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


down man whom | think | have seen
before. Do yen know who it was?
"You mean / think, Gasparde, my
cousin. But hush!-hcre he comes"
And al that moment the individual des-
ignated entered the cottage door. lie
made a ,iri obeisance to Rose and the
young man, md accosting Hugh. request
ed, in low tone. 20 speak with him
alone
The two retired, as before. to the gar
den There somewhat lengthy confer
enoe was held, during which time Rose
and Robin were c0nyersing together in
doors, and Gasparde's name was not in
frequently mentioned in the course of
their dialogue. The young man seemed
to be somewhat Interested in him, and
asked several questions concerning him.
by which he gathered the knowledge that
Gasparde had some time very deeply Of
Tended both Rose and her father; but he
also heard of his having come the pre-
vious day to make apologies for 50 do.
ing.
And. meanwhile, itugh ended the coll
ioquy between himself and Gasparde in
the garden, when they prepared to re-
enter the house, The coRntenance Of the
former was gloomier' and darker than
ever.
Captain" said the man. II don't re-
member having seen thar person in the
kitchen before. suppose you won't
think it impertinent if ask you who
he is?''
''He is to become the husband of
Rose. returned Hugh ':FIis name is
Robin Maroon" And he glanced closely
at the countenanees Of his companion to
detect SOME signal Of his feelings at this
announcement But all was undisturbed
ed there. m a-1t
$50 Rose Is TO be itarried?" said Gas
parde We'll, he viii make her an ex-
cellent husband. hope; and | wish her
much happiness, with all my heart.
suppose monsieur, you have not forgot
ten the time when / wished So earnestly
to marry Rose myself-haye you? But"
he continued II am going tn be married
to another young girl, at some distance
from here, shortly"
And the lie was believed. They went
IN, and Gasparde remained a short time
longer. affecting m air Of the most per-
feet friendliness towards Robin. And
when he took his departure to return to
the village. Robin accompanied him.
They went along the road talking togeth-
er OF one thing and another in a care
less way. speaking on great many sub
gects, and dwelling on none long, till they
came 10 little grove, past which the
rad ran, about half way between the cot
sage and the village.
"A pleasant place yoader," observed
Robin. nodding his head towards it.
Yes-yes; pleasant enough" respond
ed Gasparde; but | dare say there are
pleasanter places"
Just so, my friend" rejoined the
young man you are right. And those
that have more agreeable associations, as
we'll For instance, IL man had been
shot there by an unseen enemy. the place
wouldn't be quite so attractive as many
another"
He glanced casually at the face of his
companion as he said it, but beneath the
careless tone and manner was a meaning,
and in that glance he read, like lightning.
the expression Of GaSparde's face. 1t
was one of sudden, startled uneasiness
The man looked quickly up at him. with
cat answer The effect was satisfactory.
Robin went on:
II had a master formerly, who was. one
day, wounded in the manner which |
have described. and in that very wood
which we have passed"
"Aad he told you about 1t ?" said Gas
parde. watching Robin closely
"You are right. He told me about H."
did he guess who fired at him?"
u suppose SO. Though he kept it to
himself. He said he meant TO punish
the rogue when he could catch him"
Who was your master, il may ask p
"The Compile dArtois. You may have
heard OF him possibly. But must bid
yon adieu, my friend for here l am at
the farm"
"Adieu." returned Gasparde: and he
continued his route. muttering. Il have
you now, my mastcrl You think I am
cowEd--,lo you? All. wait-only watt
You are taking a great deal of trouble to
win my pretty cousin but I shall have
her yet. Only time-tine. | will let
you just grasp the prize and then tear
it from you. The later my vengeance.
the sweeter it will be-
II was sunset again, and our pretty
heroine. Rose Lamontc, was returning
from the Chateau Montauban. whittier
she had gone early in the afternoon to
see Mademoisele Montauban. who. She
WIS told by her father. wished to speak
with her on a matter Of Importance. With
u light and happy heart, Rose had gone
10 meet the lady, and, three or four hours
afterwards. was returning home with
tears 10 her eyes, and step4eery differ.
snt frum that usual with her. Walking
slowly along. wrapped in sorrowfui med
itatiou, she was suddenly aroused by the
Soice Of Robin pronnuncns her name He
was isst going down TO the cottage.
why. what ais you. nly Rose - he
asked. tenderly. You are weeping, Why
IS thisf'
%, Robin, my father is going away
Was her sad answer.
>.Going away2 Nh, how sorry am snr
ron. dear child! But how soon is he 20.
ing. and where will he go toy
II do not know. He did not tell me:
MademoiSelle Helen told ne. and she
kaew nothing further than what | have
just said to you. But am afraid it will
be very soon.' And the tears chased
each other over her fair cheeks
Why did he pot acQuaiut you with this
fact. Rose?"
"Iudeet, ] do not know. Perhaps he
had not the courage. Poor papa! And
besides. the Marquis and Mademoisele
Moutaubau are to keep me at the chateau
Until he returns; that was why she wish
81 me 70 come up this afternoon. to tell
aie nj this. and SO he left it all for her
ts tell"
Il knew you were going TO stay II the
chateau Rose but not that your father