The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1903-10-22
CHAPTER TX

II was not without q sigh Of regret
that Helen Montauban observed the pain
which she was forced to lnfiict on one
who loved deeply and truly. Francis Egg
erton had inspired her with a sentiment
of the most earnest esteem; but the
knowledge OF the depth of his regard for
her had almost decided her. at first, to
break of an intimacy which, on his part,
claimed something more than the name of
friendship. This, however, seemed too
harshsa measure. She could not persuade
herself to 90 so far. She liked him sin
cerely; her regard for him was too real
too deep, to permit her thus absolutely
to relInQuIsh the occasional society Of
Lord Egerton; while she trusted to cure
him, In time, Of the passion, which she
felt too well, from a consciousness Of her
own preference In different quarter, she
should never be able to return.
Since his arrival just after Rose had
become an inmate Of the Chateau Montau-
ban, she had begun to feel that she had
a means Of assistance at hand. She did
not pause for time to define any plan,
or to say to herself, In so many words,
that such and such an ultimate issue had
been guessed at, or hoped for, by her:
but she appropriated the means present
ed to her, and trusted that they would
succeed.
Meeting on the very first evening of
his arrival at the chateau, with a repulse,
gentle, though Hrm, from Helena disap-
pointment to hopes long, yet doubtfully,
cherished; and feeling that the detection
and unhappiness which he felt would, II
observed, draw upon him the attention
of those about him, he endeavored to con-
ceal all evidence Of his feelings under a
calm exterior, and to evlnce as much In
terest In affairs about him as was possi-
BILE.
He found himself thrown daily into the
society OF Rose Lamonte, often by
chance. oftener by Helen's own agency.
He admired her beauty-her innocence
and grace, had q charm for him. Helen
Montsuban knew II. He first merely ac-
knowledged, and was sensible Of her
presence; then he sought II. Rose con-
fessed to Helen her admiration of him,
and seemed to evlnce a pleasure In his
society. II was plain that she did not
dislike him; and Helen, although she had
many doubts at first, changed them hnal-
ly for most agreeable yet secret specula-
tlons on the future, little dreaming that
Francis Egerton was yet true to her, or
that Rose Lamopte's thoughts. even In
his presence, turned and dwelt fondly,
though sadly, on the memory Of her hum
ble vet unforRotten iover
Meanwhile. Mademolselle Montauban
thought often and anxlously Of her cous-
In; for Louis had not written once since
his departure from the chateau, and two
months had now elapsed. and nearly the
third, since that time. Her father also
mentioned him frequently, and expressed
his perplexity at his silence, and no less
at bis prolonged absence. Many an hour,
at nishtfall. Helen knelt sadly at her
easement, with her glance sorrowfully
hxerd on the road below that wound
through the valley and beyond the hills
the road over which he bad passed on
the morning when be left her.
When win be traverse It againr' she
asked herself. when, kneeling here. at
my sad post. In the twilight or the dawn.
shall I behold him returningT"
One afternoon. being oppressed with q
slight headache. she had thrown herself
upon her couch to dispel Il. II possible,
by slumber Suddenly her uncle's step,
light and quick. came through the gal
lery, aud Immediately Jessie herself en-
tered the chamber, bearing a light Her