Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1903-11-26


the latter circumstance was the cause Of
the former"
He laughed.
Perhaps; but think, II he had never
seen Helen, he would have been your
captive. How would you have treated
him. petItef-as you treated me last
nightT'
Yea"
81 believe II. How fortunate he Is!
] endured agony last evening, Rosew
His tone was sad as be said IL.
Agony, LouisY
Lest l should gain the very boon 1
seemed so earnestly to crave. But you
were true 10 Robin. | was more than
satisfied with the result OF my trial. And
then, what JOY filed my breast, with the
ringing echo Of that sorrowful, yet firm
denial Of my suit Il was music 10 me"
why, Louis--LouIs Where are you,
my boyT" shouted the rich, clear, merry
voice Of the Count de Clairyille, from the
terrace; and the next moment they heard
his step approaching the library.
Rose sprang up.
Let me go, Louis" she said.
Away, then, my birdg' And he sprang
to a side door that opened on a staircase
leading to the gallery above. This way,
Rose. Our mischievous friend, strongly
suspect, knows all about this business Of
ours, and Is inclined 10 tease me little" "
And the door closed behind Rose just
as the summons OF the count was heard
at the opposite entrance.
II required some hours OF retirement
and silence in the solitude Of her own
chamber to restore to Rose anything like
her usual tranquility. The excitement OF
the last four-and-twenty hours had their
effect on her, and every nerve was thrill
ing to the tension prodaced by 1t. Quiet
was impossible; so she fastened her door,
and walked the floor to work of in some
degree the restless agitation she felt,
When she had succeeded in wearying
herself with the exercise she sat down,
and leaning back among the cushions,
laughingly and resolutely shut her eyes,
with the determination to sleep. This
was a difficult matter, however. Her
mind was not quite composed yet. Rose,
after she had bathed her face, had her
hair re-arranged and made some altera-
tions in her dress and descended to the
saloon.
Louis was gone to the village. The
marquis and his friend, Count Frederic,
walking together on the terrace, were en-.
gaged in conversation. The Countess
Marie, in one corner, read quietly from
favorite book. Helen Montauban
worked at her embroidery and
wore a brighter and better pleased ex.
preston than in the morning; for Fran.
els Egerton was away. She beckoned
Rose Immediately to her side.
"Truant! where have you been" she
said, smilingly, as she made the young
girl sit by her aud stroked her bright
hair.
In my chamber. Helen" answered
Rose. laying her pretty head against the
shoulder Of her companion, with happy
and loving confidence.
"A penance of solitude and reflection
my fair sister? What sin have you COM
mitted?"
mo sin-nO penance was mine. was
restless. l went to become calm and
quiet"
And succeeded, think. But what
ails you, Rose? What is in your eyes
your face? Some reflex from underlying
emotions-glad emotions. You have had
good news?"
"No-yes! All, do not ask meat least
not now!" laughed the young girl. "Come
to my chamber to-night--will you, Helen
or, 1 will come to yours; it does not mat.
ter which; and then l will tell you what
cannot-dare not tell you now, here. in
this broad daylight, with eyes and ears
all about us. Yes-ah, yes, Helen! l am
gladw She laid her face on Helen
breast and clasped her arms about her
A strange expression fitted for a mo-
ment over the countenance of Mademoi,
selle Montauban. 1t filed her dark eyes
with glance of quick and searching
meaning, as they rested fixedly on Rose
But 1t was only for an instant; for Rose
lifted her head again, and those sweep.
ing, jetty eyelashes veiled every CLEAN OF
the awakened spirit.
(To be continued)