The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1901-12-26
CHAPTER XI-Continued.

somewhat of a recluse, q poet and
dreamer, who loves to view men and
their affairs from height. OF late I
have feared his health was impaired
and have suggested to him to spend the
coming summer in the mountains of
Virginia. He does not take to the idea,
however, and expresses reluctance to
going away from the plantation
Il, too, have noticed his changed ap-
pearance and manner. Formerly he
came often to our house; now L seldom
see him, and then be appears almost
unfriendly. Maybe he is in love, or
maybe I have offended him." Estelle
suggested.
mot the latter, 1 am certain,'' said
Oakfell, land I do not think the for
mer, but if such should be the case I
wonder who can be the happy demoi-
selle?''
Il could not guess" replied Estelle,
"but I do know one who ardently adj
mires him."
"Who is she?"
"Laure Juneau. She was very jeal-
Gus of the friendly visits M. Evariste
formerly paid to me. Alas, she has no
cause for jealousy nowv'
do you regret it?" asked Oakfell,
alarmed.
"Regret what? Estelle looked up,
surprised.
'"That the Gascon gypsy girl has no
cause for jealousy of you concerning
Evariste.'
IT regret that he visits me so sell
dom, but not the other" Estelle, with
womanly instinct, perceived that the
sting Of jealousy had momentarily
thrown Oakfel off his guard, and she
rejoiced in this as the beginning Of
proof that he loved her. "But why do
you call Laure a gypsy?'' she queried.
II should not have done So" Oakfell
admitted, ''but suppose the thought
rose from her black and brown style Of
beauty and her connection with the un-
canny fame of the doctress. to whose
trade and it's good will she doubtless
will succeed as forced heir of her grand
mother" -
"Not Laure," laughed Estelle "Reli-
gion sits too lightly on her. The doc
tress must be duly religious. You must
not speak irreverently of the doctress,
Mother Deshautelles, for she is kind to
the poor and suffering and has given
relief to those who could not buy it
from the doctors"
81 speak irreverently Of nothing that
is honestly meant, however mistaken it
be, and upon your avouching will re-
spect the doctress in the future more
than l have done in the past" Oak
fell concluded he could not safely dis
cuss the peculiar powers attributable
to the old woman, but was loath just
yet to abandon the granddaughter as a
topic and added: "Laure was decidedly
a campaigner against us in the suit. I
wonder why she felt so Interested"
There is strange sympathy between
her and NJ. Quillebert have heard my
grandfather say, and NJ. Quillebert has
sure control over the persons whom he
takes into friendship. l dread his in
f1uence over my poor grandfather and
daily pray God to destroy it. He is q
wicked man, whose smile is as danger
GUS as his frown.'
"Should the supreme court sustain
the judgment in Icons case I have rea-
son to believe Quillebert will quit this
parish" Oakfell said. land then your
grandfather will be released from the
hrrtful intimacy"
If the supreme court sustains the
judgment!' Estelle exclaimed. "Can
you doubt it. Mr.. Oakfell?"
There should be no doubt, vet the
Judges of the high tribunal are only
men, subject to human passions, preju-
dices and imperfections of judgment.
l have no absolute reliance upon any
future event which depends upon the
mental operations Of men. Quillebert
has taken an appeal and, am inform
ed, will retain a leading member of the
city bar to prosecute it. However, the
case cannot be heard until fall, and
much may happen before that"
"Yes," said Estelle spiritedly, "you
may be selected as member Of con-
gress at Washington, as have heard
my grandfather say"
1T is true that some Of my very par,
tial friends talk in that vein, and con-
TESS to you, mademoiselle, that I am
not averse to the idea if the people
deem me deserving Of the honor and
trust"
"Oh, do try, Mr.. Oakfell! You will
certainly succeed. You are in every
way worthy. You will honor the peo-
pie. You will make me so happy. Oh,
what am l saying? Forgive my igno-
rance" And, sobbing her confusion,
she ran into the house.
Oakfell rose and stepped toward her,
but she was too fleet. He resumed his
chair and meditated upon this incident,
which assured him that he possessed
Estelle's interest, possibly her love.
His heart welled over with joy and
thankfulness, and at one moment he
resolved to declare himself that even
ing, but at the next determined to