Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1904-04-07
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CHAPTER XIV


CHAPTER XIV.
THE SECRET AIRY AND THE DUNE
Those reflections which set down at
the end of the last paragraph drifted
me somewhat from the regular thread
of my narrative. Tins, perhaps. is not
the only reason Why L should stumble
and shy along Hike q ballsy palfrey
when | approach one of the ;ritling
accidents which TRANSFERRED immed-
lately after or arrival at SceauX.
Thinking now this matter over, my
withered cheeks lost their ashen hue,
and burn again With the hot, tumult-
uous blood of youth and shame. But
! may as We'll tell it With all the reso-
luton Il man summons before plunSing
into an icy bath at nlidwinter 1t came
the unexpected prelude to one long,
sweet song. Ii Was in this wise:
Jerome seemed welcome guest at
SceauX, and from the hearty greetings,
yet respectful withal, which We're ac-
corded him, must have been a man of
more consideration in the world than
had heretofore supposed. Before this,
l received him at his own worth, and
our short acquaintance had been so
filled with matters of serious moment.
made no inquiries beyond the scant
stray bits of information he had himself
volunteered. However that might be,
his welcome at SceauX was sincere.
Nor did | wonder at his being a favor
lite. from the. jovial jests and filings he
cast at those who crowded round,
which set them all aaughing. His
familiarity with the doings of the day,
and the quick repartee he used to men
of different parties, aStonished me
greatly.
Having disposed of our horses, and
given quiet orders to the groom, Jer-
ONE made me acquainted with his
friends Some part of their good-fel-
lowship fell to my lot as q friend of
Jeromc'S, and put me upon my mettle
to return it,
AS good lteh would have it, Jcrofne's
friend, the cheNalier Charles de la
Mora, was then at SceauN and came
up early on learning of our arrival.
| He was a splendid fellow of thirty
| five. stalwart and unusually graceful
| for q. man of his inches His frank and
cordial manner was his greatest charm
to me, though woman would doubt
less have raved more over those dark
dreamy eyes, which while mild enough
| Defines gave promise of fire and to
p, spare.
lie spoke most affectionantely to
jerome, and bade us both be sure his
wife would receive us with sincerest
| pleasure. Several of the gentlemen
| had seen service, and with them | was
| Immediately on easy terms.
Before entering the Villa / paused in
/ a doorway at the head of short flight
/ of steps. bowling and posturing through
my new catalogue of behavior. anxious
| ly watching for Jeromes approval, or
a cue. The rascal. l could not for the
| life of me tell from his expression
| whether he applauded my fine manners
or laughed secretly at the folly of it
| all. But ! went ON as | was taught,
| bending myself pretty We'll double, half
| backing into the door which led to an
/ inner hall. Holding this position, which
! however elegant it might have appeared
| to those in front, Was certainly neither
/! graceful or attractive viewed from
within, | felt a sudden jar from the
4 rear and being thus struck at a point
of vantage came near to piunging for
ward upon my face. Before l could
recover my equilibrium and turn about
7 heard the jingle of tray of glasses
and cool shower of spray flew about
my ears. Then the dazed and bewild-
cred eyes of q timid girl looked full into
/ mime; she courageously paused and es-
sayed to stamner out an apology. Hell
gaze, though, wandered past me, and
one sight of the drawn features of those
who had seen it all and now sought in
vain to restrain their laughter, was
too much for this startled fawn. She
turned and fled as the wind, just When
their merry peal burst out
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~ wan, ~, -, - -.
capped.
His speech was suited to my actions
ah, so fine" drawled Miron.
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Ne los, ,l,,,. 1i,tIa in,sle
1i;9 ,.,l,, ,,' ~,
a., l;sa fanl ha', .,,eod i,' '1ra 1919
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-, ~ .,,,, So. -, -,
them i'm the vases from which they hae
fallen. The tray was still rolling ant
rafting around ON the door ve,,1~
felt my shame must consume me. ane
took refuge in this humble occupatio,
to hide my face. There is some sor
of a confused recollection now abidin,
with me. that a servant at length
came to sweep UP the fragments. Will,
! / watched him vacantly, tangle,
bunch OF roses in my hand.
Ia all Their laughs and jests and jibe
hurled at my embarrassment. Jesom
| never 10Y moment iost sight OF IN
mann pafi9pse OF on, our Slsit AS an road
{ LED to Rome, so do lie adroitly turn al
topics OF cohSefsatioh ihlp ,hose chan
) nels where might be supposed 10 run
the lllofhaadoh we "3hlcd.
leit hlyself, eSpeclally .h my pres
eht frame OF inihd, lil-htled ior sucl
play. Inc blunt ana awkward oil
recthess or the camp suited better m.