Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1903-11-12
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potent in shaping the rudimentary
character of Alice 'Ial.p;... tcal."a
Roussillon had been Oily sl;cm IL; Il
lonely frontier post could .cnernt,.
Her associations With men and wcilcn
had. with few exceptions. been ulii"w...
table in an educational way. while her
reading in NJ. Roussillon's little library
could moi. nave given her any practical
knowledge of manners and life.
Her affection for Rene was interfcred
with by her large admiration for the
heroic. masterful and magnetic knights
who charged through the roinanccs OF
the Roussillon collection. For although
Benz was unquestionably brave and
more than passably handsome, he had
no armor. no war horse, no shining
lance and embossed shield-the differ
ence, indeed, was great.
Perhaps it was the light aud heat of
Imagination shining out through Alice's
face which gave her beauty such fas-
cinating power. Rene saw it and felt
its electrical stroke send Il sweet shiver
through his heart while he stood before
her.
''You are very beautiful tonight.
Alice" he presently said. with n sud-
denness which took even her alertness
by surprise. A flush rose to his dark
face and Immediately gave way to a
grayish pallor. His heart came near
stopping OH the instant, he was so
shocked by his own daring. but he laid
. hand on her hair, stroking 1t softly.
Just q moment she was ut loss.
looking a tride embarrassed: then,
with a merry laugh. she stepped aside
and said:
THAT sounds better, NJ. Rene de
Ronville; much better. You will be as
polite as Father Beret after a little
more training"
She slipped past him while speak
ing and made her way back again to
the main room. whence she called to
him:
Come here. I've something to show
you"
He obeyed. sheepish trace on his
countenance betraying his self con-
sciousness.
When he came near Alice, she was
taking from its buckhorn hook on the
wall rapier. one of beautiful pair
hanging side by side.
Papa Roussillon gave me these" she
said. with great animation. "Hc bought
them Of an Indian who had kept them
a long time. Where he came across
them he would not tell. But look. how
beautiful! Did you ever see anything
so fine?"
Guard and hilt We're of silver: the
blade. although somewhat corroded.
still showed the fine. wavy lines Of
Damascus steel and traces of delicate
engraving, While in the end Of the
hilt was set large oval turquoise.
"a very queer present to give q
girl" said Rene. What can you do
with them?''
A captivating fash Of playfulness
came into her face and she sprang
backward. giving the sword semi
circular turn with her wrist. The
blade sent forth keen hiss as it cut
the air close, very close to Rene's nose.
He jerked his head and flung up his
hand
She laughed merrily, standing beauti-
fully poisedrbefore him. the rapier's
point slightly elevated. Her short skirt
left her feet and ankles free to show
their graceful proportions and the per-
feet pose in which they held her supple
body.
"You see what l can do with the
colechemarde. eh, NJ. Rene dc Ron
villev' she exclaimed, giving him
smile which fairly blinded him. mo
tice how very near to your neck can
thrust and yet not touch it. Nowv'
She darted the keen point under his
chin and drew it away so quickly that
the stroke was like a CLINT of sun
light.
'W'hat do you think Of that as a nice
and accurate piece Of skill?"
She again resumed her pose. the
right foot advanced, the left arm we'll
back, her lissome, finely developed
body leaning slightly forward.
Rene's hands were up before his face
in a defensive position, palms outward.
Just then chorus Of mems voices
sounded in the distance. The river
house was beginning its carousal with
. song. Alice let fall her swords point
and listened.
Rene looked about for his cap.
Il must be going" he said.
Another and louder swish of the
rapisr made him pirouette and dodge
again with great energy.
Don't" he cried, that's dangerous.
You'll put out my eyes. I never saw
sch grip
the laughed at him and kept on whip
ping the air dangerously near his eyes
until abe had driven him backward
q far - he could squeeze himself into
acorner Of the room.
Nine. Roussillon came to the door
from the Kitchen ana stood looking in
ard laughing, With her hands ON her
1ps. By this time the rapier was max.
TT crisscross pattern Of flashing
No. Aose 70 the young mans head
wAllo AHce, ii ths enjoyment Of her
onaeioo, seoale6 b conoauhate Ill the
Geo1ng aoyo e he1 .boeOU 0sh1e 6ace.