Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-02-01

task he had from conscience imposed
upon himself took a poetic color which
1t had wholly wanted but for her inter-
est. he experienced no difficulty In de-
Gliding that he should without loss Of
time call on his gentle colleague, both
to pledge his loyalty to the cause she
had espoused and delicately warn her
to reticence in the presence OF her volu-
bic grandfather. whose malleability in
the masterful hands of Quillebert
might otherwise become the fruitful
source OF mischief.
The bride path through the swamps
behind the bayou fields shortened con-
siderably the distance between LES
perance and the Latiolais plantation.
The shadows of afternoon were but
beginning to lengthen when Oakfell
startled Estelle. with broad hat tied I'M
der her chin and shears In her hand,
clipping a shrub OF sweet olive. Flush
ed cheeks and embarrassed manner tes-
tilted her maidenly timidity, but quick
ly the convent taught politeness came
TO her aid, and she gracefully welcomed
her visitor TO seat upon the veranda,
where at the summons of her mistress
Odette served cool water Favored with
the strip OF mandarins.
You will. hope, be not displeased,
mademoiselle. when I tell you that
three years have made such change in
your appearance that scarcely would
have recognized you elsewhere than
here at your home" said Oakfell.
81 sufficiently realize that" she re-
nj ,1 n
then at the little daguerreotype | sent
TO grandpere from New Orleans when
j 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
j, but she looks two years younger"
us she one Of your companions?'
asked Oakfell.
1--WE have known each other all our
lives" answered Estelle, land the men.
ton of her name reminds me, Mr.. Oak.
felI"-
al beg you will not" oakfen inter,
rupted.
But" she persisted, 81 feel bound"-
$50 do l." said Oakfell. smiling, "for
there are other natter we can discuss
with more likelihood OF agreement
for instance, the message you sent TO
me by Quillebert's jockey, Leon"
"Oh, Mr.. Oakfell," 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 notT
'Your command moved my mind to
that resolution" he said.
"And you will succeed" she declared.
with warmth. Father 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 l too bold, and did / do
wrong? had no time to advise with
my grandfather"
mo, mademoiselle. My misglving
is as to my own ability. But what
strength / have shall be exerted to the
fullest, and should success meet my eff
forts the gratitude Of Leon and Odette
will be due to you"
"And mine to you, Mr.. Oakfell. So
you Will receive 1t all, as you we'll de-
serve"
Your grandfather is well, / trust.
Is he at homes? 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"
m. Latiolais' virtues are too con.
hrmed to be weakened by contact with
so coarse character. Nevertheless" -
Oakfeil 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"
mot in the least" she answered him.
at Is we'll founded and just and shall
be respected. When will you beginY
Il cannot say" he replied. The work
OF preparation may occupy me until
fall"
Il 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 lust
a cause" said Estelle.
Your good will shall be my sufficient
stay" said Oakfell, Offering his hand in
adieu, and the touch produced 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 viii never yield to injustice.
What a handsome. good face he has,