The Monticellonian., 1904-12-15

with mamma, Henri seemed to leave me altogether and l thought he had for gotten all about me. And then you came, and l loved you so." And now it was Browne's turn to offer comfort, as Judith buried her head in his shoul- der. sobbing piteously.
 When Henri visited me again" she continued after few moments, just a short time after papa died, he was much changed He was boy when we parted now he is a man, and rich one, at last, but he is lonely and needs me, he says Oh Charles. it is so strange that no one else knows Henri! cannot understand it. But it will all be clear. Henri is coming for me soon. He will arrive on the Nereus. "
 "The Nereus! That is due next week! And if he does not come. Judith what them"
 He will come. Charles; I know he will" she insisted. and nothing Browne could say could shake her confidence in the arrival of her mysterious friend.
 "The Nereus is in, Judith" Browne remarked, as he greeted her few days later
 ''Yes, I know, dear" she replied quiet ly. but her voice trembled with excite ment and her eyes burned feverishly T am expecting Henri every moment Don't leave me. Charles. l am little nervous to-day"
 ''Sit down. dear Wait for him here.
 "Oh no, cant sit down, I cant stay still! Come out on the porch with me. '
 Soon it will be all right, dearest, Browne treasured her, as they stood to- gether looking out on the street. But although his tones were quiet, he was as excited and anxious as Judith herself for he felt his life and hers depended upon the issue of the present crisis. A few moments passed in silent waiting A cab came slowly into view. To Brownes surprise, it stopped at the gate.
 Does Miss Clermont live here?" the cabman inquired.
 Yes Browne replied, have you news for herr"
 The man did not reply, but lifted out and slowly bore up the steps the un- conscious form of handsome French man For a moment Judith seemed stunned, then she quietly led the way to bed room, and asked that her mother and physician be summoned A for eigner who had assisted the cabman in bringing in the body remained i'll the room. watching the scene, his face fuh of sadness.
 Who is this?" Browne asked him, pointing to the quiet form over which Judith bent
 He is my friend, Henri Le Blanc. answered the man in low tones We came on the Nereus this morning; he is to be married Henri is good fellow
 At this moment. Mrs. Clermont en- tered with a physician and for hours they labored over the unconscious Le Blanc, Judith moving about as in dream
 He was struck by wagon" the for eigner explained to Browne "He did not see it coming; he seemed to be in a dream He never was like other people If he were not so good, I should think he had a devil in him! he is so queer He talks when no one is near him and acts so strangely But Henri is a rich man now, so no one speaks i'll of him. When he was poor,-ughi no one would associate with him thenI-said he was erazy,"
 Have you known him 1ong?s asked Browne
 "Oh yes, all my life He made me his slave. but love him! He always was good to me. wish to drink, to gamble; he stops me when I am hundred miles away from him, am about to commit a dreadful crime. have to give up and go to Henri, and he all the time far away from mel Oh. Henri has saved me many times. Then he made me come over to America with him to see him marry this young lady here ?
 It is no use, said tho doctor He is gone now He seems to have been all nerve and brain, and no vitality poor fellow.
 Henri gone," cried the little for eigner Mon Dieu, I must go. tool" And his small body rocked in a paroxysm of grief Gently Mrs. Clermont led him away and Browne and Judith were alone. looking down at the quiet face and folded hands of the dead Frenehman. Suddenly Browne started.
 Look. Judith" he exclaimed. "the same little ring you wear! See, five lit tie garnets!"
 But Judith did not hear him. For a long time she knelt beside the mani mate form. Browne watching her with eyer-increasing dread and anxiety. Finally she raised her head and looked into her living lovers eyes.
 Tt is all over now. dearest" she said, a light breaking over her face. nothing is between us; the shadow of my life has disappeared :"
 What was itp Who nf us ean tnll2