The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1903-02-06
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|WhiteHand|
"A Tale Of the Early Settlers ;
/ Of Louisiana. {;
CHAPTER II.-tcontInued.)
BY AUSTIN c. BURDIcK
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CHAPTER II.-(Continued)
Here, Simon," uttered the marquis,
turning towards his nephew, "don't you
remember Goupart st. Denis ?-our young
Goupart, who used to come and shoot
my game, and frighten you with his gun
and DistolsY
"Ah-a-yesw said Simon, arising and
smiling with an effort. NJ. st. Denis,
your humble servant, sir. We are happy
to see you among us once more"
Goupart st. Denis had once lived very
near to st. Julien's country residence,
and among all the youthful visitors he
was by far the most welcome. His faith
er was count and a gentleman, and
Goupart was whole-souled, noble boy.
In those days, Louis and Louise were
merry children, and the stout Goupart
used to play with them hour after hour
and day after day. And In those days,
too, he used to carry the lovely little gril
in his arms, and he used to tell her that
some day she should be his wife; and
then she would laugh and clap her little
dimpled hands, and sometimes she would
pinch his cheek and box his ear, and tell
him she should be stronger, and could
punish him more severely when she be-
came his wife. But those days were gone
now, and while Goupart had only put on
a very little more manhood, Louise had
grown from a thoughtless child to be q
very beautiful maiden.
"But how Is 1t, Goupart7' asked the
marquis, after the party had become
calm. WHAT brings you here into this
wildernessT
! "Of a truth, my old friend, / came to
seek my fortune" returned the young
man. you know my father lost his all
In his meddling In the affairs Of Spain,
and when he died. three years ago,
found myself not only alone in the world,
but nearly pennlless, The little estate at
Sezanne, in Lower Marne, was the only
thing left. sold 1t, and after paying of
all demands, found myself the owner
Of the enormous sum Of ten thousand
francs. What should do? That would
not last me month II l remained
amongst my old associates. The last Of
my fathers wealth he lost in Laws great
Mississippi scheme: and now that | was
left alone. was not long In turning my
eyes hither At New Orleans, ] heard
that Marquis Bricn st. Julien had set
tied up here somewhere. / think must
have been crazy for awhile after receiv-
Ing this information, but when | did real
ly come to myself, started, and here |
am"
But didn't you know that we were
heref" asked the marquis.
"Why, no. thought You were In
Canada"
! "Yes--here we are!' cried the old man,
joyfully, "and now we will live over some
OF the happy days again"
! "Ay," added Goupart, "and forget all
the dark ones"
After this, the conversation turned up
on affairs In the native country, and for
three hours the marquis kept his visitor
answering questions and retailing the
news Of the past six years. 1t was at a
late hour when they separated, and with
tears in bis eyes, Brion St. Julien called
upon heaven to bless his young friend.
There was something ih Goupart's pres
ence that had called up the brighter days
Of his past life, and he was happy in the
hope that he might keep the youth a
long while with him.
Louise retired to her chamber, and for
while, only bright Joy seemed to move
her; but gradually her thoughts seem to
take a more serious turn, for her counte-
nance changed to sober, thoughtful
cast, and with her hands clasped upon
her bosom, she bowed her head, and thus
she remained for long while, the color
OF her face changing like the deepening
twilight.
But there was one more whom we have
seen affected by the young mans pres
ence. Simon Lobois retired to his cham
Der, and for some time he paced up and
down the apartment with quick, nervous
strides. His face showed that he was
III at ease, and the clenching OF the hands
seemed to speak of war within.
"What brought him here?" he muttered
to himself. "Now we'll have more boys
play and monkey-dancing, and It viii all
end in his falling In love with Louise.
And II he does so, and should ask for her
hand, am simply sure that. the old man
would tell him--yes. But what does she
want with the young popiniay1 III be
ahead of him. And IL should be-he
who treads upon me may tread upon dan
gerous groundl Let them bewarel"
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