Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-07-17
CHAPTER xIx.-tCoptinued.l

VAIN attempts 70. Tree themselves AtNAA'
the harness and rise, and in the darkness
and the storm pursued with oil possible
haste the road TO the chateau. There
was no shelter near. The light form OF
Rose was as nothing in the strong arms
OF the marquis. Rapidly he bore hei
along keeping TIE folds of his cloak
well wrapped about her
we are almost at the village, said
Francis Egerton, as he supported his
companion with lovers tenderness that
met now with no repulse.
For Helen Montauban knew nothing or
it. She was saying to herself, is Rose
dead: Has she escaped meg Am 10
be spared my work at last? She listen
ed for sigh--a gronn, from the Ups OF
that inanimate figure that was borne De
fore her. No sound was heard from
them Already. a strange fever Oh JOY
mingled win the sliivering excitement,
the awe tn horror, which Helen Mon
tauban had felt. She never needed the
rain that poured over her in sheeted tor
rents: the wild winds ragged in vain Tor
her now they were unheard. She only
1onged for light--light. to behold that
childish countenance-to know the truth
But so near were they to the farm
houses now that no delay was made; the
first one was entered, and Rose placed
upon couch. while the farmers wives
crowded about, with earnest kindness
and sympar nv 10 render assistance. But
at the sight of that pale, quiet face, those
closed eyelds and colorless lips, they
were silent and some whispered among
themselves. she is dead" while others
with scarce hope, yet seeking sun tor
one, worked over the lifeless form. Ana
without stood the marquis and the Count
de Clairviile and Francis Egerton by the
fire in the great farm kitchen, IN dread
silence and suspense.
Helen Montauban and the countess had
entered the chamber where Rose was
laid. and rough yet comfortable garments
were offered them to replace their own
dripping ones The countess was already
making this welcome aud really necss-
sary change; but Helen Montaubsn,
thrustiug them from her, pressed to the
couch.
"Stand aside she said to the woman.
And she knelt down there TO look at that
pailid face. round which the dripping
chestnut cnrs were lying in shining
masses. Once those white lips parted
reddened.
"See-see! she ives she breathes! ut
tered one OF the women, in an eager
tremul0us tone. subdued almost TO
whisper-~'she livesw
J 1T is a lier muttered Helen Montau-
ban. between those beautiful shut teeth
A moment elapsed The women gath
cred. with glad, excited, hopeful eyes,
abont the couch-those poor, simple, hon
est.hearted peasant women, praying for
that young life, whose slender thread one
among them would so gladly have seen
broken. And fiercely watched that one.
with bnrning glance, heart that stood
all but still. 1t was no liel
slowly those lovely eyes Enclosed, and
rested upon the glad. smiling faces gath
cred about the couch There was no rec
ignition in them at first; but presently,
meeting the anxious glance Of the good
countess. who bent over her, she sighed
fainty and putting her hand to her head,
Whispered, 30, yes: | remember re-
member now -
Helen Montauban was gone. In an adj
joining chamber she removed the satu-
rated garments she had worn. and sub
stitnted for them the apparel sent from
tie chateau by domestic; then proceed
ing to the kitchen. joined her father and
his con panious. who had just learned
that Rose had revived The head of the
marquis was bowed, his face buried in
his hants. The emotion of gratitude he
felt Mt he bringing back of that young
life almost overcame him.
The night passed and morning broke,
clear and still above the earth, wher, so
lately all had been commotion. The voice
of the tempest had died away in silence.
Broad and fair the sunlight shone above
the pleasant valley. They bore Rose
with gentleness and care back TO the cha
team She was quite i'll, almost unable
to move d limb from weakness The in
iuries that others had escaped. she had
received and from being so long exposed
to the storm, there was every reason to
believe that serious consequences would
ensue.
And the apprehension was justified
During the day her indisposition increas
ed. and at night feverish and delirious
she tossed upon her touch, with a wills
briNanfy in those soft eyes. and
scorchhig flush upon her beautiful cheek
1t was pitiful to hear her vanderins
words. and listen to the incoherent ming
lingS OF sorrow and joy, in her wild de
Iirium. The marquis looked upon he
once. aud then turned away with stream
ing eyes from the room, 20 seclude him
self in the library, whore he passed tn
night in watchings The Count Frederi
and Francis Egerton remained till dawl
in the saloon Every domestic in tn
chateau kept vigil during those long an
mnurnful hours; for not an eye coui
close in slumher. Helen Montauban an
the countess had their post in that sic
chamber. beside the couch OF the sc
girl who recognized neither Of them Al
night long she raved. and the flush burn
ed strong and steady on her cheek, an
the ligh,nng's flash was not more bril-
liant than the fre sentilhting from thos
dark eyes.
Slowly the eaden night hours wake
ard waned and Helen Montauhan su
beside the pillow of Rose, regardless q
slGmber. The countess. sitting by th
fire. still wept and prayed in silence Tn
doctor came to the bedside
''You need rest. mademoiSellc. he sait
cannot | prevail upon YOU TO retire an
snatch few hours rcpese while waite
here; The fatigue and exposure of la;
night. though no present III effects AT
felt from them. may be productive ,
evil consequences, il your nerves continu
thus overtaNed.
"Nour pardon. returned Helen, in col
and quiet tones. but | anticipate no III
pleasant results from our adventure (
last night and you must be- conscior
that, even if such were not the case,