Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-09-02

i DILL 1LVA AD61O ~ AS
Monsieur, how can thank you? I
have no words"
"Let the matter rest, Nine. de Lor-
gnac" And then his voice took gen.
tier tone. 81 would not urge your go
ing at once except that we are on De
Clermont's own estates, and he has a
hundred lances with him ut his Cha.
teau de Ferrand. 1t is shut out from
view by the hills. but it lies yonder."
He pointed to the west through the
open window. and as he did so an ex-
| clamation Of surprise burst from him.
and he crossed himself.
followed his glance and saw high
In the he; vens. hanring over the noun
tanous pile of rediening clouds that
| lay IN the west. the grim outline Of q
vast fortress. The huge walls reflected
back with a coppery luster and red
light of the sun. and it was as if we
could see figures moving on the ram
parts aid the flash of arms from the
| battlemcnts. From the Flagstaff on the
donjon broad banner Haunted itself
| proudly. and so clear and distinct was
| the light that we made out with ease
the blazon on the standard and the
straining leashed ounces Of the house
of Clermont- Ferrand. And then the
clouds took q duskier red, and the solid
mass of castle faded away into moth
ing. | stood still and speechless. and
Norreys burst forth: "Sorcery. as live.
Madame, that was the Chateau de Fer
rand"
had never seen the like before,
never again did | see it, nor do | wish
to, and it left me so chilled and faint
that Norreys noticed it at once and
called for wine. AS he did so fancied
| that | heard the beat Of u horses hOOf,
but paid no attention to it. and then
the wine came, and drank, he stand
ing over me. was just setting down
the glass when there was grating at
the entrance. long shadow fell
through the doorway. and De Clermont
stepped in with a CHEEKY Good day,
NJ. de Norreys. | see you have not
been neglecting your time here. Arni-
dieu. Denise! Is it you? You seem to
be forever dropping from the clouds
across my path" And he held out his
hand But took no notice. though
rose from my chair. and Norreys mere
ly bowed frigidlytn return to his greet
| ing De Clermont seemed In nowise
disconnected. but there was an angry
fash in his eyes. and for second he
stood tapping the end of his boot with
his riding whip and looking from one
| to another Of us with half smile on
his lips. Then. putting his pumed hat
on the table and drawing off his gloves,
he drawled out with yelled insolence
| in every tone Of his voice. Upon my
word, NJ. de Norreys congratulate
you, and If it were not for our business
| would leave you in peace, for ma
dame seems to have learned the lesson
that it is well to be off with the old
love before you are on with the new"
He had grasped the weakness Of the
situation at a glance and took full ad.
vantage CT i. but, though outwardly
cool and possessed there was
death in hts eyes. could bear it no
longer and turned to leave the room.
He rose from his seat, saying: Pray
do not leave us, madame-you look
pale, though. and perhaps need rest. !
trust, however, your indisposition has
nothing to do with the sight | observed
you watching from the window. DO
you know what 1t means?" And he
turned to Norreys.
In spite of myself stopped for an
instant; but Norreys ignored him. and
De Clermont went on:
at means, monsieur, that this ap-
partition is always seen when man
dies by the hand of De Clermont-Fer-
rand"
Norreys simply bowed, though |
thought I heard the word "boaster"
muttered between his teeth. and. turn
Ing to me, said. Permit me. madame"
and gave me his arm 10 take me from
the room.
Outside in the narrow passage that
led to my chamber he stopped and held
out his hand.
"Let me say adieu. madame. | would
accompany you If could, but it is i'm
possible. I would advise you to leave
at once before any Of NJ. lie Marquis
men come up. can see he is ripe for
mischief"
M. de Norreys. am no fool can
understand. For mercy's sake, avoid
a quarrel with De Clermont. He Is a
deadly swordsman, and If anything
happens to you | shall feel all my life
| that was the cause Of it. God knows,
| owe you much. for you have opened
my eyes Promise me, monsieur. prom.
| Use men'
| Madame, the use of the sword is moi
| confined to your country nor to dc
Clermont alone" And then he saw the
tears spring to my eyes. "Ah. madame
not that; you will unman me. Set
There is your equerry. Commend me tt
De Lorgnac when you meet, and
adieu."
He dropped my hand and turned Oh
his heel, but could not let him go like
that.
Monsieur, not that way. Promise
me what l ask"
~ promise to avoid quarrel If pos
sible. l can say no more" With that
he went, erect and stately. or what
followed never knew, but, alas. there
is one sorrow that ever haunts me
And in the quiet churchyard OF st
Yriarte is a tomb which visit yearly
with my husband, and 1t covers the
heart of as brave and gallant gentle
man as ever lived-poor Norreys!