The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1901-11-21
CHAPTER VI-COntiuued.

then at the little daguerreotype sent
to grandpere from New Orleans when
| first went to the convent. Sometimes
I fear shall be an old woman while
my companions are still young girls.
Laure Juneau is two years older than
l, but she looks two years younger"
rs she one Of your companions ?"
asked Oakfen.
I'VE have known each other all our
nves," answered Estelle, land the men,
ton Of her name reminds me. Mr.. Oak
felr'-
Il beg you will not" Oakfen inter-
rupted
But" she persisted, II feel bound''-
$50 do l." said Oakfell. smiling, "for
there are other matters we can discuss
with more likelihood of agreement
for instance, the message you sent to
me by Quilleberts jockey, Leon"
"Oh, Mr.. OaAfell," she exclaimed,
was ever such a cruel, wicked wrong?
But you will protect poor Leon and de-
liver him from that ferocious man, will
you not?'
"Your command moved my mind to
that resolution" he said.
"And you will succeed" she declared,
with warmth. FEATHER Grhe's account
of your speech in the legislature
against that disgraceful law forbidding
emancipation Of slaves told me you
were brave and wise, and your cham
pionship Of me in the election Of god
mother for the bell told me you were
generous, and therefore sent Leon to
you. Was I too bold, and did I do
wrong? I had no time to advise with
my grandfather"
mo, mademOiselle. My misgiving
is as to my own ability. But what
strength 1 have shall be exerted to the
fullest, and should success meet my ef-
forts the gratitude Of Leon and Odette
will be due to you."'
"And mine to you, Mr.. Oakfell. So
you will receive it all, as you we'll de-
serve"
"Your grandfather is we'll, I trust.
Is he at home?" Oakfell inquired.
''He is quite well, but regret is not
at home. He rode away an hour ago,
fear, to Quillebert's," Estelle replied,
an expression Of pain coming to her
face. II do wish dear grandfather
was not so much with that bad man,
whose evil influence over his kind,
yielding nature so much dread
IN. Latiolais' virtues are too con-
firmed to be weakened by contact with
so coarse a character. Nevertheless"
OalSfell added, "this intimacy between
them compels me to suggest, ma
demoiselle, that nothing be said to
your grandfather Of Icons visit to me
or of my intentions in his behalf. |
pray you will not feel offense at the
SUGGESTION
"Not in the least" she answered him.
1T is we'll founded and just and shall
be respected. When will you begin"
81 cannot say" he replied. THE work
Of preparation may occupy me until
fall"
II will earnestly pray God and the
Virgin to aid and to bless you and to
enable me, though but an ignorant and
feeble girl, to be Of some use in so just
a cause" said Estelle.
"Your good will shall be my sufficient
stay" said Oakfell, offering his hand in
adieu. and the touch produced a deli
cious shock that sent the blood bound
ing through his veins in a manner new
to his experience
AS he rode away with a knightly
bow Estelle turned to her maid, who
had loitered unseen within hearing dis
lance of the conversation, and said:
Il am so glad that sent Leon to him.
am so happy that he came to see me.
Now am sure did not do wrong and
that he will never yield to injustice.
What handsome. good face he has,
Odette''
"Oh, mamselle. be is among men
what you are among women, the first
OF the1good!' answered Odette. HE is
the only one fit for you, and you are the
only one fit for him."
What are you thinking of, silly
thing? Mr.. Oakfen is not a Catholic,
and l am" said Estelle, family pout-
ing.
Il know he is not a Catholic" the
maid replied, 'but, for all that, he> is
the best man in the parish. l have
heard Father Grhe say that
Father Grhe has honest and correct
opinions, and whatever he says l be-
lieve. But Mrs. Oakfell will very likely
be one Of those bold American beauties
on Bayou BGuf, not the shy and STU
pid little creole Of Bayou Rouge" Es-
telle said plaintively.
"Ah, my sweet mistress, if you had
seen M. Oakfells face as I saw it when
you gave him your hand for goodby
you would not talk so. And if he looks
for beauty, which one Of the American
ladies can compare with Mamselle La
tlolais? Beauty is not everything to
such as M. Oakfell, nor boldness, nor
money. Something better than all these
he will want-the good. true heart and
no American lady has heart Of pearl
like my Mistress" The slave girl spoke
warmly and Loyalty, and Estelle ran
into the house to conceal the bushes
Of happiness these words brought to
her cheeks.