Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-09-17
CHAPTER xx1I1.-(continued,)

"Messieurs," cried the old man in
his high-pitched old voice. 81 give you
the health of the Demoiselle de Rohan
and the Comte de Kersaint, and 1 an
nounce to you the engagement which
has been entered upon between this
son and daughter OF Brittany, to carry
on and perpetuate the two ancient
races"
This wes death and agony to Graf
ton. 1t was only by the strongest con-
straint that he could keep himself
from bursting into the room.
give la Demoiselle de Rohan!"
"Vive de Kersaint!"
Long life and happiness to the
pride of Brittany" resounded through
the hall as the men drank the toast
with enthusiasm.
"Shiyer your glasses, gentlemen,
when you drink to the Demoiselle Gle
Rohan!" cried the marquis when he
had drained his own, at the same time
dashing his priceless cup to the floor.
Amid the crashing of the crystal,
therefore, Anne, pale as a ghost, the
image Of everything but JOY, rose to
her feet and lifted her own glass.
"Messieurs,' she said, softly, 81
drink to you and to France" She
bowed low before them amid muir
muir Of admiration evoked by her
grace and beauty, and continued:
And I thank you. And now, with
your permission, Monsieur lie Marquis
and gentlemen all, l will withdraw.
Resume your seats, messieurs. |
thank you again for your congratula-
TONS"
The marquis handed her to the door,
Grafton noticed that she tottered as
she withdrew. The scene had been
too much for her. He had shot one
swift glance toward the foot of the
table, too, and he had noticed that one
toast had been drunk, and that it still
stood trimming with wine upon the
board in front of the haggard de Wire.
The American pitied him, his misery
was so great and SO apparent Mean
while congratulations from all sides
were bestowed upon de Kersaint.
The men crowded around him, shak-
ing him by the hand, drinking healths
to MIN from fresh glasses which had
been brought, and overwhelms:sE him
with acclamations which he bore with
good-humored modesty.
Grafton would have left the armory
at once to follow Anne had he not
faithfully promised Josette to stay
there until she summoned him He
waited, therefore, in increasing impa-
tience. He was glad. however, even
in the midst of his passion, that he
had remained, when he heard Admiral
de Contains tapping the table and re-
questing silence.
Gentlemen" he said as the tu-
multi died away and the men subsidized
into their seats once more, with the
permission of my friend, the Marquis
de Chabot-Rohan, l will propose q
toast to you, and at the same time
make an announcement The English
have been driven from the blockade
by the fierce gales and I intend to go
to sea. Amid such loyal friends and
supporters | do not hesitate to say
that we are bound for the enemy's
country. first propose to take the
English squadron in Quiberon bay, to
embark there the officers and men of
the brave army commanded by Mon
sieur le Due d'Aiguilion and Marechal
Belloc. and then away for Ireland,
crushing any one who may endeavor
to stay our progress; and if that be
Admiral Hawke, let him look to his
ships!"
The hall was filled with shouts of
approval and joyful acclamations.
"A moment, gentlemen" continued
the old admiral, smiling his approba-
ton of the enthusiasm of his subordi-
mates and making fine figure, with
his powdered head, weather. beaten,
naughty old face, his rich uniform
heavy with gold lacing, and his breast
covered with orders-"a moment,
while give you the toast. Fill your
glasses all and drink deep with me-:
Death to the enemies of the king, con-
fusion to the English, success to our
endeavor! Vive Ia France"
A perfect roar of applause and ac-
quiescence swept through the room.
Men sprang upon the chairs crying
and cheering, some tore down the ban
ners and flags from the walls, waving
them frantically, and shouting them
selves hoarse in their excitement.
They would shout another way, sing
another tune once the grim English
Hawke got his talons in them, thought
Grafton-still, twas pretty sight.
He alone seemed to read an old sem
tence on the wall.
when do you sail, Monsieur de
Conflans?" asked the archbishop.
when he could be heard above the tu-
multi. There was an instant silence as
they all waited in tense excitement to
receive the reply.
'Monseigneur," answered the old
admiral, inclining his head toward
the prelate, II beg you to invoke a
blessing upon our undertaking. ST.
lence. gentIemen!"