The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1904-03-30

his head cunnlngly and began to laugn
to himself. His mind apparently ram
bled, for he started to chant French
love song in voice that had long since
lost its capacity for sustained tone.
The words were distinct, although the
melody was broken, and the spectacle
was grewsome enough. AS he con-
cluded he looked at the valet as If for
appreciation and began to humble
about his early love affairs.
bah, Francois" he said shrilly.
"Ill be up tomorrow as gay as ever.
Vlve ramour! Vive la joie. 1t was a
merry life we led, ell, FrancoisT'
Merry, indeed, my lord"
at kept you busy, Francois. There
was the little peasant girl on the
Rhine. What flaxen hair she had and
eyes like the sky! Yet a word of praise,
little flattery"-
"AIy lord was irresistible" said the
valet, with mild sarcasm.
"Let me see. Francois. What became
of herr"
"She drowned herself in the river"
THAT is true. had forgotten. Well.
life is measured by pleasures, not by
years, and | was the prince of cox
combs. Up at 10 o'clock-no sooner on
account of the compleXion-then visits
from the tradespeople and drive in
the park to look at the ladies. 1t was
there | used to meet the English ac-
tress. Twas there, with her, | vowed
the park was Il garden of Eden! What
a scene when my barrister tried to set
tie the case! Fortunately a marriage in
England was not a marriage in France.
saw her last night, Francois"-with
an insane look-"in the flesh and blood
as lifelike as the night before we took
the stage for Brighton Suddenly he
shrieked, and look of terror replaced
the vain, simpering expression.
There, Francoisv' glancing with awe
behind him. And truly there stood a
dark shadow, a grewsOme presence.
His face became distorted, and he laps
ed into Inconsistencies.
The valet gazed at him with indiffer-
ence. Then he went to an inner room
and brought valise, which he began
packing carefully and methodically.
After he had completed this operation
he approached the dressing table and
took up a magnificent jeweled watch,
which he examined for moment be-
fore thrusting it into his pocket. a
snuffbOX set with diamonds and sew
eral rings followed. Francois, with the
same elaboration, opened a drawer
and took out a small box, which he
tried to open and, failing, forced the
lid with the poker. At this my lord
opened his eyes and in a weak voice,
for his strength had nearly deserted
him, demanded:
what are you doing, FrancoisY'
"Robbing you, my lord" was the
slow and dignified response.
The marquis eyes cleaned with rage.
ale endeavored to call out, but his
voice failed him, and he fell back.
trembling and overcome.
Thief. Ingratew he Kissed hoarse-
ly.
Il beg you not to excite yourself, my
lord" said the stately valet. You are
already very weak, and it will hasten
the end"
lis this the way you repay me?"
"My lord will not need these things
soon"
'Have you no gratitude?" stammered
the marquis, whose physical and men
tai condition was truly pitiable.
Gratitude for having been called
idiot dog and 'blockhead' nearly all
my life! am somewhat lacking in
that quality. fear"
SIS there no shame in you?"
"Shame?" repeated Francois as he
proceeded to ransack another drawer