New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-15

face. II VIII aNaii nothing. he SAID. OO8Seoly-
I'VE have our orders. Mademoselle is 20 remain
within until the return Of Monsieur. II only
Nsdeuoiselle would be content TO repose herself.
She is very safe in Highgrove HaII-weII
guarded
lie glanced significantly at the window. The
sailor again passing. Then the shifty eyes
for half instant met mine and-I under
stood. I a prisoneri
This full knowledge of my situation. coming
suddenly. robbed me Of my strength I sank
upon the chair. from which had just risen.
Francois. his frightened expression showing ne
feared I might faint. gave me quickly a glass
OF water. After a moments reflection asked
10 see Cray. In the Englishman. who had
known me from childhood I hoped to find
ally FRANCOIS shook his head.
IF MademOiseIe would out Try 20 cornprs-
bend! II she would but consider for a monenti
IL she would but recall to herself the great
fear Of Monsieur that possesses the good Cray
fol. We all fear him-aH. Even. perhaps
MademOiselle herself"
He spread out his hands with an air Of ress-
nation
7 must speak with Cray" Insisted since
you fear to call him. will find him myself"
1T is Of no use. Mademoisene Cray is at the
stables. where he is necessary since all. save
one groom only. sent away. Then. too.
Cray would not come. did 1 call him. He fears
to see MademOiselle. he says. in her DISTRESS
He must obey Monsieur: he remains. then. AT
the stablesr'
Again reviewed my chances Of escape. for
escape I must. before Philips return. Desperate.
I seized the only one that offered
And you. Francois / said gently. looking
pleadinsly into the mans face Are you willing
to see me kept a prisoner? All. no; you win
help me, sure. Help ne to get to Drone-
ton. and you shall have every cent I possess"
He did not answer. but stood before me with
bent head listening
No one need know I went on. in low tones;
no one can know. with clever management.
Mathilde is upstairs. Cray out Of the house.
II you will but engage the man on guard IN
pleasant conversation-over bottle OF wine-I
can slip down to the railroad track and to
Droneton''-
And I. Mademoiseller What then. ask. be-
comes Of me. Francois?'
You will follow before my fight is discov-
cred. Francois" said. steadily. "and earn not
only my money. but my sincere gratitude"
'Mademoisee talks like child" he said.
coldly. forgetting. 1 think. the temper Of Mon
sieur He would find me. would beat me to
death-Or worse! All. no! Not such fool am
as to cross the will OF Monsieur for a Httle
money! For look. then. the savings Of Made
motselle are but a trihe-a few hundreds only.
n'est-ce pas? Not worth risk terrible. As
for giving pleasure to Mademoiselle'-he laid his
hand on his heart. bowling low-"that is differ
entl 1t desolates me to disoblige her-Mais. que
voulez-vous? I am a mere servant. l. Francoisl
The butler Of Monsieuri must obey orders"
left the room without another word. bitterly
regretting that had so humbled myself. Fran
COTS followed close after, with catlike tread. r
paid no attention. but reaching the top OF the
great staircase. turned toward that leading TO
the third story.
"MademoiselIe?"
I stood still
The rooms OF the third story being locked
Cray now has the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS will find
herself more comfortable here-or downstairs"
I entered my room. shutting the door upon
his spying face was not surprised 70 see
Mathilds seated by my window. busy with her
sewing. She rose respectfully.
a dull day. Madenoisellsr'
you have orders to remain here with ne7'
But yes. Mademoiselle."
"And why7" asked. curious 20 hear what her
excuse might be. She made none.
Monsieur feared to have Mademoiselle alone
why does he fear. Mathilde?'
She raised her eyes from the work she had
resumed. to stare at ma DULY.
why. Mademoiselle7"
Yes why?" repeated. why do~s he fear TO
have me left alone? Speak freely Mathfde: Z
wish to understand"
After a moment Of puzzled silence shs spoks-
quite freely.
"Mademoiselle IL not like others. Monsieur
says. Monsieur gave strict orders Watch
Mademoisers carefully. She is not one who
threatens what she viii do. Mademoisele acts
swiftly-without words. Madenoisells wishes to
leave here. She may not do to-day. Be re-
spectfu1- Do not. for one moment. forget tha
high rank OF Mademoiselle: but see TO IL that
she neither harms herself. nor leaves my house.
voilaF'
She recommended her stitching. stoifd. a.
unroved as before.
felt the need Of employment Perhaps. WITH
the touch Of familiar implements might como
some plan. Needle and thimOle might steady
my brain: might help it. too. to work swiftly.
begged Mathnds TO let help her. calling q
CLEAN Of real pleasure into her dun facs She
gave ths strip OF muslin. with a snils.
''Mademoiselle ernbroiders as no one else can
she said: but her qualification ala not lead her
into forgetting Philips orders.
Now plying my needle then fitting restiessiy
about the house. at times searching for hsIp,
for comfort in my Bible. got through tbs day.
Ny brain reeled under the strain put upon IT,
searched eagerly. feverishly-at last desperately
for plan OF escape.
How should I meet Philip on his returny
Should I confront him and sternly denounce his
conduct. demanding my freedom? What IL that
failed.
Should I refuse 20 see him; then when mid
night came. strive 70 steal out unseen?
This last plan commended itself to me. Ths
night. thank God. would favor such enter
mist stole silently up the river from the sea.
blOttiug out the sun. When. al 8. I heard the
sound OF Philips carriage wheels, the fog hung
thick about the walls OF Highgrove Hall
t. h.