was possi-
BILE.
He found himself thrown daily into the
society of Rose I4amonte, often by
chance. oftener by Helen's own agency
lie admired her heauty-her innocence
and grace had charm FOR him. Helen
Moutauban know it. He first merely ne
knnwlcdEed, and was sensible Of her
presence; then he sought IT, Rose con
fcsscd to Helen her admiration of him.
I and seemed 10 eviuce pleasure i'm his
society. II was plain that she did not
dislike him; and Helen. although She had
many doubts at first. changed them final
Is for most agreeable yet secret Specula-
tithN HA iAe iNtNEts tNtlC urea litR& tRAt
Francis EgeFton was yet true 20 her. or
that Rose Lamonte's thoughts. even in
his presence. turned aud dwch foudly,
though sadly on the memory Of her hum,
bic. yet unforgOtten. lover.
( Meanwhile Mademoiselle Montauhau
thought often and anxieusly OF her cous
I in: for Louis had not written once since
his departure from the chateau. aud twc
+ months had now elapsed. aud nearly the
/ third, since that time. Her father ais,
mentioned him frequently, and expressed
+ his pcrpeNity at his silence. and no les.
/ ut his prolonged absence Many aa hour
at nightfall. Helen kueit sadly at her
( easement. with her glance sorrow fuiiy
fixerd on the road below that wouud
{ through the valley aud beyond the hills
I the road over which he had passed on
/ the morning when he left her
"Whcn will he traverse it again - she
asked herself Whom. knecling here. at
/ my sad post. in the twilight or the dawn
{ shall | behold him returningT'
One afternoon. being oppressed with 3
slight headache, she had thrcwn herself
/ upon her couch TO djspe it. II possible
4 by slamber suddenly her uncle's step
light and quick. came through the gal
lery. end Immediately Jessie herself en-
tered the chamber. bearing a iigs:. Hel