Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1903-02-05

| NOW Whht ~ Ut asked 81. Julien
after they had both become seated.
II was some moments before the
nephew replied; but at length he seemed
to collect his mental forces, and he com
menced.
m. st. Julien" his voice tremhled al
first, but II grew more steady as be
went on, II have now been In your fam
lily long while, and my attachment,
have become strong and fixed. Six years
ago you placed your children under my
charge, and have done all | could fol
them"
II know-I know, SImon," uttered the
old man, "and ! have told you thou.
sand times how grateful I was"
Yes, alr; and your gratitude has been
choice blessing 10 me. But remember
the hours have spent with those two
children"
And haven't they been happy hours,
Indeed they have. sir, been very hap.
py ones. Bat, alasl the thought has
often been with mo OF late--must they
all end In misery nowT
"Iiow, Simon 2--mIseryT" uttered the
marquis, in astonlshment. "What mean
your Do you fear that I am going 10
turn you awayT
An instantaneous fash OF defiance pass.
ed over the younger mans face, but he
revealed none OF the feeling that had
given IL birth.
NO, no." he replied. IL did not fear
that You do not understand me. Re
member, sir, that Louise st. julien has
grown up under my care-thAt | have
seen each opening beauty as II has grad
ually expanded itself Into life, and each
bud OF promise have seen blossom Into
the full rose. She has now grown 10 be
n woman. Think yon I haze seea and
known all this unmoved7 No, sir. My
heart has been caught In the snare OF her
charms. and ] am but as an outcast now,
II possess her not for mine own. You
understand me nowT
Brlon 81. Julien understood, but he
made no reply. lie started when the
truth first broke upon him: and when ST.
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, sand then am not old,
either. am but tfty.hve--that's all"
Il know" pursued the nephew: but
Louise Is not young. Her mind Is that
of woman"
But you are one year over and above
double her own age" suggested the par
ent; almost old enough-ay, fully old
enough to be her father"
And yet am not old, nor have yet
reached my prime; only hve-and-thIrty
years. But what Of all thls2 Speak
plainly. sir, and let me know your mind.
Only remember that have not sought
your daughters society. II has been
forced upon me. and could not avoid the
result. Al, air. I cannot think yon will
Now, to speak the truth for the mar.
quis-he had not the fullest confidence In
Simon Lobols. He knew that his nephew
would work well 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 |
iim, vague working OF mind, without
point and without shape; but yet It |
worked, and had Its influence.
Simon" he said, when l left France,
left oil the rotten, useless usages of
'oclety behind me, and here resolved to
'orm . world OF my own. First among
he miserable falsehoods Of old society. l
meant to cast away that plan which
makes the marriage Of the child work
II the parent. When my child is old
'nough to marry, she Is old enough to SO.
ect her own husband: and until she is
I'D enough to use her own Judgment in
hat respect, she Is not old enough to per-
orm the duties of wife. Upon the mar
lage Of my children may depend the
Whole veal or woe OF their earthly fu-
ure. Such being the case, must leave
hem to choose for themselves, only hon.
ng that they will seek my counsel, and
sten to my advice, SO far as my judg-
lent Is good"
What am l to understand by this.
irT asked Simon, not able to conceal his
hagrin.
simply that Louise may choose her
wn husband"
"But you will exercise some authority?
'Ou will speak in my behalfT
First, would know IL the girl chooses
ou."
"But-but-you might influence her
hoice."
"Not now, Simon"
"Yet you will speak one wordT"
why so soon? Louise Is young vet.
Why, bless you, man, there's some time
et-some years-ere she'll be of lawful
ge." I
"Not quite year, SIR"
II mean ere she'll be able to do bust. :
ass as an heiress. Let the matter rest
1w."
mo, no--I cannot. cannot live In
oubt. must know what my fate Is to =
D."
But what Is to be gained by this
lsteT Louise must be free yet, unless t
Ie may reciprocate your own love-" /
"Ay," cried Simon, hotly and passion Z
ely, and speaking now without thought =
consideration; "but how long Is this =.
be sof How long before this new.
dyed popinjay may seize her with the Il
Q of his eye, and influence her to love t
m? He Is here, and he Is likely to e
ay here while" n
Simon Loboisr spoke the marquis; d
srnly and quickly, ''you know not what a
u say. Beware, sir, or / may tell you :,
truth that shall CRATE upon thine ear" =,
Speak, sir-speakp uttered the y y
phew, still under the influence of pas 81
n. "Let me hear ALL" e
Listen" interrupted the marquis, "and II
shall hear. l took you to my home Ia
nniless. Only remember you this: the le
unit st. Denis was one among the few, st
" few, true friends ever had; and his II
y son has inherited all his fathers -
ID qualities, all his nobleness of soul, ~