The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1903-10-22
CHAPTER V.


search of amusement, judging from the
gun aud sketch book he carried.
Away so early, Louis? 2" asked Made
moisele Montauban.
Even so, Helen. | am going to spend
an hour in converse with Dame Nature,
whom | have so sadly neglected since l
came here, that | scarcely dare look her
in the face. An hour, and perhaps two;
in proportion to the variety of the enter
tainmcnt which | find"
Then, if that is the case" returned
Helen, in her calm, silver tones-"if that
is the case, we shall hardly see you again
till night fall. You will find no lack of
amusement, as You may declare yourself,
if YOU have not forgotten your former
visits hither; though they have been few
enough, | confess"
80, | know there is no neighborhood
more beautiful than this in the country"
responded Louis But as for extending
my wanderings to the borders of the
night, that would not be quite to my
fancy | shall be back here before noou-
tide"
THAT is well. And pray, Louis" she
added, with impressible earnestness-
pray do not go too deep into the forest.
Remember your adventure there not sew
en- days since"
Lightly he touched his lips to her fair
hand, and, turning, descended the sloping
path that ysound irregularly down the
height.
a slight blush rose to her beautiful
cheek, as her glance followed, for an in
stant's space, the handsome figure of the
young count and it deepened when he'
looked back, and seeing her still stand
ing there, waved his hand to her. Hast
lily she left the spot, and re-entering the
chateau, seated herself in the saloon by
window at her embroidery Here, put
ting the drapery aside, she could observe
the recedng figure of her cousin while
pursuing, with slow and thoughtful fin
gers, her favorite employment, until
Louis had disappeared from sight and
there was no outward attraction to break
the rose-hued thread Of meditation that
wove itself in and out among the cluster
ing buds and leaves expanding into life
under her magic touch The marquis was
in the library among his books, lost to
the exterior world, and wrapt in learned
lore. Helen had no companion save her
own meditations; but they We're sufficient
entertainment Tor one ike her.
Louis continued to follow the main road
leading from the chateau past the vii
lage, and onward to where it reached the
forest, branching off into two distinct
paths. one of which wound on through
the forest, and the other skirted it to the
left. His mornings work was before
him. Turning his attention to the beau
ties of the quiet scenery about him, Louis
paused now and then along the path, to
add some charming sketch to the collec
ton of fine drawings in his book, remem-
bering his cousins peculiar taste, and Sc
lecting such points as he knew would best
please her. And wandering slowly still,
he came at last within sight of the little
dwelling of his pretty friend Rose.
Then Louis thought of the wish which
he had expressed to her. The cottage
was at a distance yet; he wished to gain
more distinct view of it. Perhaps he
should discover Rose herself seated at the
door, and his scene already laid out for
him.
He FASTENED forward. The turn in the
path was soon reached, and the half-hid
den cottage was in full sight now: and
yes there sat Rose at the door, working
to contemplate the scene. This little
cottage. or farm house, so rude and plain
in exterior, yet discovered to him through
that open doorway, where the morning
sun shone in so softly, one of the prettiest
pictures in the world. Rose was looking
so lovely that Louis FASTENED to COM
mence his sketch. Yet a nearer view
was needed and, silently as possible, he
moved forward, so as to trace her fea-
lures distinctly, and at the same time to
avoid disturbing her. Rapidly. and with
grace and vividness of touch that did
justice to its present subject, Louis work
ed 1t was the loveliest picture he had
attempted that day. and he enjoyed it.
Not many minutes was he in completing
it. ana then he advanced with quiet
step up the pathway to the door.
But Rose Lamonte was as busy with
her thoughts as with her needle, and she
did not hear the approaching footstep. 1t
was not until the shadow of the young
mans form fell across the sill that she
was aroused from her reverie. She looked
up then, and started with some slight sur
prise on beholding the count Immedi-
ately recovering herself, however, she
welcomed him with Il smile and fastened
10 offer him seat.
He accepted it, and sat down near her.
He had met Rose but twice before; vet il
was in such circumstances that the awk
wardness and cOnstraint OF first acquaint-
ance was in measure unknown to them,
and II was the easiest thing in the world
10 fall into conversation now. He almost
forgot that their acquaintance was of so
recent date. indeed.
Where is your father, Rose, this morn
mgr, he asked. at first. ~ hoped to see
him"
L am sorry he is not here, monsieur"
returned the young girl "Bnt he went