Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-16
UNDER THE
 RED ROBE
Copyright, 1894. by Stanley J. weYman.l
By STANLEY J. WHITMAN

block, had yet found heart to feel my baseness and words in which to de- nounce it. What, then, would she say when the truth some day came home to her? What shape should I take in her eyes then? How should I be re- membered through all the years then?
 Then? But now? What was she thinking, now, as she stood, silent and absorbed, by the stone seat, a shadowy figure with face turned from me? Was she recalling the mans words, fitting them to the facts and the past, adding this and that circum- stance? Was she, though she had re- buffed him in the body, collating, now he was gone. all he had said and out of these scraps piecing together the damning truth? The thought tortured me I could brook uncertainty no longer. I went nearer to her and touched her sleeve. "Mademoiselle," !" I said, in a voice which sounded hoarse and forced even in my own ears, "do you believe this of me?". r.-ss.. :
 She started violently and turned, Pardon, Monsieur" she answered. "I had forgotten that you were here. Do believe-what?"
 What that man said of me-" I nut tered.
 That" she exclaimed; and she stood moment gazing at me in a strange fashion. Do I believe what he said, Monsieur. But come, come" ," she continued, land will show you If I believe it. But not here" &
 She led the way on the instant into the house, going in through the parlor door, which stood half open. The room inside was pitch dark, but she took me fearlessly by the hand and led me quickly through it and along the passage, until We came to the cheer full lighted hall, where great fire burned on the hearth. All traces of the soldiers. occupation had been swept away. But the room was empty. She led me to the fire and there in the full light, no longer shadowy creature, but red Tipped, brilliant, throbbing with life, she stood opposite me, her eyes shining, her color high, her breast heaving. Do believe it?" she said. q will tell you. M. de Cocheforet's hiding place is in the hut behind the fern-stack, two furlongs be- yond the village, on the road to Auch. You will know now what no one else knows, he and and madam excepted You hold in your hands his life and my honor; and you know also, M. de Berault, whether I believe that tale. "
 My God!" l cried. And I stood looking at her, until something ufsthe horror in my eyes crept into hers and she shuddered and stepped back.
 What is it? What is it?" she whis- pered. clasping her hands. And with all the color gone from her cheeks she peered trembling into the corners and towards the door. There Is no one here. Is there any one-listening?"
 I forced myself to speak, though shook all over. like a man in an ague. No Mademoiselle, there is no one here" I muttered. And then I let my [ head fall on my breast and I stood before her, the statue of despair. Had she felt a grain of suspicion, a grain of doubt, my bearing must have opened her eyes. But her mind was cast in so noble a mould, that having once thought i'll of me and been converted, she could feel no doubt again. It was her nature to trust all in all. So, a lit- tie recovered from her fright, she stood looking at me in great wonder; and at last she had a thought.
 You are not well?" she said sudden ly. "It is your old wound, Monsieur"
 "Yes, Mademoiselle, muttered faintly. Tt Is my old wound"
 "I will call Clon!" she cried impet- uously And then, with a sob, "Ah! poor Clon! He is gone. But here is Louis. I will call him, and be will get you something"
 ! She was gone from the room before l could stop her; and I was left lean ] ing against the table. possessor at last ! pf tho graaf eaorat ,rbieb I had cnr,a up