The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1903-10-10
CHAPTER II.

u "~ ~o from the cottage of Hugh La
80 that the Chateau Montauban
mOH HULL II was situated on rocky and
s,OUu nt eminence, overlooking the valley
S SO1ow where small village looked more
r rslst the miniature group of dolls houses
H msiob children play with than the ordi-
VIM bahitations Of ordinary men, while
na.' s+ream that wound it's way along at
~. ~. Foot Of the hills was nothing more
.hon mere thread of silver.
On the night of the attack on Count
ronis there we're two persons seated in
4ha library of this chateau; the one a
Ia6v, with beautiful and somewhat strik'
inc features, Il tall and graceful figure,
and a bearing at once naughty and capti-
"oting, Mademoiselle Montauban was
norson of strong feelings, of deep en-
arqv, of quick yet firm resolves, and de-
o;ded action, She was pleasing to all;
vot with the very grace and noble beauty
which captivated one, there was an air
an EXPRESSION of yelled haughtiness, of
loftv pride, of insinuating command. All
the world admired mademoiselle, but few
loved her.
Her father monsieur lie marquis, on the
other hand, was an extremely affable,
nolite and agreeable gentleman. He was
Universally kind and good to the peasant
~ 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; to beauti-
full Frenchwoman, after the death Of La
MarQuise Giudette, and 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 is large portrait in the saloon
the portrait of smiling infant, painted
nearly sixteen years ago, which he looks
at and signs.
The father and daughter sat in the H.
brary; he by large table in the center
Of the apartment, reading, as was his
custom in the evenings; she had drawn
windows overlooking the valley, and the
road by which Louis was expected to
come. Both were awaiting his arrival,
but it was with far different degrees of
feeling. The marquis, indeed, looked for
ward with pleasure to the meeting with
bis 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
Impotence of youth. With Helen Mon
tauban 1t 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
SlVery as usual, despite the beating of
her heart, that throbs more violently ev-
cry moment-''father, it is already quite
late. My cousin, Monsieur Louis, must
surely remember that he may possibly ex-
pose himself to some danger by travers-
ing the lonely roads in this neighborhood
by night"
The marquis closed his 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 to
reach the chateau tonight with that ter
rlble storm gathering. AS to the danger
from brigands, however, l do not fear;
for, without doubt, he will have his valet
with him, and he will have also his weap-
ons. And you must consider, Helen, that
our young relative has both strength of
limb and skill in arms. that might we'll
warrant him in setting at defiance a good
~ number of besiegers."
1es-l know, father. And there are
none more brave than Louis" A proud
smile shone in her splendid eyes as she
spoke, and then she sank back in her seat
again, and toyed with her fan, while the
marquis placed himself by her side, and
alSo watched for some sign of his nephew.
But the night deepened, and still Louis
ulo not come, while the storm, which had
Deeh threatening, ere long broke over
'le chateau, and ragged with terrible fury.
90 not think we shall see him to-
lignt' Helen" said her father, as the old
CLOCK IN the hall sounded on eleven; "and
II grows late, my child. Perhaps you had
better retire"
ana Helen Montauban would not be-
Tray ner anxiety and restlessness, even
~ her father; so she obeyed his sugges-
uon shortly. She did not seek her couch,
however but, after having dismissed her
n naiu Tor the night, she wrapped rich
0uu"l carelessly about her stately figure,
Suu cast herself upon a pile of cushions
Oeueatn window which commanded a
view OF the valley beneath, and, the light
"ltnin being shaded, drew the curtain
nnOln the easement, and leaned forward
upon the sill, with her anxious glance
piercing tn the gloom for some glimpse of
Tue yet expected guest.
~, sui the moments crept on, and the
nout OF midnight sounded sternly on the
Nv INV silent air. Her heart beat violently:
S ohe trem0led. He said he should come. i"
fos I nlurcmured; why, then, this delay /?
NOV AI p never yet broke his word. He
h Hnsi. nave been murderedw and she
lieu ner face in her trembling hands.
to n-UIiS mad been her playmate for weeks
na se'aer IN childhood, when she had been
p ma to visit his family in Lyons,
in~ s 81 que mad never been so happy as dur
ma 'nOSe periods. They were the crown
dre % glory Of her sleeping and waking
Rbe 49, ohe was never so happy when
As in a to the old, lonely chateau,
tbosa iIecounting the wonderful stories of
next r a;appy times, and anticipating her
grac0srS pit lie was a fine, handsome,
S'aceful and indancndo,,t = >