Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1903-12-03
CHAPTER XVI.

There was a talk Of the approaching
wedding day. The impatience OF Louis
had urged It's being fixed at an early Pc
Rod He asserted that delay OF three
months would be quite sufficient. His
gay and vivacious yet earnest arguments
were half accepted. The marquis was in
clined to favor them, though 1t was evil
IDENTIFY with a sore struggle. 1t was not
until now that he had realized the full
depth of his affection for Rose. She had
become very dear to him. Her gentle
ness and innocence and goodness of heart,
her childlike loveliness, and more than all.
her likeness to one beloved in by-gone
years, endeared her to the heart of this
second father. He shrunk from speak
ing Of the parting, though he could not
deny to Louis the boon so earnestly
sought.
1t could be seen, by close observer,
that now, while this discussion was going
on, and one and another laying plans
touching the event, Rose herself said lit
tie, merely giving assent to the various
propositions laid before her, and seeming
to take but passive part in the general
action. There was, too, at times, a GER
tain gravity, which might as we'll have
been called actual sadness, In her de-
meanor, and which could not well be ac-
counted for. Gradually II became so evil
dent that II occasioned the deepest un-
easiness in the breast of Louis. He en-
deavored to draw from her the cause of
1t. She seemed disinclined to acquaint
him with the origin of this unusual mood.
"You are Ill, dear RoseT he asked,
with lovers solicitude.
II am not III, Louis; indeed, you alarm
yourself unnecessarily"
"Then you are unhappyT
II am not exactly unhappy, either"
One month of the three had passed
away,
There are but two months now, Rose, u
said the happy young man.
And Rose, even as she received the kiss
her lover gave so fondly, turned away to
sigh. He observed 1t with increased un.
easiness.
MY dear uncle" he said to the mar.
Quis, what can all RoseI am sure she
Is not quite happy, though she refuses
to admit It."
The marquis did not observe the down.
cast mood Of the young girl for the first
time now. He had watched 1t since its
commencement, and meditated seriously
and with deep concern on the subject
At length one day he sent for her to come
to him in the library.
my dear child" he said, II must know
the reason and the nature of this gloom
which continually rests upon your spirits
It Is, as you must be aware, q matter OF
some anxiety to me. You do not deny
that, IL not precisely unhappy, there is
yet some wish to be granted--some desire
to be fulfilled, which could restore to you
your usual serenityf"
II will not deny 1t, monsieur" she re-
turned, quietly and sadly.
"And you will not tell me what 1t Is
this wishI Dear Rose, this reserve
pains me extremely. am sure you would
not wish to cause me moments dis
quiet, and yet you unconsciously give me
the utmost apprehension. You confdC
neither in Helen nor Louis; then / en-
treat you to be, at least, frank with me
Is 1t anything which can do to crafty
you, my childT
Indeed scarcely think So" answered
Rose; II do not thiuk any one here could
bring me what | wish. 1t is"
Rose, think know what you wish
have thought of 1t more than once-oi
the very subject, doubtless, upon which
you are secretly dwelling at this moment
You have not seen your father in Ions
time. You are about to take most i'm
portant step, and you wish to see him
to tell him Of all this. Is it not so?"