The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1903-12-10
The C0ntrabandiSt;
One Life'S Secret!



est and the noblest of France, envied and
admired by all-who should have at
command the thousand luxuries for
which you were born-who should oc-
cupy, finally, a position and enjoy ad-
vantages suited to your beauty, your
grace, your refinement, your intellect
how can | bear to see you the wife Of
a PEASANT All, be merciful to mel be
just to yourself; awake from this fatal
trance; for you are dreaming, Rose"
He spoke with strange energy. His
tones thrilled through her; his glance
sought hers, waiting for an answer, with
an earnestness-an anxiety that con-
fused her. A feeling Of faintness stole
over her; she put her hand to her brow;
all was strange bewilderment about her.
Still his eyes were fixed upon her; still
he watched eagerly. But over his lips
stole the palor of death; his fine brow
grew cold and white as marble itself,
and on it stood the very dew of agony.
You yield, then?" he said, in voice
choked with emotion.
"Yieldv' She rose slowly from her
seat; she unclasped his fingers from hers
with despairing strength. "Ah, no! You
mistake! l love him; | will be true to
him"
Louis stood with one hand supporting
himself by the table, the other pressed
hard against his side, and his face avert
ed, so that she did not see it's expression.
He did not speak; but the hand resting
upon the table was withdrawn in a mo-
ment and it trembled.
Louis, l have hurt-wounded you;
box 60
give meT Rose said, gently, and in q
tone that quivered with agitation. She
drew near to him, and laid her hand inn
ploringly upon his arm. you can but
see that my promise must be kept, and it
panied me that you should urge me to
break it. All, it is sacred, Louis! help
me to keep it So"
There was no reply. But he turned
towards her; he held out his arms; he
gathered her to his breast and held her
there, while his lips were pressed calmly,
silently, tenderly to hers. Then releasing
her, he went out from her presence The
door closed behind him. A step is heard
without-that Of the marquis.
WELL my Rose, you are waiting for
me-" he said, cheerily, as he approached
her; land have been waiting some time,
l am afraid, too. What shall / say for
myself, eh?' and he seated himself be-
side her. But what ails you, my child|'
he added, with evident concern; you are
ilW
Mono. l am not ill, sir; but | am I'M
happy" returned Rose, lifting her beau
tiful eyes, swimming with tears, to his
earnest face.
.Inhonpv2 Won ara youpo FOR that
Rose. Some girlish within it is, I'll war
rant me-nothing more, and you are max
ing yourself extremely miserable about
it." And he stroked her bright hair gent
ly, as he spoke these words in an enliv-
ening tone.
1T is no within, SIR" answered Rose,
sadly. II have been doing wrong all this
time" She could proceed no further
for her tears.
Doing wrong, poor little mouse? and
to make confession?" smiled the good
old man, kindly. why, Rose, think,
then, that must grant dissolution before
hand, and refuse to listen to your story.
| won't hear any tales against my little
girl"
"Ah, monsieur, you treat it lightly! You
do not know how-how-"
Il don't know, l suppose you would
say, how serious an affair it isis that it,
little Rose. eh?''
Yes, monsieur" answered the young
girl.
Exactly. Well, then, suppose try
to guess|
You could not guess Monsieur, you
must read this" And she drew from her
pocket a letter, which she was about to
give him; but he put it away, smilingly
with his hand.
You will not allow me to guess, Rose !?
then l will not look at your letter. am
harder than stone, my bird. And now,
Rose, don't interrupt me, for, as l told
you, | mean to guess: and I'll wager a
"a wedding dress shall it be, petite?
His good-natured, comical manner and
lively tone. together with a certain sig
nificance which he threw into his last
words caused her first to smile, and then
to blush. despite her sorrow and agita-
ton. He waited an instant, and then
went on:
'What-silence? then you consent,
Rose ?-well, wedding dress it shall be-,
then. AS said. will wager a wedding
dress, lace. jewels and ALL"
Il shall want neither lace For jewels,
monsieur" said Rose, half sadly.
do not interrupt me, my child
Against-let me see-against a pair of
diamond buckles. You see l mean TO
make you pay well, Rose-that l shall
guess rightly"
Il do not understand you, monsieur"
said the young girl. wondering, perplexed
and diverted at his manner.
'You don't? what pity" There was
mischief in his eyes, that brought the
smile to hers. What pity" he repeat
ed. well, at all events, / will COM
mence and probably by the time | shall