Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-01-24

II N%fffg !
AT LUNCHEON WE TALKED OF THE
WAR.
the merry look, any longer. In June
you were a boy, in August-voila! 1t
is man! Perhaps you are preparing
for the ministry"
She assumed q solemn look, glanc-
ing up at me as If in mockery Of my
sober face. She was slim, fine bru-
nette, who, as knew, had long been
a confidante of Louison.
ALAS! ma'm'selle, l am worried. l
have no longer any peace"
do you miss them?"'. she inquired,
knowing look in her handsome eyes.
do not think me impertinent."
More than l miss my mother" /
said
81 have a letter." said she, smiling.
81 do not know-I thought l should
show it to you, but-but not to-day"
"Is it from them"
at is from Louison-from Tiptoes."
"And-and it speaks of me?"
"Ah, msieur," said she, arching her
brows, at has indeed much to say of
YOU"
"And-and may I not see it?"a
asked eagerly. "Ma'm'selle, tell you
II must see 1t.
"Why?"- She red the name of
hsahorse with red riding-whip.
"Why not" I inquired, my heart
beating fast.
IF l knew-if l were justifled-you
know I am her friend. know all her
secrets"
"Will you not be my friend also?"
interrupted.
"A friend Of Louison, he is mine"
said she.
"Ah, ma'm'selle, then confess to
you-it is because love her."
81 knew it; l am no fool" was her
answer. But I had to hear it from
you. 1t is a remarkable thing to do,
but they are in such peril. I think you
ought to know"
She took the letter from her bosom.
passing it, 10 my hand. A faint odor
Of violets came with it. 1t read:
MY Dear Therese: wish could see
you, II only for an hour. I have so much
to say. l have written your father Of our
prison home. 1 am going to write you Of
my troubles. You know what we were
talking about the last time l saw you
myself and that handsome fellow. Mon
Dieu! l shall not name him. 1t Is not
necessary. Well, you were right, my
dear. l was fool I laughed at your
warning: 1 did not know the meaning OF
that delicious pain. But oh, my friend,
1t has become a terrible thing since I
know l may never see him again. My
heart Is breaking with 1t. Mere de Dieu!
can no longer laugh or Jest or pretend
to be happy. What shall say? That /
had rather die than live without him?
No: that Is not enough. I had rather be
an old maid and live only with the
thought of him than marry another, II
he were a king. I remember those words
Of yours, L know he loves you Oh. my
dear Therese, what a comfort they are
to me now! l repeat them often. If !
could only say. I know! Alas! can but
say, I do not know nay. even, do
not believe II had not been fool
should have made him tell me, for I had
him over his ears In love with me one
day, or I am no Judge Of a man. But,
you know, they are so tickle! And then
the Yankee girls are pretty and so clever.
Well, they shall not have him II I can
help 1t. When l return there shall be
war, II necessary, between France and
nl I ho va
the weapons, and you have done me the
honor to say 1 know how to use them.
I have told Louise, and-what do you
think?-the poor thing cried an hour
| for pity Of me! AS ever, she makes my
trouble her own. I have been selfish al
ways, but I know the cure. 1t Is love
| toujours ramour. Now think only Of
| him, and he recalls you and your sweet
words. God make you a true prophet!
With love to you and the marquis, kiss
each line, praying for happiness for you
and for him. Believe me as ever, Your
affectionate, LOClSON.
"PS. I feel better now have told you.
wonder what his lordship will say.
Poor thing! he will read this: he Will
think me a fool. Eh bien, l have no bet
| ter thought of him. He can put me under
| lock and key, but he shall not imprison
my secrets; and If they bore him, he
should not read my letters. L.
read it thrice, and held 1t for mo-
ment to my lips. Every word stung nae
with the sweet pain that afflicted its
author. l could feel my cheeks burn
ing.
"Ma'mselle, pardon me; it is not
she refers to. She does not say whom. "
Surely" said Therese, flirting her
whip and lifting her shoulders
"M'sieur lie Capitaine Is never stupid
man. You-you should say something
very nice now"
"If it Is THANK God Her misery
is my delight, her liberation my one
purpose"
"And my congratulations" said she
giving me her hand. "She has wit and
beauty, a true heart, a great fortune
and-good luck in having your love.
Iraised my hat, blushing to the roots
of my hair.
"It is a pretty compliment" I said
"And-and l have no gift Of speech tc
thank you. am not match for you
except in my love of kindness and
and of Louison. You have made me
happier than I have been before"
"If have made you alert, ingenious
determined, l am content" was hel
answer. 81 know you have courage"
] "And will to use It,"