Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1903-12-29
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/ One Life'S Secret! ,%$5z r.. x
CHAPTER XIx.-(Continued.l

They left the broken vehicle, the pros
trate horses that struggled and kicked II
vain attempts to free themselves fror
the harness and rise, and in the darkness
and the storm pursued with all possible
haste the road to the chateau. There
was no shelter near. The light form OF
Rose was as nothing in the strong arms
of the marquis. Rapidly he bore hei
along, keeping the folds of his CLOAK
well wrapped about her.
"We are almost at the village" said
Francis Egerton, as he supported MS
companion with lovers tenderness that
met now with no repulse.
For Helen Monta uban knew nothing OF
1t. She was saying to herself, lis Rose
dead Has she escaped me! Am to
be spared my work at last?" She listen
ed for a sigh-a groan, from the lips OF
that inanimate figure that was borne be-
fore her. No sound was heard from
them. Already, strange fever Of JOY
mingled with the shivering excitement,
the awe, the horror, which Helen Mon
tauban had felt. She never needed the
rain that poured over her in sheeted tor
rents; the wild winds ragged in vain for
her now; they were unheard. She only
longed for Lght-light, to behold that
childish countenance-to know the truth.
But so near were they to the farm
houses now that no delay was made; the
first one was entered, and Rose placed
upon a couch, while the farmers wives
crowded about, with earnest kindness
and sympathy, to render assistance. But
at the sight Of that pale, quiet face, those
closed eyelids and colorless lips, they
were silent; and some whispered among
themselves, "She is dead!" while others,
with scarce hope, yet seeking still for
one, worked over the lifeless form. And
without stood the marquis and the Count
de Clairville and Francis Egerton by the
fire in the great farm kitchen, in dread.
silence and suspense.
Helen Montauban and the=countess had
entered the chamber where Rose was
laid, and rough yet comfortable garments
were offered them to replace their own
dripping ones. The countess was already
making this welcome and really neces-
sary change; but Helen Montauban,
thrusting them from her, pressed to the
couch.
''Stand asider' she said to the woman
And she knelt down there to look at that
pallid face, round which the dripping
chestnut curlg were lying in shining
masses. Once those whfte rps parteG-
redeemed.
"See-seei she lives-she breathesw ut
tered one Of the women, in an eager,
tremulous tone, subdued almost to a
whisper-"she lives!'
'It is a lieP' muttered Helen Montau-
ban, between those beautiful shut teeth.
A moment elapsed. The women gath
cred, with glad, excited, hopeful eyes,
about the couch-those poor, simple, hon
est-hearted peasant women, praying for
that young life, whose slender thread one
among them would SO gladly have seen
broken. And Gercely watched that one.
with q burning glance, heart that stood
all but still. It was no lie!
Slowly those lovely eyes Enclosed, and
rested upon the glad, smiling faces gath
cred about the couch. There was no rec
ignition In them at first; but presently,
meeting the anxious glance Of the good
countess, who bent over her, she sighed
family, and putting her hand to her head,
whispered, 30, yes; rememberI re-
member nowr'
Helen Montauban was gone. In an ad- |
Joining chamber she removed the satu- |
rated garments she had worn, and sub
stituted for them the apparel seat from
the chateau By 4 domestic; then proceed |
ing to the kitchen, Joined her father and |
his companions, who had just learned |
that Rose had revived. The head of the |
marquis was bowed, his face buried in
his hands. The emotion Of gratitude he |
felt at the bringing back of that young
life almost overcame him.
The night passed and morning broke,
clear and still above the earth, where SO
lately all had been commotion The voice
of the tempest had died away In silence
Broad and fair the sunlight stone above
the pleasant valley. They bore Rose
with gentleness and care back to the cha
teau. She was quite Ill, almost unable
to move limb from weakness The in
juries that others had escaped, she had
and from being SO long exposed
to the storm, there was every reason to
believe that serious consequences would
ensue.
And the apprehension was justified.
During the day her indisposition increas-
sd, and at night, feverish and delirious
she tossed upon her couch, with wild
orilliancy in those soft eyes, and a
scorching flush upon her beautiful cheek.
It was pitiful to hear her wandering
words, and listen to the incoherent ming
ings Of sorrow and joy, in her wild de-
irium. The marquis looked upon her
'nce, and then turned away with stream
ng eyes from the room, to seclude him
'elf in the library, where he passed the
light in watchings. The Count Frederic
md Francis Egerton remained till dawn
n the saloon. Every domestic in the
.hateau kept vigil during those long and
hours; for not an eye could
lose in slumber. Helen Montauban and
he countess had their post in that sick
beside the couch of the sick
sirl, who recognized neither Of them. All
hight long she raved, and the flush burn
ID strong and steady on her cheek, and
he lightning's fash was not more bril-
liant than the fire scintillating from those
lark eyes.
Slowly the leaden night hours waxed
md waned; and Helen Montauban sat
'eside the pillow of Rose, regardless Of
lumber. The countess, sitting by the
ire, still wept and prayed in silence. The
octor came to the bedside.
You need rest, mademoiselle, he said;
cannot I prevail upon you to retire and
match few hours repose while I watch
ere? The fatigue and exposure of last
light, though no present i'll effects are
cit from them, may be productive of
vii consequences, il your nerves continue