Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1903-07-24
CHAPTER IL


he was in search of lay along the shores
of the Alabama river, and what more
natural than that lie should be we'll sup
plird with letters of introduction to the
leading planters and gentlemen of influ-
encc in the vicinity?
Foremost and most influential among
These persons stood Col. Couramont, the
descendant of an iliustrious French fam
fy. who, twenty years previous to the
oprning of our narration, had come from
Lou,iana with his year-old motheress
daughter in his arms, and had purchas-
ed and had settled upon the grand es-
tate Of Rosemont.
lie was reputcd to he fabulously
wealthy, and certainly his course of life
bore evidence that the supposition was
correct He held high state at the Hall,
hi, beautiful daughter was educated by
resident masters of ability, and was al
ways attircd in imported costumes. The
colonel owned colony of slaves to whom
h, was a kind and considerable master,
was the very soul of hospitality to the
occasional guests that sought the shelter
Of his roof, and was accounted a happy
man.
His love for his beautiful daughter
lie loved and watched over her with a
jealous, almost fearful pride, which did
not escape the comment of the humbIest
Of his ncighborS.
10 the outward world he was a proud
and happy man. though it would have
been evident to close observer that his
mind, for some mysterious reason, was
not Mt peace 1t was evident that he
al ., b, IS oln ,vhil,
the light that invariably burned in his
chamber at night had become landmark
to all bclatcd wayfarers. Was he walk
inE, thinking or reading, during those
lonely night watches?
In point Of fact, Francois Couramont
was not Il happy man; he bore up brave
II for his daughters sake, but as the
years were added unto him. the lines Of
care were dcepened upon his brow, and
too often the morning sun shone into
haEgard eyes. From this it may be in
fcrrcd that some secret sorrow or dread
gnawcd, day and night, at his heart
that Francois Couramont was Il haunted
man.
Pnradoxical as it may appear, Col
Couran3o1t rather encouraged the ad
vanccs of his scapegracc nephew, Oscar
The young mans dissipated habits were
no secret to him, and yet he repeatedly
assisted him when embarrassed, and took
special pains to throw him into his
daughters company. Sylphide hated Os-
ear Couramout from the first, and did
everything in her power to shun him
when at Rosemont.
You seem TO forget that Oscar is your
cousin" the colonel gently demonstrated
upon one occasion.
Il am trying to forget it as fast as I
cam was the impulsive rejoinder.
And vet I would be glad to see you
friends" urged the father, Your intlu-
cncc might reform-might save him.
Could you love him"
Sylphidc cut him short with an impe-
rious gesture She had drawn herself
up to her full height, her black eyes
flashed firc, and her supple frame fairly
Quivcrcd with the passion that at times
was uagovernablc.
Love him. she cried, furiouSly. Il
hate him, hate him, do you hear? And
i you love me, you will never again
mention his infamous name in my pres
cacr. If YOU think so much of him. be-
Qreath him your entire property, but
leave me my liberty"
And she swept out of the room like
an outraged queen. The colonel bent his
ao2i and soalding tears blinded his sight,
So ht stretched his arms heayenward.
crying:
How am / punished! This fatal pride
Will prove my ruin. Some day she will
love with all the strength of her pas
&ooa,o nature, and then-and then-oh,
what a coward ! am | ought to tell her
Fl the cloud which overshadows her life,
lax | caunot. | love her so, how can
$50 her wilt At my feet like some FROST
a.Shtad flower crushed forever by the
worlds of my own lips. Oh, no. no! l
0Gaot"
The touch Of soft, warm arm about
lis neck recalled him with start to him
"t. 1t was Sylphide come back - him,
'a'ataut. Her anger had passed like
@ April shower. and she was all con.
"." affection and tenderness.
Father. darling" she whispered, drop
2S upon her knees at his side and gent
1g3wjOg his hands from his tear-wet
90. do not forget that | have inher
I'd the hot Spanish blood of my moth
That mother whom l have never
Gown, but whom l love as saint in
ven"'
res yes, he painted, teyerlShly, love
revere her memory, for she was
.' and sood-purc as the angels! oh,
Ho'do when l am dead and gone.
Mise me that You will never lend an
To the tongue of evil gossip. Your
her was too beautiful. too perfect. to
De the malice of rivals. But charge
by her memory, by your hope of
'eo, never listen to aught that lying
ICES might say against her
Father"
lou knew nothing as yet of the
4 5 ylilainy, but | swear to you, here
now rs though | were upon my
3.oed, your mother was pure and
the sight of heaven, in my sight,
husband, and l heseech you SO to love
'"at she may watch over you and
: you home to her bosom in Gods
time"
e oTjef month later Francois Coura-
Jay SpecchlesS upon his death-bed,
" was only in the moments of dis,
"0n when he lay in his daughters
az fro ta