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

CHAPTER VIII.-(Continued.)
The next day Robin came again.
Rose" he said, Il saw, yesterday, go
down, a man whom l think l have seen
before. Do you know who it was?"
You mean, I think, Gasparde, my
cousin. But hush!-here he comes"
And at that moment the individual des-
ignated entered the cottage door. He
made civil obeisance to Rose and the
young man, and accosting Hugh, request
ed, in a low tone, to speak with him
alone.
The two retired, as before, to the gar
den. There somewhat lengthy confer
ence was held, during which time Rose
and Robin were conversing together in
doors, and Gasparde's name was not in
frequently mentioned in the course Of
their dialogue. The young man seemed
to be somewhat interested in him, and
asked several questions concerning him,
by which he gathered the knowledge that
Gasparde had some time very deeply Of
Tended both Rose and her father; but he
also heard Of his having come the pre-
viouS day to make apologies for so do
ing.
And, meanwhile, Hugh ended the col
loquy between himself and Gasparde in
the garden, when they prepared to re-
enter the house. The countenance of the
former was gloomier and darker than
ever.
Captain" said the man, 81 don't re-
member having seen that person in the
kitchen before. I suppose you won't
think it impertinent if 1 ask you who
he is?''
''He is to become the husband of
Rose" returned Hugh. "His name is
Robin Maroon" And he glanced closely
at the countenance of his companion to
detect some signal of his feelings at this
announcement. But all was undisturbed
ed there.
$50 Rose is to be married?" said Gas
parde. 'Well, he will make her an ex-
cellent husband, I hope; and l wish her
much happiness, with all my heart.
suppose, monsieur, you have not forgot
ten the time when I wished so earnestly
to marry Rose myself-have you? But"
he continued, 81 am going to be married
to another young girl, at some distance
from here, shortly"
And the lie was believed. They went
in, and Gasparde remained a short time
longer, affecting an air of the most per-
feet friendliness towards Robin. And
when he took his departure, to return to
the village, Robin accompanied him.
They went along the road talking togeth-
er of one thing and another in care
less way, speaking on a great many sub
jects, and dwelling on none long, till they
came to little grove, past which the
road ran, about half way between the cot
tage and the village.
"a pleasant place yonder," observed
Robin, nodding his head towards it.
"Yes-yes; pleasant enough" respond
ed Gasparde; "but I dare say there are
pleasanter places"
'Just so, my friend" rejoined the
young man; ''you are right. And those
that have more agreeable associations, as
well. For instance, if a man had been
shot there by an unseen enemy, the place
wouldn't be quite so attractive as many
another"
He glanced casually at the face of his
companion as he said it; but beneath the
careless tone and manner was a meaning.
and in that glance he read, like lightning
the expression Of Gasparde's face. 1t
was one of sudden, startled uneasiness
The man looked quickly up at him, with
ont answer. The effect was satisfactory.
4GOUlA WSAA On
''I had a master formerly, who was, one
day, wounded in the manner which I
have described, and in that very wood
which we have passed"
''And he told you about it?' said Gas
parde, watching Robin closely.
"You are right. He told me about it,
did he guess who fired at him?'
81 suppose so. Though he kept it to
himself. He said he meant to punish
the rogue when he could catch him.
''Who was your master. if 1 may ask?''
'The Compile d'Artois. You may have
heard of him possibly. But 1 must bid
you adieu, my friend; for here 1 am at
the farm"
"Adieu," returned Gasparde; and he
continued his route, muttering, 81 have
you now, my master! You think l am
cowed-do you? All! wait-only wait!
You are taking a great deal of trouble to
win my pretty cousin; but 1 shall have
her yet! Only time-time. 1 will let
you just grasp the prize, and then tear
it from you. The later my vengeance,
the sweeter it will ber'
1t was sunset again, and our pretty
heroine, Rose Lamonte, was returning
from the Chateau Montauban, whittier
she had gone early in the afternoon to
see Mademoiselle Montauban, who, she
was told by her father, wished to speak
with her on a matter of Importance With
a light and happy heart, Rose had gone
to meet the lady, and, three or four hours
afterwards, was returning home, with
tears in her eyes, and step very differ
ent from that usual with her. Walking
slowly along, wrapped in sorrowfuI med
itation, she was suddenly aroused by the
voice of Robin prenouncing her name. He
was just going down to the cottage.
"Why, what ails you, my RoseY he
asked, tenderly. "You are weeping! Why
is this? ?"
so, Robin, my father is going awayv'
was her sad answer.
''Going away? All, how sorry 1 am for
you, dear child! But how soon is he go.
ing, and where will he go to?''
81 do not know. He did not tell me;
Mademoiselle Helen told me, and she
knew nothing further than what / have
just said to you. But am afraid it will
be very soon." And the tears chased
each other over her fair cheeks.
"Why did he not acquaint you with this
fact. RoseY
Indeed, 1 do not know. Perhaps he
Lo1 not fhn oouraOo pnnr nd