Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-04-24
CHAPTER Y.


gun and sketch hook he carried.
Away SO early, I.onis2" asked Made
moiselle Montauban.
Even 50. Helen. I am going to spend
au hour in converse with Dame Nature.
whom have so sadly neglected since |
came here, that | scarcely dare lc,'. her
in the face. An hour, and perhaps 80;
in proportion 10 the variety Of the enter
tainment which fnd.'
Then. if that is the case" returned
Helen, in her calm. silver toneS-''if that
is the case. We shall hardly see Won again
till night fail You will iind no lack Of
amusement, as yoa may declare yourself,
if you have not forgotten your former
visits hither; though they have been few
enough. ] confess
70. know there Is no neghborhood
more beautiful than this in the country,
responded Louis. But as for extending
nay wanderings to the borders of the
night, that would not br quite to my
fancy | shall be back here before noon
tide
That IS well. And pray. Louis. she
added, with impressibc earnestness
pray do not 90 too deep into the forest.
Remember your adventure there not sey
en- days Since ~
Lightly he ton~-.ed his lips to her fair
hand, and turning, descended the sloping
path that wound irregulariy down the
height
slight blush rose to her beautiful
cheek as her glance followed, for an in
stants space, the handsome figure of the
young count: and it deepened when he
looked hack, and seeing her still stand
ing there, waved his hand to her Hast
sly she ieft the spot. and re-enterng the
chateau. seated herself in the saloon by
a y inflow at her embroidery Here. put
ting the arapery aside she could observe
the reeedHs figure of her cousin while
pursuing with slow and thoughtful TN
gers, her fayorite employment, until
Louis had disappeared from sight, and
there WAS no outward attraction to break
the rOse-hued thread of meditation that
woYe Itself in and out among the cluster
ing buds aud leaves expanding into life
under her magic touch. Tue marquis was
IN the library among his books, lost 10
the exterior worlG aud wrapt in learned
lore. Helen had no companion save her
own mediratons; but they were sufficient
entertainment for one like her.
Louis continued 10 follow the main road
&aading from the chateau past the viii
iage. and onward to where II reached the
forest. branching off into two distinct
paths ole Of which wound on through
the forest, and the other skirted il to the
left. His mornings work was before
him. Turning his attention tn the beau-
ties Of the quiet scenery about him, Louis
paused now and then along the path to
add some charming sketch to the collee-
ton Of tine drawings in IS book, remem-
bering his Cousins peculiar taste, and Sc
ieeting such points as he knew would best
please her. And wandering slowly still.
he came al last within sight Of the little
dwelling Of his pretty friend Rose.
Then Louis thought OF the wish which
ne had expressed TO her. The cottage
was al = distance yet; he wished to gain
a more distinct view of it. Perhaps he
should discover Rose herself seated ar the
door, ana his scene already laid out fot
him
He FASTENED forward The turn in the
path was soon reached, and the half hid
den cottage was in full sight now: and
yes. there sat Rose at the door, working
with her needle. He paused moment
70 contemplate the scene This little
cottage, or farm house, so rude and plain
in exterior, yet discovered TO him through
that open doorway, where the morning
sun shone in 50 softly, one Of the prettiest
pictures in the world. Rose was lookin.
So lovely that Louis fastened to com
menee his sketch. Yet nearer view
was needed; and. silently as possible. he
moved forward, 50 ~ ~ trace her fea-
lures distinctly. and q tue same time To
avoid disturbing her Rapidly aud with
a grace and yividness Of touch that did
justice to It's present subject. Louis work
cd II was the loyeiiest picture he had
attempted that day, and he enjoyed ii.
Not many minutes was he in completing
it, and then he advanced with a quiet
step up the pathway to the door
But Rose Lamonte was as busy with
her thoughts as with her needle. aud she
did not hear the approaching footstep. II
was not until the shadow Of the youn.
mans form fell across the sill that she
was aroused from her reyerie She looked
up then aud started with some slight sur
prise an beholding the count Immedi-
stely recovering herself, however. she
welcomed him with a smile aud FASTENED
to offer him a seat.
lie accepted it, and sat down near her.
lie had met Rose but twice before. yet il
was I'M such circumstances that the awk
wardness and constrajnt Of first acauaint-
aRee was in meas ~ unknown tn them
and il was the easies, thing in the world
t. fall into conversation now. Tie almost
forge; that their Acquaintance was OF 50
recent a date, indeed.
Where is your father, Rose. this morn
ing hp asked. at hrst Il hoped To see
him.
= ana sorry he is not here. monsieur. =
returned the young girl. But he went
to the forest. something more than an
hour age. 10 gather roots for me, and |
do not knew how soon he will come back
suppose that monsieur L. marquis and
MadcmosFle Helen are we'll today"
quite well. Rose You havr not been
MP to the chateau since last week.
think =
No I 10 not think l have stayed
away from there for So many days TO
getheg in all the years since we cam,
here / seems strange thing to in
4Hjre after then, " said Rose. looking up
"My uncle and Helen were menrianing
IL Yesterday, rejainetl Lnuis. traey in
tend sending for you tomorrow
% I wiil not trouble them 81 FAR as
ia do that" responded the young girl
Il 10 40; need any one 10 cone for pt
now, because 1 can come alone quite as
well Win you he so good as 20 tel
Mademoiselle Helen that ! viii come TO
morrow Z"
I viii go so-cer,ainly.' answered.