Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-09-28

somewnar' ramn1ar, which was but nat
 ural. considering their youth and the circumstances of their daily life. but Alice somehow had kept a certain dis Eance open between them, so that very warm friendship could not suddenly re- solve itself into troublesome passion on Rene's part
 We need not attempt to analyze
 young girls feelings and motives in such case. What she does and what
 she thinks are mysteries even to her
 own understanding. The influence most
 potent in shaping the parliamentary character of Alice Tarleton (cailed Roussillon) had been only such as a lonely frontier post could generate. Her associations with men and women had, with few exceptions, been unprof- itable in an educat tional way, while her reading in M Roussillon's little library could not have given her any practical knowledge of manners and life.
 Her affection for Rene was interfered with by her large admiration for the heroic, masterful and magnetic knights who charged through the romanees of the Roussillon collection. For although Rene 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 and 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 a sweet shiver through his heart while he stood before her.
 You are very beautiful tonight, Alice," he presently said, with sud- denness which took even her alertness by surprise. A flush rose to his dark face and immediately gave way to grayish pallor. His heart came near stopping on the instant, he was so shocked by his own daring, but he laid hand on her hair, stroking it softly. Just a moment she was at a loss,
 looking trife embarrassed; then, with merry laugh, she stepped aside
 and said:
 ''That sounds better M. Rene de RonvilIe; 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 it's buckhorn hook on the
 wall rapier, one of a beautiful pair.
 hanging side by side
 Papa Roussillon gave me these." she
 said, with great animation. He bought them of an Indian who had kept them
 long time Where he came across them he would not tell But look, how beautiful! Did you ever see anything
 so fineT'
 Guard and hilt were 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 1 hilt was set large oval turquoise.
 "A very queer present to give ! girl" said Rene What can you do with them?"
 A captivating flash of p1ayfulness
 came into her face and she sprang backward, giving the sword a 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 poised before 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.
 'sYou see what can do with the colechemarde, eh, M. Rene de Ron yilley' she exclaimed, giving him smile which fairly blinded him. 'No- tce how very near to your neck I can thrust and yet not touch it. Now!p She darted the keen point under his ! chin and drew it away so quickly that the stroke was like glint of sun i light.
 What do you think of that as nice
 and accurate piece of skill?"
 She again resumed her pose, the right foot advanced the left arm well 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 a chorus of mems voices I sounded in the distance. The river