Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1905-02-17

THAT wealth is my Ill fortune" she
went on, with sigh. Men and wo-
men are fighting and toiling and bleed
ing to make the world better, and
i am Just a lady, fussing, primping,
peering into looking glass; | should
like to do something, but they think
l am too good-too holy"
But It is a hard business-the labors
and quarrels of the great world
suggested.
"Well-it is Gods business" she
continued. "And am I not one of his
children, and 'wist we not that 1 must
be about my Fathers business?' 1t
was not too good for the man who
said that"
But what would you do?"
81 do not know. | suppose I can do
nothing because-alas! because my
father has bought my obedience with
a million francs. Do you not see that
l am in bondage?"
''Be patient; the life of a rich de-
moisele is not barren of opportuni-
ty."
ITO be gay-oh! one might as we'll
be a peacock; to say pretty things,
one might better be a well trained par
rot; TO grace the court or the salon,
had as soon be a statue in the corner
it has more comfort, more security;
to be admired, to hear fine compliments
well, you know that is the part Of
pet poodle. I say, captain, to be
happy one must be free to do
looked into her big eyes, that were
full Of their new discovery.
81 should like to be among the
wounded soldiers" said she, her face
Frightening. at did make me very
happy to sit by your bedside and do
for you"
There was a very tender look in her
eyes then.
She started to rise. brier, stirring
in the breeze, had fallen across her
hair. She let me loose the thorns and,
: doing so, kissed her forehead-I
could not help it.
Missouri" she exclaimed in a whis-
per. Then she turned quickly away
/ and stood tearing a leaf in her fingers
Forgive mel" I pleaded, for I saw
that she was crying. at was the i'm
pulse Of moment. Pray forgive met"
She stood motionless and made no
answer. | never felt such a stir in
me, for I had a fear, a terrible fear
that had lost what might never have
again.
ut was honorable admiration"
continued, rising to my full height be-
side her. "Tell me, ma m selle, have
I hurt your"
NO" said she in voice that trem-
bled. ct am thinking-I am thinking
Of somebody else"
The words, spoken so slowly, so
sweetly, seemed, nevertheless, to fly
at me. "Of somebody else," Whom
/ could she mean? Had her sister told
her? Did she know of my meeting
with Louison? I was about to confess
how deeply, how tenderly, loved her.
I had spoken the first word when this
thought flashed ucsn me, and I halted.
i could not go on.
ma m 'selle," said. 'T-I-if it is I
of whom you are thinking, give me
only your pity, and l can be content.
Sometime, perhaps, l may deserve
more. If I can be of any service to
you, send for me-command me. Iol
Shall see that | am not ungrateful.
All. nam selle," | continued, as l
stood to my full height, and felt a
mighty uplift in my heart that seemed
to toss the words out of me, Il have
q strong arm and a good sword, and the
love of honor and fuT women"
She wiped her eyes, and turned and
looked up at me. l was no longer
sick soldier.
1T is like beautiful story" she
said thoughtfully; and you-you are
like knight of old. We must go home.
1t is long past luncheon hour We
must hurry"
She gave me her arm up the hill,
and we walked without speaking
Il am very well to-day" l remarked
as we came to the road. IF you will
will wait here until l get to the big
birch, shall go around to see if |
can beat you to the door,
1T is not necessary" said she, smil-
ing, "and-and, m'sieur, | am not
ashamed of you or of what | have
done"
The baroness and Louison had not
yet returned. NJ. Pidgeon was at
luncheon with us in the big dining
room, and had much to say of the
mighty Napoleon and the coalition he
was then fighting.
The great monsieur stayed through
the afternoon, as the baroness had
planned big houseparty for the night,
in celebration of the counts return.
My best clothes had come by messen-
ger from the Harbor, and | could put
myself in good fettle. The baroness
and the count and Louison came early
and we sat long together under the
trees.
The dinner was at seven. There were
more than a dozen guests, among