Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-02-14

M w
WE WENT RIDING THAT AFTER
NOON.
clever girl came near taking me, horse
foot, and guns, that moment. She
spoke SO charmingly, she looked sc
winning, and then, was 1t not easy to
ask if were the lucky onei She
knew loved her, knew that she had
loved me, and I might q we'll con
TESS. But no; was not ready.
"You must be stern with the others;
you must not let them toll you"
went on.
"ciel!" said she, laughing. ION.
might as well go to nunnery. May
not a girl enjoy her beautyf II II
sweet to her."
But do not make It bitter for the
poor men. Dieu! am one Of them
and know their sorrows"
"And you-you have been IN lover
Desperately" answered, clingins
by the finger-tips. Somehow We kept
drifting into Hateful moments when q
word even might have changed all that
has been-our life way, the skies above
us, the friends we have known, GU,
loves, sur very souls.
She turned, smiling, her beauty
flashing up at me with a power quite
irresistible. I shut my eyes q moment
summoning all my forces. There wa
only a step between me and-God
knows what!
Captain, you are foolish fellow
said she. with little shudder. "And
well, am cold. Parbleu! feel my
hand"
She had drawn her glove quickly
and held out her hand, white and beau
tiful, a dainty finger in q gorget Of
gems. That little cold, trembling
hand seemed to lay hold Of my heart
and pulled me to her. AS my lips
touched the palm felt Its mighty
magic. Dear girl! wonder II she
planned that trial for me.
I'VE must-ride-faster. You-you
ARE cold" stammered.
She held her hand so that the sun
light flashed on the jewels, and looked
down upon 1t proudly.
DO you think 1t beautiful" she
asked.
Eyes. and wonderful" I said. "But
mark me, it is all sacred trust-the
beauty you have"
''Sacred?"
"More sacred than the power Of
kings" / said.
"Preacher!" said she, with a smile
you should give yourself to tn,
church."
II can do better with the sword o.
STEEL" said.
| "But do not be sad. Cheer up, deal
fellow!" she went on, patting my ell
bow with a pretty mockery. 1--WE wo
men are not-not so bad. When
ind the man love-"
Her voice faltered as she began fuss
ing with her stirrup.
turned with a look Of inquiry
changing quickly to one of admiration
II shall make him love me, If
can," she went on soberly.
"And If he does?" l queried, m,
blood quickenSng as our eyes met.
Dieu! would do anything for him,
said she.
turned away, looking of at tn
brown fields. All. then, for breath
my heart begged my will for utterance
The first word pas sed my lips whel
there came the sound Of gallopin
hoofs and Therese q nd the marquis.
Come, dreamers,e' said the former
as they pulled up b. ,side us. IA col
dinner is the worst enemy Of happi
ness"
"And he is the wn'st robber ths
shortens the hour Of .1ove," said th
marquis, smiling.
We turned, following them at
swift gallop. They had helped me ou
of that mire OF. ecstasy, and now wa
glad. for, on my soul, believed tn
FAIR girl had one more to her likint
and was only playing for my scall
And at last I had begun to know M
own heart. or thought / had.
D'ri came over that evening" with
letter from Gen. Brown. He desire
me to repo1 for duty next day ,0r twt
"War-it is forever war;" sal
Therese, when l told her at di pne
There is to be a coaching-party tc
morrow. find we shall miss you, NJ
tain"
Can you not soon return7" said TN
baronesbs.
II fear not" was my answer. ut Il
to be. long campaign"
oh, the war! When will it evel
enG?" said Louise. signing.
when we are all Dead" said
Isouison.
"of loneliness?" said the old count
with smile.
mo; of old age" said Louison
quickly.
when the army goes into Canada
it will go into trouble" said the Comte
de Chaumont, speaking in French
I'VE shall have to get you out Of cap
tiyity, captain"
Louise would rescue him." said hel
sister. She has influence there"
"Woul pay my ranso1n?" In.
CURED. turning to her.
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