The Kalispell bee. [volume] (Kalispell, Mont.) 1900-192?, 1902-07-18

NV that by his mercy was strong
III enough to take the course l
adopted, for had / not done so
I know not what had been my fate.
On the surface the impulse on which
had acted seemed foolish and i'll adj
vised, yet when think over all calm
~ now, and esaeeially of the circum-
stances that led to my meeting with
M. de Norreys and the events which
followed, l am sure and confident that
the merciful power which had so far
watched over me had heard my pray
ers and answered them. At the mo.
thing of this. My one idea was to try.
If possible, to enlist the Englishman
on my side, and if this was not to be
then / knew not what should do,
though the most desperate resolves
were rioting in my brain. / was too
excited to rest, but a BATH a change of
toilet and a little food refreshed me
and steadied my nerves, and then sat
for space by the open window of my
small room to try to collect myself
for my interview with M. de Norreys
The clouds seemed to have passed
away, though far behind over the
mountains there was a gray bank that
showed that the storm was lowering
over us and the wind still blew in fit
full, uncertain gusts. Below me La
lande was attending to the horses, and
bowshot or so beyond the garden of
the inn under some walnut trees saw
what had not noticed before, and that
was small encampment of lances
This did not tend to reassure me, and
if l had any doubts as to whom the
troops belonged they were set at rest
by the sight of Norreys mounted on a
powerful black horse riding slowly to-
: ward the Inn, evidently with a view
of keeping his appointment with me.
had tried to set out in my mind what
would say to him, but each effort
seemed to be worse than the other, and
at last l determined to simply throw
myself on his chivalry and stand the
hazard Of the result
At one time thought that we might
perhaps make dash for it and escape,
but even l could see that our wearied
against fresh ones, and if it came to a
struggle we had but one sword to de-
pend upon-a brave one, it is true, but
what could one poor man do against
ten? No, there was no way but the
one way, the idea of which had come
so suddenly to me. Now heard Nor
reys dismounting at the door of the
inn, and after moments hesitation
took my courage in both hands and
stepped down to meet him. He was
standing in the little parlor, his back
to the light, as l entered, so that
could not see the expression of his
face, but he bowed, thought stiff1y, on
my coming in and handed me one of
the rough chairs in the room, saying
as he did so: II trust / have not kept
you waiting, madame. l was delayed
a little longer than / expected with my
men, as have much to arrange for"
The last words. measured out in his
prim, formal speech, appeared to me
to convey hint to be quick with my
business and as a natural result all
but took away the power of saying
anything from me. mastering up cour-
age, however, took the chair he Of
fered, saying as l did SO, "Will you
not be seated, monsieur?"
'Thank you," came the answer in the
same set tone, and then he fixed his
eyes on me with grave attention, in
which, however, there was mingled, as
I thought, much repressed curiosity.
IN. de Norreys," I began desperate
ly, "you cannot but be aware that
fully understand why you are here"
He started slightly, but recovered
himself at once, though he said moth
ing.
"And, monsieur" went on, 'I have
come to throw myself on your mercy.
Monsieur, you look gentleman. What
object can you gain by carrying out
your orders against poor. weak wo-
man, whose only end is to hide herself
from the world? l have done no
wrong, monsieur, and if you knew my
story you would pity me. ! ask you as
a gentleman, as man of honor"
Madame" he interrupted, genuine
amaze in his voice, 81 do not under
stand. AS far as I am concerned, you
are as free as air. know you to be
the wife of my friend De Lorgnac, and
my only regret is that l am unable to
offer you my escort
"Say that again, monsieur. Do you
mean your business here has nothing
to do with me?"
Absolutely nothing, madame. an
afraid you have alarmed yourself need
lessly."
''But NJ. de Clermont told me. He
said you had gone to Perigueux to have
me delivered over to my husband"
Madame, know of no necessity fol
doing so, and if was not certain thai
you must be mistaken would say thai
NJ. de Clermont deceived you"
Il tell you he did not. He showed m'
the dispatch with the queens cipher OF