Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1903-09-10
CHAPTER IL.

q league from the cottage OF Hugh La
monte that the Chateau MOntauban
stood. II was situated on a rocky and
abrupt eminence, overlooking the valley
below, whore q small village looked more
like the mlaIataFe group Of dolls houses
which children play with than the ordi-
nary habltatlons Of ordinary men, while
the stream that wound It's way along az
the foot OF the hills was nothing more
than a mere thread Of silver
On the night OF the attack on Count
Louis there were two persons seated In
the library Of this chateau; the one u
lady, with beautiful aud somewhat strik'
Ing features, tall and graceful figure,
and bearing ut once naughty and capti'
waiting. MademOlselle Montauban was
person Of strong feelings, Of deep en-.
ergy, Of quick yet firm resolves, aud de-
cided action. She was pleasing TO all;
yet with the very grace and noble beauty
which captiyated one. there was an air
an expression OF yelled haughtiness, OF
lofty pride, OF insinuatlng command. All
the world admired mademoiselle, but few
loved her.
Her father, monsieur le marquis, on the
other hand, was an extremely atfable.
polite and agreeable gentleman. He was
universally kind and good TO the peasant
ry around the country, and there was
no poor people who did not have cause TO
thank him for many an act OF generosity
He had been married twice; 10 beauti.
full Frenchwoman, after the death OF La
Marqulse Giudette. aud this wife died
also. He mourned her loss long and sin
cerely: for they say he loved her even
better than he lived Giudette, who was
very violent and passionate. There was
one child~-a lovely. sunny-haired child,
with features like her fair mothers, and
eyes like fresh violets, by this second
marriage. But he has only Helen to com
fort his approaching old age now: and
there IL a large portrait in the saloon
the portrait Of smiling infant, painted
nearly sixteen years ago, which he looks
at and sighs.
The father and daughter sat In the H.
brary; he by a large table In the center
OF the apartment, reading, a. was his
custom In the evenings; she had drawn
her seat forward near one OF the deep
windows overlooking the valley, and the
road by which Louis was expected TO
come. Roth were awaiting his arrival,
but 1t was with far different degrees OF
feeling. The marquis. indeed, looked for
ward with pleasure TO the meeting with
his nephew, whom he had not received at
the chateau for some years; but yet his
anticipation was moderated by calmness,
for he no longer possessed the hurry and
impatience of youth. With Helen Mon
tauban It was not thus. Deeper feelings
than were warranted by that calm and
naughty exterior were busy in her heart.
Father" and her voice Is calm and
sllvery as usual, despite the beating OF
her heart, that throbs more violently ev'
cry moment--"father, Il is already quite
late. My cousin, Monsieur Louis, must
surely remember that he may possibly ex'
pose himself to some danger by trayers'
ing the lonely roads in this neighborhood
by night"
The marquis closed bis book, hose from
his seat and approached the window.
"Yes; you are right--you are right
Helen" he returned; 'but hardly think
he will be so rash as to undertake e
reach the chateau tonight with that ter
rible storm gathering. As to the danger
from brigands, however, ] do not fear
for, without doubt. he will have his vale
with him, and he will have also his weap
ons. And you must consider, Helen, tina
our young relative has both strength o
limb and skill in arms. that might wei
warrant him In setting at defiance good
ly number of besiegers."
"Yes-I know, father. And there ar
none more brave than Louis" A prou'
smile shone In her splendid eyes as sh
smoke, and then she sank back in her sea
again, and toyed with her fan, while tn
marquis placed himself by her side, an
also watched for some sign of his nephew
But the night deepened, and still Loui
did not come, while the storm, which ha
been threatening, ere long broke owe
the chateau, and ragged with terrible fury
81 do not think we shall see him tC
night. Helen" said her father as the oil
. clock In the hall sounded ON eleven; IAN
II grows late. my child. Perhaps you ha
better retire"
And Helen Montauban would not b'
tray her anxiety and restlessness, eve
to her father; so she obeyed his sugge'
tion shortly. She did not seek her coucl
however. but, after having dismissed h'
! maid for the night she wrapped ric
shawl carelessly about her stately hgur
and cast herself upon pile of cushion
beneath window which commanded
view OF the valley beneath, and, the ligl
within being shaded, drew the curtai
from the easement, and leaned forwaI
upon the sill. with her anxious glan'
. piercing the gloom for some glimpse
!. the vet expected guest.
!. Still the moments crept on, and Il
hour of midnight sounded sternly on Il
now silent air. Her heart beat violentl
she trembled. "He said he should come
she murmured; "why, then, this delay
for Louis never yet broke his word. T
NAV have been murderedw and 81
buried her face in her trembling hands.
Louis had been her playmate for weel
together In childhood, when she had bot
y permitted to visit his family in Lyon
and she had never been so happy as du
= ing those periods. They We're the CROW
and glory of her sleeping and wakiv
dreams, She was never so happy VIII,
she returned to the old, lonely chatea
as In recounting the wonderful stories
those happy times, and anticipating h
y next visit. He was fine, handsom
q graceful and independent boy, and s.
u thought there could be nobody in t
world like her cousin Louis. His fir
proud, gallant bearing and manly spir
his noble intellect and his fine. though
. full countenance, with the innocent e
VI snn of his hnyish years, Ind alWA