The Washington times., 1901-12-01

ing en- orderly. who had been stationed at
the little cottage in case OF Immediate
need, gslloped up to the post for Mac
kenna. He had been expecting the sum
mons and was off at once. When ss -
turned the officers were at mess. He rode
straight up to Darlington.
Richard he said, laying his hand on
the others shoulder.
Darlington looked up quickly, question
ing. in the face above him.
MacKenna nodded.
Yes" he said, she's dying-can't last
the night. She wants to see you. I came
for you myself"
Darlington rose. The men pressed
around. expressing their sympathy.
mo; let him go alone,' said Mac
Kenna, when Johnson reached for his
cap "and Darlington" he added. looking
| straight at the other. his voice calm. but
his eyes strangely dim, remember she
saved the life OF the woman you love,
yours. and the men of the Eleventh, and
be-kind."
Darlington nodded Outside he met
insisted on going with him.
'She need not see me, unless she
wants to- she said. but I want to be
near. Some girl. you know-some girl
of her own age"
Together they went.
Domain was sitting propped UP in bed
There was an expectant look on her white
| face, which every little while she turned
toward the door Suddenly she gave q
quick cry. Her mother, who was sitting
near. glanced up. On the threshold stood
Darlington and Miss Fairfax. Domain
covered her eyes with her hands.
Non, non." she moaned, 'pas ellie.
| told lie bon docteur only moasieuri"
! Her mother tried to soothe her Miss
| Fairfax's face wore look of infinite pity
Go to her." she said to Darlington
and then she drew back. The mother
went in search of her, leaving the two
alone together. Darlington sat down OF
the edge OF the little bed and took Bebe's
| hand.
"Demain?'' he said. softly. "Cherie?"
| Bebe smiled. II she had ever had AM
doubt as to Gods goodness or the exist
ence of Paradise. It vanished then for.
| ever.
"Cherie." he said, trying to speal
cheerfully, you must try to get well
The men of the Eleventh call you their
Jeanne dare"
Bebe smiled again. She was too weak
to talk Just then; weak from coming
death. from present happiness. Presently
she spoke.
"Oul; mails. monsieur. Jeanne dare
died-have 1 got to die, too?"
| Darlington caught his breath hard.
| II only Elizabeth or his sweet-faced
mother in the far-away South were here,
or even Johnson or MacKennal He was
brave enough to face Osconwichita and
his tribe, but this What was he to
say? Something. he knew, since Bebe was
regarding him with appealing. questioning
eyes.
Little oue," he said slowly. to gain
time what did le bon doeteur say?"
81 ask him. He say. with such a
fun-nee look in his eyes, Eat go home
soon. Did lie ton docteur mean to Gas
cony, monsieur"
"Bebe," said Darlington. with a
queer catch in his voice. don't you think
don't you believe that heaven is more
beautiful than Gascony?"
Bebe looked up quickly. Something in
Carrlngtons voice told her the truth.
She turned her face to the wall and shud-
dered.
"Oui, monsieur. but, oh. the grave. the
ground-it is so dark-so cold. And oh,
monsieur, re wrath OF Gcd and-helli'
Darlington leaned over her. He was
not quite sure whether he believed all
he said to Bebe that day; but he did
know that he tried to give her comfort
and show to her the light, in his own
awkward way.
"Demain," he said, soothingly, they
will never put you in the ground. Think,
cherie. how brave Jeanne dare was;
think. she saved France. and you. cherie.
saved-us."
ley will hide me away" Bebe's plain
tive voice went on, away from you"