Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-06-19
CHAPTER KY.

81 iFhleu Win nhppy excitement as sHS
sat before her mirror. The blue-eyed
Finette was in raptures.
Rose had hardly thought during the
absence of Robin, that she could be so
deeply excited by the news Of his antici-
pated return: but she was too overjoyed
to remain quiet single moment. At
breakfast, it was impossible f6r her to
eat: and the remarks everywhere made
concerning the sudden improvement in
her appearance, as well as on her sud-
den and contradictory loss of appetite,
increased the tinge OF crimson that al
ready glo"ed in her young cheek.
One thing detracted from her other
wise perfect happiness. Louis had ex-
cused himself from appearing. She had
scarcely seen him the night before, after
leaving the library, and then he had been
unusually quiet, commnning with liln-
self during the entire evening" and he
was absent tn morning. She longed TO
see him-to hear him speak, that she
might know he was not offended with
her; for she remembered the interview
between them; and might not the abrupt
ness-the violence, perhaps, ce her man
ner. unconscious though /: was, have
wounded him? Yes; despite the tender
ness of that silent parting. How her
pulse quickened at the remembrance of
his embrace. She could but sigh.
II wonder at what time | shall see
Robin?" soiiloquized the young girl.
''Will monsieur lie marquis call me into
the library, | wonder? Or will the meet
ing take place here. among all these poo
PIE? Where is Robini" was her rext
restless inqulry-an inquiry which she
had started a thousand times, and as a
matter Of course, in vain. since the pre-
vious evening; "and where is it that mon
sieur lie marquis has seen him SO often Of
later"
Her queries were interrupted by obsery-
ing suddenly that the marquis was about
TO leave the apartment.
"Ah. he has not said word TO mer'
meditated Rose lie tantalizes me. WIN
he not come back and speak--only three
words? VIII he not even look at me,
that | may understand-that | may know
whether Robin is coming soonT'
But he neither spoke, turned nor gave
her single glance. Yet the.a vas some
thing, despite his evident ear which be-
trayed in his cOuntenance the sympathy
he felt with Rose. He went out. The
Count de Clairville talked. aside, with his
wife. Helen Montauban. at distant
window, sat calmly at her embroidery.
Lord Egerton bent over her, and spoke,
from time to time. some words. which, if
their effect had been noted. might have
been seen, ever and anon. to be followed
by deeper mantling of color in the fair
cheek Of the lady, though she scarcely
MI Of Kko
man toyed and trihed with the gorgeous
silks that lay in tangled mass of rain
bow bloom in the tiny basket by Helen's
side; and then his glance rested on her
face with an expression difiicllt 10 ue de-
fined, though at times it was clearly one
OF unhappiness and disappointment.
But Rose. albeit she glanced towards
the pair more than once. hardly took note
of these things. She could only think
of the marquis, OF Robin. and of the an
ticipated meeting. She was restless-un-
easy. From one esHrloyment to another
she turned. without being able to settle
her attention undoubtedly upon any in
dividual thing. Suddenly mademoisele
called, gently:
Rose, come hither momentw
The young girl advanced towards the
window.
"You wish to speak with me, Helen?"
abe asked.
II have been telling Lord Egerton Of
some favorite books of his which are in
the library" returned Mademoiselle Mon
tauhan. carelessly. "Wili You have the
kindness. Rose, to help him find them ?
He will tell you their titles
Cruel Helen" murmured Francis Egg
erton. reproachfully. as be glanced at her
quiet face before turning away.
''Not so, my lord" she answered, in the
same tone, without lifting her eyes
At that instant domestic entered. and
coming directly 60 Rose, informed her
that monsieur le marquis desired TO see
her Immediately in the library.
The young girls heart bounded violent
ly.
81 am going now" she answered; and
yet she paused.
Francis Egerton glanced back at Hell
en-, with an air, half OF triumph half OF
sorrow. which said plainly. you see
your unkind artifice to repel me awaits
you nothing. Why viii you persist In
this conduct-this treatment of ne?"
Mademoisele Montauban saw the look
and read it easily; but she never once
changed countenance, and her eyes were
Instantly fixed on her embroidery again
Lord Egerton turned to Rose:
"You are going, mademoiselle?'
''Yes-now." She gathered courage;
she would not look up in her companion,
face, but hastily proceeded to meet the
marquis.
Francis aecomDanie1 her as for a. III,
library door, and then leaving her. return
ed directly TO Helen.
But Rose, even though her hand rested
upon the fastening of the doo.. had, a
FIRST, scarcely the courage to pass in. Sh,
hesitated and trembled. but finally. laugh
Ing at herself for a little coward, sh
quietly entered. The marquis stood a
the further end Of the an. tment, il
company with gentleman--a stranger
and both had their faces turned from tn
door. They had not heard her come in
She paused an instant longer. and locke,
about her. No other person was in tn
room. Robin, then, was not here Sh
had half expected, she hardly knew why
70 see him at this moment. and she sigh
ed. The marquis still continued his cou
yersatiOn with the stranger. This pei
son, who was richly yet plainly attire
IN suit of deep black, with a short cloa
of sable velvet dropping from his shou
ders held in one hand pen and sma
portfolio of papers: the other rested o
the table beside him, supporting him. a
he leaned forward towards the marquis
Suddenly the latter. aroused 10y som
movement Of Rose, turned AID beheld he
and immediately, after whispering a sir