The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1903-11-12
CHAPTER VIII.-tContinued)

ing away from here, when | was coming
down, a man whom | think | have seen
before. Do you know who it wasE
You mean, | think, Gasparde, my
cousin. But hush!-here he comes
And at that moment the individual des-
ignated entered the cottage door. He
made civil obeisance to Rose and the
young man, and accosting Hugh request
ed in low tone, to speak with him
alone.
The two retired, as before. to the gar
den. There somewhat lengthy confer
ence was held, during which time Rose
and Robin were conversing together in
doors, and Gasparde's name was not in
frequently mentioned in the course of
their dialogue. The young man seemed
to be somewhat interested in him, and
asked several questions concerning him,
by which he gathered the knowledge that
Gasparde had some time very deeply Of
Tended both Rose and her father; but he
also heard of his having come the pre-
viOus day to make apologies for so do
ing.
And, meanwhile, Hugh ended the col
loquy between himself and Gasparde in
the garden. when they prepared to re-
enter the house. The countenance of the
former was gloomier and darker than
ever.
Captain" said the man, II don't re-
member having seen that person in the
kitchen before. l suppose you won't
think it impertinent if ! ask you who
he is?"
''He is to become the husband of
Rose" returned Hugh. His name is
Robin Maroon" And he glanced closely
at the cOuntenance of his companion to
defect some signal of his feelings at this
announcement. But all was undisturbed
ed there.
80 Rose is to be married?" said Gas
parde WELL he will make her an ex-
cellent husband, l hope; and | wish her
much happiness, with all my heart. l
suppose, monsieur, you have not forgot
ten the time when | wished so earnestly
to marry Rose myself-have you? But"
he continued, Il am going to be married
to another young girl, at some distance
from here, shortly"
And the lie was believed. They went
in, and Gasparde remained a short time
longer, affecting an air of the most per-
feet friendliness towards Robin. And
when he took his departure, to return to
the village, Robin accompanied him.
They went along the road talking togeth-
or of one thing and another in a care
less way, speaking on a great many sub
jects and dwelling on none Loo, till they
came to little grove, past which the
road ran, about half way between the cot
tage and the village.
"a pleasant place yonder," observed
Robin, nodding his head towards it.
"Yes-yes; pleasant enough" respond
ed Gasparde; but | dare say there are
pleaSanter places"
Just so, my friend" rejoined the
young man; "you are right. And those
that have more agreeable associations, as
we'll For instance, if a man had been
shot there by an unseen enemy, the place
wouldn't be quite so attractive as many
another"
lie glanced casually at the face of his
companion as he said it; but beneath the
careless tone and manner was meaning,
and in that glance he read, like lightning,
the expression of Gaspardes face. 1t
was one of sudden, startled uneasiness
The man looked quickly up ut him. with
out answer. The effect was satisfactory.
Robin went on:
Il had Il master formerly, who was. one
day, wounded in the manner which |
have described, aud in that very wood
which we have passed"
And he told You about it," said Gas
parde, watching Robin closely.
'You are right. He told me about it."
did he guess who fired at him?"
Il suppose so. Though he kept it TO
ms .ofl h, L.
the rogue when he could catch him."
who was your master, if may ask 2"
"The Compile d'Artois. You may have
heard Of him possibly. But | must bid
You adeu, my friend; for here | am at
the farm"
"Adieu," returned Gasparde; and he
continued his route, muttering, Il have
you now, my master. You think | am
cowed-dO you? All, wait-only wait!
You are taking great deal OF trouble to
win my pretty cousin; but | shall have
her yet, Only time-time. | will let
you just grasp the prize, and then tear
it from YOU. The later my vengeance,
the sweeter it will be!'
1t was sunset again. and our pretty
heroine, Rose Lamonte. was returning
from the Chateau Montauban, whittier
she had gone early in the afternoon to
see Mademoisele Montauban, who. she
was told by her father, wished to speak
with her on a matter of Importance. With
light and happy heart, Rose had gone
TO meet the lady, and, three or four hours
afterwards, was returning home. with
tears IN her eyes, and a step very differ
ent from that usual with her. Walking
SLOWLY along, wrapped in sorrowful med
Hatloh' she was suddenly aroused by the
voice OF Robin pronouncing her name. He
was Just going down to the cottage.
why what ails you, my Rose?" he
asked, tenderly. You are weeping, WHY