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

strengthen the armies at the front and
Evariste's name was drawn, to the in
finite amusement OF Quillebert and
Dede. He Joined in the merriment and
by the application OF 1000 francs sent
Dominique Binoret OF Par en- Haut to
the enrolling officer in his stead. Six
weeks later Dominique was scapering
as nimbly as ever at the gumbo balls of
Bayou Blanc, vanishing with the stars
of morning and as completely.
Evariste FASTENED to explain to
Estelle that his sending OF substitute
was in fulfillment Of the promise ex-
acted from him by his brother, adding
cynically:
Therefore, mademoiselle, you will
not only acquit but you will praise me-"
But when at sight Of him Laure sang
teasingly,
Soldier, soldier. marry marry me;
VIII give you q hie and drum
he was annoyed not little.
very WELL" said he; 'If you wish II
so very much, mademoiselle. can vol
unteer and march to the battlefields.
gaining the credit for two recruits In
stead OF one"
NO, you must not; you shall not"
said Laure. suddenly dropping her gay
ETY. and showing alarm. at Is not
your fight. You own neither slave nor
land TO fight for. Even the gains of
your ventures with nj. Quiiiebert you
must account for to your hero brother
IL he returns, for they were made by
the use OF his money"
"Laure. why are you continually say
ing things which you know vex me?"
Because l want you 20 realize your
situation, learn the truth. see your in
terest and know who are your friends.
Does that girl over there" extending
her arm in the direction OF Estelle's
home, lever tell you a truth for your
profitf"
"She does not presume to advise me-
Evariste replied.
"A little presumption In the way of
good advice would be but slight return
for your devoted protection OF herself
and her doting grandfather, protection
so disinterested and costing SO much
self sacrifice on your part" Laure
laughed contemptuously, assuming al
mock attitude OF humility and lifting
her saucy eyes TO the young mans
burning face.
DO you make bold to insinuate that
l am acting selfishlyY'
"oh, do not call it making bold to
say what / know or what think, and
i never insinuate."
"How. then, can you know nv mo-
tves save as they are indicated by my
acts?"
i am the granddaughter OF the doc
tress," she said haughtily.
"Bah!' exclaimed Evariste.
Have a care, Evariste; have q care.
The doctress must not be insulted."
Laure's warning was so serious and
dramatic that Evariste involuntarilv
checked the impetuosity of his manner.
He said:
Laure, / meant no insult no disre-
spect. Her relationship TO you would
forbid that We are friendsY
"Friends?" she repeated. 81 am your
friend. do not believe anything
could make me other than your friend.
But what does 1t mean to be friend to
one? is IT not to tell the truth and
warn away from danger? ! am not
convent taught, and | know nothing Of |
what are called convent proprieties, but
l do know when to speak and what to
speak to a friend who is blindly endan.
gering his career. Hear me well.
Openly join hands with Quillebert and
trust in me, and independence and han
piness will be yours. Pursue your dou-
BILE faced course with that fearful chit
and upon your brothers return your
post will be that OF servile dependence
upon his bounty. Bold? Yes, because
feel the truth and say it for your
sake and"-turning away and hiding
her face, she sobbed-"for mine"
"Laure, you have said too muchr' he
exclaimed holly and started away.
''The senseless infatuation for a girl
who despises you makes you say that.
But time will show. You will come to
me yet. You are of my kind. You Will
come to me yet" Her eyes blazed with
passion as she confronted him again, |
and her words seemed to burn their
way into his soul. She ran into the |
forest and, throwing herself at the foot |
OF familiar old oak tree, gave vent to !
her overweight feelings In fit Of VIC
lent weeping. Then, bathing her cheeks
and eyes ia the cool waters of the ma
rails, she stood long upon it's edge, |
thinking intently. Setting her teeth /
firmly and clinchlng her little fists, she |
mentally vowed, II will 1.-THE shall be !
miner and returned to the cottage
with the bright look and airy step of |