The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-07-12
LA cooUILLEs MESSAGE.
-oul be Lorgnac,'' ! gasped.


"Youl De Lorgnac,' gasped,
Even l." he said. II thought you knew.
Are yon none the worse for your adven-
ture of last night?"
IL am quite we'll thanks 10 God--and
thanks TO you" / was about TO add. but
my lips could not frame the words. and
j felt myself beginning TO tremble. Mon
sieur noticed this.
Il am afraid you overrate your
strength Do sit down" he said kindly.
II prefer 10 stand, thank you NJ. de
Chevalier" And then there was a silence
during which l know not what passed
through De Lorgnacs mind But II
was hghting. with myself TO prevent my
heart getting the better OF me, for II SO
1 would have to humble mysclf-l,
daughter OF Mieux! Monsieur broke the
silence himself.
Denise. I give you my word OF honor
that would not have intruded on you but
that YOU asked 10 see me and | thought
you knew whom you wished 10 see. Be
sides / felt that owed "a little TO myself.
You have accused me OF being dlshon-
ored gentleman. OF being little less thhh
a common bravo, OF wedding you 10 your
misery for your estates" He came for
ward step and looked me full In the
face with his clear, strong eyes. AS God
is nv witness" he went on, you are
utterly mistaken l am going today on an
affair the issue OF which no one can fore-
see. Think! Would I go with lie ON
my lips? Answer me-tell me. what
ever else you may think, you do not De-
lieve this"
| was fumbling with one of his gloves
and could not meet his look.
"You put me I'm a difficult position
monsieur This is your own house"
He looked about him with bitter
smile Yes, It IL my house; hardly the
house 10 which one would bring the heir
ess OF Mieux. But is that your answer
10 me?"
And still | was silent j could not
bring myself 10 say what he wanted.
And now too. II was not only pride that
was holding me back; felt that " gave
him the answer he wishes manlike, ne
would begin TO press his love on me, ana
was not prepared for this. ! did not
known my own feelings toward him. put
of one thing | was sure-l would not pe
hound by hollow vows that were forceu
upon me- and so fenced
''TSis adventure of yours, monsieur-lS
II so Nry dangerous
"It Is not the danger am thinking OF
n a your faith and honor. No man IS
hlamless and least of all own 1
was wrong that ] sinned grievously In
marrying YOU as | have. My excuse Is
that / love you That Is thing cahno'
control. but / win do all ] can TO make
reparation. / will never see you again.
ond The times are such that you may
soon be as free as air. All that ask
Is this one thing.
.sRut monsieur, have you no prooi
nothing to bring forwardY
II have nothing TO offer but my WORD
your word4-your word? Is that all
you can sayg" -
He bowed slightly in reply, but his LOOK
was hungry for his answer. Still coulu
not give II and played with time
lyon saw YOU love me. Does love re-
sign its object as you do-without o
struggle? II believe one thing ! mus mus
believe all. monsieur. canhot peslIso s
: nrofession OF love like yours how ialse
+ Lnew this TO be-"and the rest must ioi-
Tie twisted at his moustache IN the
ala wav and | saw his sunburned iacs
urow as IL were on a sudden wan aiu
haggard. and the pity that lies IN al W.
mems hearts rose within me - 60
..nsonsieur dc Chevalier. II you were 10
rot the answer that you wanted wouio
sou still adhere 10 your promise ana never
bee me again ,r.o,v
81 have said So" he said hoarsey'
.arhen monsieur let me tell you that
have found / was wrong ana tnat
do believe your NOtu NY - -. ~ n
sieur. / have found De Lorgnac 70 pe a
gallant gentleman, whom Denise ue s,p'' MaeuN
bas 10 thank for her honor and her liIe -
..nantsei'' There was a glad note III ms
voice and in moment he had stepped
sn 10 me. and l had yielded but ina, !
wanted this king among men TO DE A'"e
over himself. 49, y,,,er
"a moment. monsieur. You nave sleor ,,eo,,
me your word; be strong enough 10 h.ep
4. rbo,,e learned TO respect and honor you
s,, do NOT love YOU. You must keep your
word. De Lorgnac ana go-untf ask you
10 come back" -, -,
without word he turned on ms nee,
and walked toward the door but 1 ooulu
not let him 20 like that. and calleu hiii''