Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1903-10-27

dislike him; and Helen, although she had
many doubts at first, changed them finai-
iy for most agreeable yet secret specula-
tions on the future, little dreaming that
Francis Egerton was yet true to her, sF
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 MontaubaB
thought often and anxiously 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 knelt sadly at her
easement, with her glance sorrowfully
fxerd 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 returning?'
One afternoon, being oppressed with
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
face was suggestive of something pleas
ant. She came on tiptoe to the bedside.
20, l am awake, JESSIE" said Helen;
''but have slept great while"
'Yes, mademoiselle-a long time; but
I hope your headache has quite left you
now; for monsieur lie compte, your cous-
in, mademoiselle, Monsieur d dArtois-"
"Jessie, is he here?' asked Helen, quiet
ly, as she rose.
Eyes, mademoiselle, he has just come"
She entered her dressing room, and
fastened to bathe 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 cousinv 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 lovelierv' 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 I recovered,
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 unaI-
imous exclamations of pleasure, and
drawn into their circle. There were in
| auiries 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, I cannot express the
| pleasure it gives me to find myself here
once more,' he said, "and 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
| quis and his guests to do SO now. Both
had fine voices and excellent taste, and
| their united melody poured forth in one
sweet, harmonious strain, that could not
| fail to please. Louis, standing behind
| the seat of Mademoiselle Montauban, re-
| garded Rose and her companion with a
| quiet but closely observant glance.
"Is not Rose little nightingale? ?" soft
| ly whispered Helen, looking up at him.
"a sweeter one never sang. By-the-by,
my dear cousin, when did she come
| here?"
Something more than month ago.
| She is prettier than ever; do you not
| think soY'
| Decidedly. Francis seems tacitly to
agree with us, too. it appears to me. Is
he not very attentive to her? And yet,
he does not look quite happy tonight.
What ails him, / wonder?"
| CTo be cOntinued.)
Il