The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1903-03-14
sNow, vhat Is it7,' asked St. Julien,

NOW WuAG IL ASHSN 49,
after they had both become seated.
II was some moments before the
nephew replied; but at length ne seemed
to collect HIS mental forces, and ne COM
menced: a~
IN. st. Julien" his voice trembled at
first, but it grew more steady as ne
went on, II have now been in your ram
lily a long while, and my attachments
have become strong and fixed. Six years
ago you placed your children under my
charge, and have done all l could for
them" + as..z-s
81 KNOW know, Simon" uttered the
old man., land have told you a thou
sand times how grateful was"
Eyes, sir; and your gratitude has been
a choice blessing to me. But remember
the hours have spent with those two
children" .' IT.,
"And haven't they been happy hours
Simon?" j.
.'Indeed they have, sir, been very hap
py ones. But, alas! the thought has
often been with me Of late-must they
all end in misery now" a
"How, Simon ?-misery? uttered the
marquis, In establishment. what mean
you? Do you fear that I am going to
turn you away"
An instantaneous flash of defiance pass
ed over the younger mans face, but ne
revealed none of the feeling that had
given 1t birth. ..a
"No, no." he replied, II did not fear
that. You do not understand me. Re-
member, sir, that Louise st. Julien has
| grown up under my care-that l have
seen each opening beauty as 1t has grad
ually expanded itself into life, and each
bud of promise have seen blossom into
the full rose. She has now grown to be
q woman. Think you 1 have seen and
known all this unmoved? No, sir. My
heart has been caught in the snare of her
charms, and am but as an outcast now,
IL possess her not for mine own. You
understand me nowW
Brion st. Julien understood, but he
made no reply. He started when the
truth first broke upon him; and when 81
mon ceased speaking he arose to his
feet and commenced to pace the room.
| The nephew watched him for a moment,
and then, in tone as soft and persuas-
i've as he could assume he resumed:
Reflect calmly upon this, my lord. Re-
member, you are growing old; your chill
| dren are yet young
'Too young for this, Simon," whisper
ed the marquis. "And then am not old,
either. am but fifty-fve-that's all"
~ know" pursued the nephew; "but
Louise is not young. Her mind is that
of a woman"
But you are one year over and above
double her own age" suggested the par
emit; almost old enough-ay, fully old
enough to be her father"
"And yet am not old, nor have l yet
reached my prime; only fve-and-thirty
years. But what of all this? Speak
plainly, sir, and let me know your mind.
Only remember that l have not sought
your daughters society. 1t has been
forced upon me, and could not avoid the
result. All, sir, cannot think you will
refuse me-"
Now, to speak the truth for the mar
quis-he had not the fullest confidence in
Simon Lobois. He knew that his nephew
would work we'll for pay. but he had long
doubted the truth of his heart-the pure.
ness of his motives; and what was more
he had moments when he almost feared
him. This latter emotion was sort OF
dim, vague working of mind, without
| point anu WlluOuL UuL yeC IL
worked, and had its influence.
"Simon," he said, when left France
left all the rotten, useless usages OF
society behind me, and here l resolved tc
form a world of my own. First among
the miserable falsehoods of old society,
meant to cast away that plan which
makes the marriage Of the child a work
of the parent. When my child is old
enough to marry, she is old enough to Sc
lect her own husband and until she is
old enough to use her own judgment in
that respect, she is not old enough to per
form the duties of a wife. Upon the mar
riage of my children may depend tn,
whole veal or woe Of their earthly fu
ture. Such being the case must leave
them to choose for themselves, only hop
ing that they will seek my counsel, an;
, listen to my advice, so far as my judg
ment is good"
what am l to understand by this
STRIP asked Simon, not able to conceal hi
chagrin.
Simply that Louise may choose he
own husband"
But you will exercise some authority
! You will speak in my behalf?"
! "First, / would know if the girl choose
you"
"But-but-you might influence he
= choice"
Not now, Simon"
u "Yet you will speak one word?'
;. "Why so soon? Louise is young We
:, Why, bless you. man, there's some tin
yet-sone years-ere she'll be of iawfl
. age"
mot quite a year, sir"
~ mean ere she'll be able to do bus
ness as an heiress. Let the matter re-
now"
mo, mol cannot. cannot live
a doubt. must know what my fate is
= be-"
K But what is to be gained by til
4 haste2 Louise must be free yet, unle
d she may reciprocate your own love-"
"a SAY" cried Simon, hotly and passio
"a ately, and speaking now without thoug
" or consideration; but how long is tn
' to be so? How long before this neN
u aedged popinjay may seize her with II
n fire Of his eye, and influence her to To-
him? He is here, and ne is likely
h stay here while"
ct "Simon Lobois!' spoke the marqui
re- sternly and quickly, 'you know not VIII
q Won saw Reward sir Or I NAV tell v,