Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-09-10
Copyright. 1901. BY D. Appleton Co.. Kew York

! protection" said Anne, determined at
last that all should be ended now.
I "Mademoiselle, you honor me-" cried
the delighted Frenchman. II hope to
deserve your confidence now and al
ways"
In spite of his jealous anguish, Philip
| could not refuse to accord his rival a
need of praise. He was tall, hand
some, gallant-looking 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.
ooh, Mademoiselle," continued de
Wire, stepping 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
| 1t were true, fearful that I have
dreamed It, For what had I done to
deserve it,"
Monsieur" said Anne quickly,
catching sight Of Grafton's clinched
hands and convulesd face, which moth
ing but his own passion kept from the
observation of the Frenchman, Mon
sieur, l seize the first opportunity to
say what had scarcely time to ex-
plain, or what you probably did not
comprehend, when l bestowed upon
you my hand. l have given my prom
Use to you, and that promise 1 mean
to keep, but, monsieur, there is an
other who must be consulted The
Marquis de Chabot, my grandfather;
the ultimate disposal of my hand and
fortune rests with him. Before the
engagement is ratified or-in 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 as
he heard these words. 1t was respite
she was giving him. At 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 de Wire
mot yet
Time, only give Kim time. He
would find a way to take her, even
II he had to snatch her from the very
heart of France. from the steps Of the
throne even. He breathed again as he
"At least" murmured de Wire, VIM
was visibly disconnected by this de-
liberate statement from the woman
he loved, "at least say that you love
me-
Philips heart stood still for mo-
ment; but the girl was equal to the
situation.
Monsieur" she answered, Il did
not say that in the hall, I can not say
it now. respect you, esteem YOU"
rs there any other one?" he cried
Monsieur de Wire there is no gen
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 interrogate her
further. you must press me no more,
monsieur" she added, 81 have said
enough"
Good God, de vitre!" exclaimed
Grafton impatiently 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, I warrant you"
Monsieur Grafton" cried de Wire
haughtily at this unheard-of Interrupt
tion, "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 me that will not grant"
The truth that was behind the CRATE
full words sealed Grafton's lips. For
the moment he almost wished he had
not interfered to save his rivals life
but he instantly put the thought away
as unworthy gentleman.
It's nothing" he murmured, "you
would have done as much for me, for
any man. You put too much value"
"Mademoiselle Anne" cried Josette,
|
"a messenger from the Monsieur de
Ramesay!"
| Anne took the paper and tore 1t
open.
IA summons, gentlemen" she said,
"the governor requires me and my SER
wants to attend him at once at the
Chateau st. Louis. He thinks we will
be safer with him. He knows of your
presence, Monsieur de Wire, for he
says you will escort us"
Anne was glad to have the scene
over. The emotions of the last few
moments had been almost too much
for her. AS Josette brought her hat
and wrap she turned to Grafton, ex-
tending her hand.
Farewell, monsieur" she said.
"'Tis not goodbye, Mademoiselle de
Rohan!" cried Grafton, selling her
hand Il shall see you again!"
81 shall always be glad to see you.
monsieur" she answered simply, bit
ing her lip to control it's quivering.