The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-12-20
tied It together before Anne had appeared

) to announce formally the engagement oi
Anne to de Kersaint. The countess had
protested, and had again directly preached
to her grandfather the subject OF her
plithed troth to de Vitre. The MARQUIS
had refused to hear her; as before, mad
pooh-poohed the whole affair as girlish
Irritation. What had maidens to do with
hearts? he questioned. Those were lux
uries reserved for married women. In the
ethics Of France in that day malden's
duty was obedience. AS for de Wire, ne
was cadet of an obscure house, no match
for the last and most beautiful OF the de
Rohans. She surely was not In earnest!
Her grandfather's refusal would indeed
relieve her honorably Of the attentions OF
de Wire, since she had expressly stipu-
lated for his consent. But between de
vitre and de Kersaint she preferred the
former or to speak by the card. she pre-
ferred neither. She wanted Grafton, ana
Grafton only. She was IN as great I'M
happiness therefore In this new develop.
ment as before. Unable. or unwilling, at
that time, to break into open rebellion,
especially now that she was separated ap-.
parently irrevocably from Grafton, Anne
deemed it we'll to temporize In spite OF
her fight, her remuneration Of him, she
was waiting and hoping to hear from the
man she loved. She had only stipulated,
therefore, that there was to be no formal
betrothal, and that her grandfather should
confine himself to the simple announce
ment at the feast that 1t was IN con-
temptation
Like Grafton, she was fighting for time.
Indeed, in the enga cement to, de Kersalnt
she really thought there was loophole
for an escape before her. Between; dc
Kersaint and de Wire what might not
happen. She was fully resolved never to
marry de Kersaint, and her resolution
with regard to de Wire was not so strong
as it had been. Absence, separation both
pleaded powerfully for Grafton. So she
waited-and hoped still.
AS for de Wire, he had been cordially
welcomed In France and had been
promptly promoted when the story Of his
heroism had been made known; but his
shrift would have been short indeed II
he had presumed to cross the path OF the
marquis, whose influence with de Con-
fans was unbounded. It was we'll known
that the French intended to get to sea
at once. Opportunities for distinction
would certainly occur. He could not
afford to jeopardize his chance for service.
Therefore, he was forced to endure the
situation in silence. Yet 1t Is possible
that none of these considerations would
have weighed with him had not the course
+, which he pursued been entoined upon MIN
by Anne herself, under threat of imme-
date and final rejection. He. too, there
fore waited and hoped.
The face Of de Kersaint las Grafton
surveyed it, was filled with Joy and good
humor. The Frenchman noted WIN evil
dent satisfaction the glances OF adm1ra-
ton and envy which were cast at his
end yof the table, and 1t was
plain to be seen that he was entire
" satisfied with the situation, and the
complacence Of the old marquis was equal
.ly apparent. The engagement had not
been formally announced, but every one
was practically aware Of it.
:. Laughter jollity, 1nerrment, subdued by
the refnements and requirements OF good
breeding. floated around the table. Joy
and good humor were reflected from every
face except two. Hearts beat high in an
ticipation. The officers of the squadron,
who had not yet received orders for the de-
parture, felt that it was in the wind and
eagerly anticipated it.
Tired of the long days of inaction while
blockaded by Hawke, they longed to get
to sea; the re- enforcement which Commo-
dore de Bompart had been luckily enabled
to bring them made them equal in strength
to their naughty enemies, and they were
fain to get at them. With sailors alb
horrence of land, they thirsted for blue
water and the open sea, the heave of the
unquiet deck, the sing Of the wind through
the cordage when. the ship tossed and
pitched on the waves in the salt air. They
were going out, they felt sure, and they
waited expectantly for the word.
Grafton, who had ample time to study
the people in the dining room as the ban
quet progressed, marked with a thrill OF
happiness that the universal joy was not
reflected in the face of his love. Never
had he seen it colder, paler, more filled
with tina ineffable disdain he loved to note
when not meant for him. There was not
the slightest touch of mirth and happiness
In her features as her eyes restlessly swept
the table. When~her glance fell upon the
huge and happy Frenchman who sat next
her. Grafton noticed that she seemed tt
shrink from him. None buta lovers eye
could have detected the movement, but tt
him, it was plain.
:. He stared steadily at her through the
little opening in the curtain until she be.
came restless under his intent look. Hel
eyes wavered, and finally became fixed
upon the hangings behind which he stood
with look as If tey might have burned
through them. Her lips parted slightly
He could see the more rapid rise and fal
of her breast as she leaned forward. HI
could almost swear that she saw him. .
Indeed. an influence which she could fee
but not recognize drew her eyes toward
his own, She could not see him, she die
not dream he was there, but some impell
ing force caused her heart to beat madly
De Kersaint spoke to her, but she took NJ
notice. The marquis, noting her abstrac
ton, turned in surprise and then quietl,
laid his hand upon her jeweled finger!
stretched listlessly upon the table. Sh,
oCCAAOu " "dhO Will b. pdlu1ul start
passed her hand over her brow, and looked
at him. ~.
Gentlemen" said the marquis at last
the repast having been concluded by thi
time, before the Countess Anne retires
wish You to drink a health with me-"
I "A health! A health" cried the, men
thrusting their chairs back from the table
seizing their full glasses, and rising t.
their feet as they spoke. =, -
4Messieurs, cried the old man in hi.
high pitched voice, Il give you the health
of the Demoiselle de Rohan and tn,
Comte de kersaint, and announce to, yo,
the engagement which has been entered
upon between this son and daughter O
Brittany. to carry on and perpetuate tn.
two ancient races" = A... - 49,, 3. a.
This was death and agony to Grafton
It was only by the strongest constrain
that he could keep himself from burstins
into the room. :&..,a.. 4,
..vive ia Demoiselle de, Rohan"
:, "Vive de Kersaint!' II
y Long life and happiness to the prid,
Of Brittany resounded through the hal
as the men drank the toast with enthu
siasm., u.s. .rrl ..-.I, L<a
"Shiver your glasses, gentlemen, .whe1
you drink to the Demoiselles de Rohan!'
cried the marquis when he had drained
his own at the same time dashing hi
priceless cup to the floor s,..
To be Continued Monday.
Carey Roofing better than metal o.
vlto I nd Nntf M