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

ban, she had begun to feel that she had
a means of assistance at hand. She did
not pause for time to define any plan,
or to say to herself, in so many words,
that such and such an ultimate issue had
been guessed at, or hoped for, by her;
but she appropriated the means present.
ed to her, and trusted that they would
succeed.
Meeting, on the very first evening of
his arrival at the chateau, with repulse,
gentle though firm, from Helena disap-
pointment to hopes long, yet doubtfully,
cherished and feeling that the detection
and unhappiness which he felt would, if
observed, draw upon him the attention
of those about him, he endeavored to con-
ceal al evidence of his feelings under
calm exterior, and to evince as much in
terest in affairs about him as was posi-
BILE.
He found himself thrown daily into the
society of Rose Lamonte, often by
chance, oftener by Helen's own agency.
He admired her beauty-her innocence
and grace, had charm for him. Helen
Montauban knew it. He first merely ac-
knowledged, and was sensible of her
fessed to Helen her admiration of him,
and seemed to evince a pleasure in his
society. 1t was plain that she did not
dislike him. and Helen, although she had
many doubts at first, changed them final
ly for most agreeable yet secret specula-
tons on the future, little dreaming that
Francis Egerton was yet true to her, or
that Rose Lamonte's thoughts, even in
his presence, turned and dwelt fondly,
though sadly, on the memory of her hum
BILE, yet unfOrgotten, lover.
Meanwhile, Mademoiselle Montauban
thought often and anxiousIy of her cous-
in; for Louis had not written once since
his departure from the chateau, and two
months had now elapsed, and nearly the
third, since that time. Her father also
mentioned him frequently, and expressed
his perplexity at his silence, and no less
at his prolonged absence. Many an hour,
at nightfall, Helen knet sadly at her
easement, with her glance sorrowfully
fixerd on the road below that wound
through the valley and beyond the hills
the road over which he had passed on
the morning when he left her.
when will he traverse it again?" she
asked herself. when, kneeling here, at
my sad post, in the twilight or the dawn,
shall | behold him returnng?'
One afternoon, being oppressed with a
slight headache, she had thrown herself
upon her couch to dispel it. if possible,
by slumber. Suddenly her uncle's step,
light and quick, came through the gal
lery, and Immediately Jessie herself en-
tered the chamber, bearing a light. Her
Of nlo
ant. She came on tiptoe to the bedside.
20, | am awake, Jessie" said Helen;
''but | have slept great WHILE
Yes, mademoiselle-a long time; but
l hope your headache has quite left you
now; for monsieur lie compile, your cous-
in, mademoiselle, Monsieur d'Artois-"
Jessie, is he here?' asked Helen, quiet
ly, as she rose.
Yes, mademoiselle, he has just come"
She entered her dressing room, and
FASTENED to battle her face and head and
re-arrange her hair. But she trembled
from head to foot. She descended the
stairs just in time to meet Louis him
self. He it was, but paler and thinner
than usual. He came forward with an
exclamation of pleasure.
Helen, my dear cousin!' he cried,
warmly embracing her.
Her cheek burnt-her heart beat rapid
ly, as he pressed his lips to hers. She
could not speak at first.
MY own fair Helen, and so lovely as
ever,-yes, a million times loveierr' he
said, smilingly, as he gently turned her
face so that the glow of the pendant
lamp above them fell full upon it. But
you do not speak, cousin. And yet |
know you welcome me-"
Indeed, | welcome you, Louis, most
warmly. But you are pale-you have
been ill.,
Il have been ill-yes; but not long or
seriously; and as soon as recovered,
i came hither"
He pressed her hand in his with kindly
affection as he released her. She turn
ed and entered the saloon. Her father
stood by the hearth, and the guests were
grouped about it, chatting together, as
she came in. She was greeted with unan-
imous EXPLANATIONS of pleasure. and
drawn into their circle. There were in
quiries on all sides concerning her late
indisposition, and infinite rejoicings at
the arrival Of Louis In the midst of the
conversation Louis re-entered
My dear uncle, | cannot express the
pleasure it gives me to find myself here
once more" he said, land particularly in
the midst of such excellent company"
In little while the evening repast was
spread and they gathered about the
board, a congenial party enough, as it
went; afterward they repaired, by the in
vitation of the marquis, to the library,
where they passed the remainder of the
evening. Rose and Francis Egerton,
who, of late, had occasionally sung to-
gether were prevailed upon by the mar
is re 70 do d.