Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-11-03

underground path to De Chaumont's ma
nor descended by terraces of steps end
entered blacl1ness.
A rank odor of earth filled it; and
never passed that way without hardening
for the insect-like song of the rattlesnake.
The ground was slippery, and thick dark
ness seemed to press the soul out of the
body Yet 1 liked it; for when we reach
ed the staircase of rock that entered the
house, she would vanish.
And so it was.
She did say-"Good highland good
morning"
And I answered, Good morning and
good night"
We were both physically exhausted.
Ny head swarmed as with sparkles, and
a thousand emotions tore me, for was
at the age when we risk all on chances.
sat alone on the steps, unmindful of
that penetrating chill of stone which in
creases rather than decreases, the longer
you sit upon It, and thought of ali that
had been said by my new friend at the
camp fire, while the moon went lower
and lower, the potter turned his wheel,
and the idiot slept.
The mixed and oblique motives of hui
man nature-the boys will-worked like
gigantic passions.
She had said very little to me in the
boat and Ifhad said very little to her;
not realizing that the camp talk, in which
she took no part separated us in new
way.
Sitting alone on the steps held this
imaginary conversation with her.
IT am going to France!'
You, MONSIEUR
Eyes, J."
'How are you going?"
IT don't know, but 1 am going"
''The Duke of Orleans did not mention
such a thing"
Bother the Duke of Orleans
when are you going?"
"Nowr'
'eBut it may not be best to go at this
time"
cit is always best to go where you are!"
Monsieur, do not throw away your fu-
ture on an unconsidered move"
Madame, I VIII throw away my eter-
nity!'
Then went back through the tunnel to
the beach, stripped. and took a plunge
to clear my head and warm my blood.
rubbing off with my shirt
On reaching my room the first thing
did was to make bundle of everything
considered necessary and desirable.
There was no reason for doing this be-
fore lying down; but with an easier mind
1 closed my eyes; and opened them to find
sunset shining through the windows, and
Dr. Chantry keeping guard in an arm
chair at my side.
Mature has taken her revenge on you.
my lad" said he. And now am going
to take mine"
1T have slept all day"
'Renegades who roam the woods ali
night must expect to sleep all dayr'
How do you know have been in the
woods all night?'
IT heard you slipping up the tunnel
stairs without any shoes on at daylight.
have not been able to sleep two nights
on account of you
''Then why don't you go to bed yourself.
my dear masters"
Because m not going to let you give
me the slip another time. 1 am response
BILE for you: and you will have me on
your back when You go prowling abroad
again"
''Again?'' I questioned innocently.
Eyes, again. young sir! l have been.
through your luggage and find that you
have packed changes of clothing and
things necessary and unnecessary to a
journey,-even books"
ST hope you put them neatly together
Nothing of the kind. 1 scattered
them"
do you want me 20 go bare into the
''Lazarre," said my master, you were
a good lad, studious and Jealous beyond
anything 1 ever saw"
''And now 1 am bad end lazy"
"You have dropped VOW books and TAX
en- to wild weys."
'"There is one thing dear master, ]
haven't done: 1 haven't written poetry"
He blinked and smiled. and felt in his
breast pocket, but thought better of it,
-
There was no escaping his tenacious grip.
He sat by and exercised me in Latin
declensions while dressed. We had sup
per together. 1 saw no member of the
household except the men, Pierre and
Jean. Doctor Chantry ordered mattress
put in my room and returned there with
me.
We talked long on the approaching de-
parture of the count and Madame de Fer
rier. He told me the latest details of
preparation and TREMENDOUSLY explained
how he must feel the loss of his sister.
81 have nothing left but you, Lazarre."
''My dear MASTER" 1 said, patting one
of his shriveled hands between mine, II
am going to be open with you"
sat on the side of my bed facing his
arm chair. and the dressing glass reflect
ed his bald head and my young head
drawn near together.
Did you ever feel as if you were
prince?''
Dr. Chantry wagged a pathetic mega
tive
Haven't you ever been ready to dare
anything and everything, because some
thing in you said-I mustr'
Again DIR. Chantry wagged negative.
Now / have to break bounds-I have
to leave the manor. and try my fortune!