Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-03-01

The frst banner lung to the breeze
was the dag OF France. hoisted by
Quillebert over bis dwelling. TINS
warning both factions that molestation
OF him or bis would be at the peril of
his imperial masters displeasure.
Oakfell was instant to take his stand.
Though dlscountenancing negro slsy-
cry, he was welded to the doctrine of
state sovereignty and In It's defense
buckled on his sword. He was chosen
lieutenant OF the company OF horse or
ganised under the captaincy OF Judge
Horors Victor Tsilleur. whom Pratt
jean succeeded on the bench.
! The day approached for the company
30 proceed to New Orleans for assign
ment to its regiment and brigade, to be
forwarded to the front. The half
brothers held long conference In the
plantation Office.
"Evariste," Horace said, 81 do not
concur in the general belief that this
! strife will end In 80 days. My fore
1 cast Is that 1t will extend into years
and will be fierce and desolating. NV
| life has known three sweet affections
| which have been as incense to II. The
4 love bore your mother still clIngs to
her memory. All my yearnings for
kinship have been centered upon Won.
/ whom have cherished as son, brother
and friend and have sought to shield
from the rude experiences of life.
Though absent, wish to leave my pro-
lection with you and for that entreat
you to promise that under no circum-
4 stances will yor enter the military
service during the coming war. leave
with you full authority to manage all
my interests, and this will supply you
with ample means to purchase exemp-
ton from any call which may be made
for troops. Promise me, Evariste."
Would not that be taken as coward
icer' asked Evariste.
Not necessarily" replied Horace.
after what / will say to our friends
on the subject. But, even II it should.
make that sacrifice for my sake and
give me your promise. for should you
enlist my anxiety for you would un-
man me as a soldier. and should you
be killed this would never be home for
me again. Promise me. my boy"
Evsriste walked to the door and look
ed out into the starlit night. Return
! Ing, he gave his hand to Horace and
1 said. as IL he had struggled:
81 promise, brother"
Il thank you, Evariste. Now let MS
/ pass to another subject near my heart.
You know I have intended always to
! divide with you all own. Such is stu
my purpose. Perhaps II should have
been done in form before this, but you
have never minated the wish, and
have been much distracted by other
matters. But Il is here provided for"
Giving him a sealed envelope. he con-
tinued: eff fall. open this and act up
on It, second and last pledge you
must give me. I told ron three afrec-
tons have made life sweet to me. The
last. Evariste, is my love for Estelle
Latiolais''
Evariste's heart suddenly ceased 10
beat He felt himself falling from bis
chair, but clutched the arms with
tightening grasp and by n supreme ef-
fort Of will restored his self command
without drawing his lrother's notice.
| The latter continued:
81 need not tell you what this love
Is to nee. You can well understand
that 1t is more than food, drink. air.
rest or sleep. IL is all that makes
life. Yet ] have never told her Of my
| love-"
"You have notF" Evariste exclaimed
| quickly.
81 have not"
"But you will before you gog' he ask.
| ed anxiously.
81 will not" replied Horace, and Eva
| riste breathed freely.
The fate that awaits me as a sol
der" Horace resumed, sis so uncertain
that II would be unjust to leave her
plighted, though knew my love to be
returned, and / have no such kuowl-
| edge. Now, Evariste, you are well
| aware OF the weakness Of her old
grandfather and how profitless TO her
Is his uardianship-indeed, how sadly
| she needs protection against his i'm
providence; also you cannot be ignorant
OF the baneful influence exercised over
the old gentleman by that conscience
| less wretch Quillebert. Swear to me,
brother, by all you hold most sacred
that you will advise, aid and protect
her against the mischiefs these two
may work to her fortune and defend
her from danger and harm In every
form. i place you on guard; give her
In charge to you. Swear you will pre-
serve her safe till my return" Oak
felPs feelings had mastered him, and
his eloquent eyes welled over.
II make the promise and swear to
keep it." said Evariste.
xuoo1kh os ~Aam -
reward" Horace cried, embracing him
warmly, and the brothers spoke good
night.
Wearing for the first time his MILL
tary uniform, Oakfell paid his visit Of
kWgtNSlS. II