Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-12-28

l added alarm to his longing and disap- pointment. His progress toward re- coyery had been rapid, but on the sec l ond day of her continued absence from i his room he nearly fretted himself in to fever. He found that he could be | more calm and cool in theory than in 1 practice. Dr. Arnoux looked very 1 grave when he paid his afternoon visit that day, and, ignorant of the real sit uation, spoke some blunt words to madem0iselle.
 "This Englishman,' he said, 'is pin l ing, worrying, fretting. Unless some l thing can be done to restore his peace l of mind I fear the consequences may l be serious; inflammation may set in | in his feverish condition, and then 1 - | His ominous gesture frightened her greatly. Cant you, mademoiselle, cheer him !! up, distract his mind in some way?" he asked.
 1 Anne knew only too we'll what ailed 1 her patient She had distracted him 1 too much already, possibly; yet, when she heard of the threatened danger, with her usual impetuosity she threw prudence to the winds, broke her l promise to herself and fled to the chamber He heard her fleet step on 1 the stair, and when she entered he faced her from the pillow with such a smile of hope and joy as completely i transformed him.
 Anne! Anne!" he murmured, re- proachfuIly, flor two whole days I have lain here alone thinking, think ing, thinking, dreaming, loving, until I wonder I did not go mad! And you 1 never camel"
 CT sent Josette, monsieur
 "Josette! You might have sent every woman. every messenger in the world, and would have thought only of you! How could you be so cruel? You love me, yet you left met"
 How can I love the enemy of France, monsieur ?'' she answered, gag ing down upon him with eyes that gave the lie to the cold words on her lips
 T know not how you can, but you cannot deny that you do. Anne, sweet Anne, you are half American. This land is the home of your mother. Let 1t be the home of your heart as well!"
 ''And my grandfather. the marquis? He would never consent
 Faith, your own consent is all that is necessary, sweetheart. If you love me enough
 But I am betrothed to Monsieur de Vitre.''
 "Why did you do it at the last mo- ment, after you had recognized me, when fate-happy fate-threw me at your feet?''
 t'You do not love him, Anne, dearest? Come, the truth! The de Rohans were ever true, you told me"
 ''Ah, monsieur, respect and admire Monsieur de Vitre He is brave and noble gentleman
 ''Yes, but you do not love him ?''
 How dare you catechise me In this manner?" she cried, piteously, shrink ing iron. his persistent uestioning. q will withdraw, sir. What warrant have you-'
 But she made no motion to leave the apartment On the contrary, he saw her body sway uneasiIy toward him. She could not control her feel ings. If he had not been so i'll, so weak, so pathetically helpless, he would have appealed less strongly to her, she might have resisted better. She was angry at herself for her lack of control, and bitterly mortified. Was f this man her master in truth? And he wore another Woman's picture! 1 Shame on her, shame! Could he com pei her to break her word, defy every thing, and marry him against her will :? An, but was it against her will? There was the rub.
 She stood helpless before him. The whole current of her being flowing to- !, ward him, only her stubborn will and pride holding her back. But the strug- gle could not be maintained for long. He marked the rise and fall of her breast. Her fingers moved rest1essly, her knees trembled, her eyes swan, her color came and went. The con- straint she was under was terrible.
 The girl loved him with all her soul Yet she struggled on; she would not yield. Twas an unequal combat. She i fought two: his will and her love The end was certain. He felt it was almost cruel as he watched her and knew it l would come. All she needed in that moment to bring her to him was time He was wise enough not to be hasty. He put equal constraint upon himself: indeed, his love was no less than her own.
 T have only the warrant of my love for you to plead my cause" he an swered at last
 Have you loved me all the timer" she cried, coming step nearer.
 T know not" he answered honestly before her truth-compelling gaze, "but at least have loved no one else, and since the night in the tower there has not been day in which I have not thought of you. But never In my widest visions did you appear so beau tiful as you are to-day, Anne, sweet Anne! Dear, Little France! My, heart knew you, even though my false. eyes told no story to my bewildered mind Twas God that brought us together again. We cannot be separated, my sweet my OWni"