Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-02-22

haNt iFdIth us neditD was impaired
and have suggested TO him TO spend the
coming summer in the mountains OF
Virginia He does not take 20 the idea,
however, aud expresses a reluctance TO
going away from the plantation"
81. too. have noticed his changed APP
pearance and manner. Formerly he
came often TO our house: now seldom
see him, and then he al pears almost
unfriendly. Maybe he is in love, or
maybe | have offended him." Estelle
suggested.
''Not the latter, / am certain" said
Oakfell. ''and | do not think the for
mer. but IL such should be the case |
wonder who can be the happy demoi-
selleT''
81 could not guess" replied EsteIle.
"but ] do know one who ardently adj
mires him.
who is she?'
"Laure Juneau. She was very jeal
Gus of the friendly visits NJ Evariste
formerly paid to me. Alas, she has no
cause for jealousy nowp
"Do you regret it?' asked Oakfell,
alarmed.
Regret what?" Estelle looked up.
surprised.
THAT the Gascon gypsy girl has no
cause for jealousy of you concerning
Ev8rlste."
81 regret that he visits me so sell
dom, but not the other" Estelle. with
womanly instinct perceived that the
sting OF jealousy had momentarily
thrown Oakfell of his guard. and she
rejoiced in this as the beginning Of
proof that he loved her. "But why do
you call Laure gypsy?'' she queried
Il should not have done So" Oakfell
admitted, "but suppose the thought
rose from her black and brown style of
beauty and her connection with the I'M
canny fame of the doctress. to whose
trade and its good will she doubtless
will succeed as forced heir OF her grand
mother"
'Not Laure." laughed Estelle. "Rel-
gion sits too lightly on her. The doc
tress must be duly religious. You must
not speak irreverently OF the doctress.
Mother Deshautelles. for she Is kind to
the poor and suffering and has given
relief TO those who could not buy il
from the doctors"
81 speak irreverpntly of nothing that
is honestly meant. however mistaken it,
be. and upon your avouching will re-
spect the doctress In the future more
than | have done in the past" Oak
fell concluded he could not safely dis
cuss the peculiar powers attributable
TO the old woman, but was loath lust
yet TO abandon the granddaughfn, rs a
topic and added; "Iaure was Dc, liy
campaigner against us In the suit. II
wonder why she felt so Interested"
There is strange sympathy between
her and NJ Quillebert. | have heard nv
grandfather say, and NJ sQuillpbert has
sure control over the persons whom he
takes into friendship. dread bis in
huence over my poor grandfather and
daily pray God TO destroy It. He is a
wicked man. whose smile is as danger
Gus as his frowu"
SHOULD the supreme court sustain
the Judgment in Icons case have rea.
son TO believe Quillebert will Quit this
parish" Oakfell said. land then your
grandfather will be released from the
hurtful Intimacy"
IF the supreme court sustains the
Judgment" Estelle exclaimed. "Can
you doubt II. Mr.. Oakfell?"
There should be no doubt. vet the
judges OF the high tribunal are only
men, subject TO human passions, preiu.
dices and imperfections OF judgment
l have no absolute reliance upon any
future event which depends upon the
mental operations OF men. Qulllebert
has taken an appeal and. am Inform.
ed, will retain a leading member OF the
city bar to prosecute II. However the
case cannot be heard until fall, and
much may happen before that"
YES" said Estelle spiritedly, "you
may be selected as a member OF con.
gress AT Washington. as | have heard |
my grandfather say
at is true that some of nv very par
tial friends talk In that vein. and con
Tess to you. mademoisclle. that am |
not averse TO the idea If the people |
deem me deserving OF the honor and
trust"
"Oh, do try, Mr.. Oakfelll You will |
certainly succeed. You are in every |
way worthy. You will honor the peo- |
pie. You will make me so happy. Oh,
what am | saying? Forgive my Igno-
rance" And, sobbing her confusion, |
she ran into the house.
oakfell rose and stepped toward her, |
but she was too fleet he resumed his |
chair and meditated upon this incident
which assured him that he possessed |
Estelles interest, possibly her love.
His heart welled over with Joy and |
thankfulness, and at one moment he /
resolved to declare himself that even
ing, but at the next determined to |
await the overcoming OF troubles and |
passage through trials that confronted