Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-11-24

guard Of the British Grenaders coming
to take possession, marched gaily by
amid the silence of the people looking
glOomily on.
There was step outside on the stair.
De Wire. pale and haggard, entered
the room.
Monsieur de Vitre," cried the girl.
surprised and disquieted. What
means this unceremonious entrance?"
'Mademolselle Anne" answered tho
Frenchman. bowling profoundly, forgive
my haste. the city has surrendered.
The English troops are approach ing.
| came to protect you. fearful lest"
THE English soldiers war not upon
women. Monsieur de Wire" inter-
rupted Grafton sharply. leaning for
ward, his face full Of color at the
presence of his rival Besides | am
here "
But you are iii. sir, and while 7
respect the English soldiers, there are
always evil-mindcd persons in the
wake of ar army. and surrender brings
on. ali the vicious elements in our
own population. | love Mademoiselle
de Rohan. as You know. She is be-
trothed TO me | am but this moment
released by the governor. Naturally
came TO her
And you are right, Monsieur de
Wire. I doubt not | shall need your
protection" said Anne. determined at
last that an should be ended now.
"Mademoiselle, you honor me" cried
the delighted Frenchman. Il hone to
deserve your confidence now and al
ways"
In spite of his jealous anguish, Philip
could not refuse to accord his rival
need of praise. He was tall, hand
some. gallant-lookinE sailor whose
every movement was full of grace
There was no doubt as to the depth Of
his affection for Anne de ROhan either.
A hard task indeed was before Master
Philip Grafton.
oh Madomoiselle continued de
Wire, Steppin' nearer her and Selling
her hand, you made me so happy by
what you said in the chateau have
chafed in my restraint, wondering II
it were true, fearful that have
dreamed it For what had done to
deserve it?"
Monsieur" said Anne quickly.
catching sight Of Grafton's clinched
hands and conyulesd face. which moth
ing but his own passion kept from the
observation of the Frenchman. Mon
sieur, | seize the first opportunity to
say what | had scarcely time 10 OK
plain, or what you probably did not
comprehend. when bestowed upon
you my hand have given my prom
Use TO you, and thai promise | mean
10 keep. but. monsieur. there is an
other who must be consulted. The
Marquis de ChabOt, my grandfather;
the ultimate disposal of nv hand and
fortune rests with him. Before the
engagement is ratified orin short
| monsieur, | beg you TO treat me as
your friend. until you have gained the
consent OF the head Of my house to
this marriage"
A load that had crushed Philip TO the
earth was lifted from his heart a.
he heard these words. II was a respite
she was giving him. Al least he would
not have the torture of the thought
that the lips which had melted upon
his own should CULVER. however re-
! luctantly, under the touch of dc Wire
not yet.
Time. only give him time. He
would find a way to take her, even
if he had 10 snatch her from the very
/ IS
| throne even. He breathed again as he
listened.
AT least" murmured de Wire. who
| was visibly disconnected by this de-
/ Nberate statement from the woman
he loved, "at least say that you love
me-"
Philips heart stood still for a mo-
ment, but the girl was equal to the
situation.
Monsieur" she answered. Il did
not say that in the hall, can not say
II now. | respect you, esteem you. ="
rs there any other one?" he cried
| jealousy.
Monsieur de Wire. there is no gem
| tleman OF France who stands higher
in my regard than you do; let that
suffice you, sir
Whether he noticed the equivocation
or not she could not tell. for she gave
him no opportunity to interrogste her
further. You must press me no more,
monsieur she added. Il have said
enough"
Good God. de Vitre!" exclaimed
Grafton impatienty at this moment
Aren't you satisfied with what you
have, man? Half of New France is
filled with envy and would fain stand
in your shoes. | warrant you"
Monsieur Grafton cried de Wire
haughtily at this unheard-of Interrupt
ton. "by what right do you presume
but stop--I forgot myself. You have
every right Say what you will. cap
tain, | can not forget that owe you
life, liberty, and love, can never
repay you. but upon the honor OF a
Canadian, a Frenchman. you can ask
nothing Of NE that will not grant"