Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-03-16

II has become ,errip,e tning SINCE
know I may never see him again. My
heart Is breaking with It. Mere de Dieu!
l can no longer laugh or jest or pretend
TO be happy. What shall say? That I
had rather die than live without him?
No; that is not enough. had rather be
an old maid and live only with the
thought of him than marry another, II
ne were a king. 1 remember those words
of yours. L know he loves YOU Oh. my
dear Therese, what comfort they arc
to me now! repeat them often. If
could only say. I know! Alas! can but
say, 4 do not know nay. even. I do
not believe If I had not been n fool
should have made him tell me, Tor had
him over his ears In love with me one
day, or I am no Judge of man. But,
you know, they are SO tickle! And then
the Yankee girls are pretty and so clever.
Well, they shall not have him If ! can
help 1t. When I return there shall be
war. II necessary, between France and
America. And. Thercse. you know I have
the weapons. and you have done me the
honor to say l know how to use them.
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. l have been selfish al
ways, but know the cure. II is love
toujours ramour. Now I 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 70 l
and for him. Believe me as ever, Your
affectionate. LOC1SON.'
Fps. ] feel better now have told YOU.
] wonder what his lordship will say.
Poor thing, he will read this; ne will
think me II fool. Eth bien, have no bet
ter thought of him. He can put me under
lock and key. but he shall not imprlson
my secrets: and. II 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 me
with the sweet pain that afflicted its
author. could feel my chceiis burn
ing.
"Ma'mselle, pardon me: 1t Is not
Ahe refers to. She does not say whon -
"Surely," said Thcrese. flirting her
whip and lifting her shoulders
"Msieur 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 .
raised my hat, blushing to the roots
Of my hair.
at is pretty compliment" said
"And-and have no gift of speech tc
thank you. am not match for you
except in my love Of kindness and
an6 Of Louison. You have made me
happier than I have been before"
"If | have made you alert, ingenious
determined, am content" was hel
answer. 81 know you have courage"
'And will to use it,"
Good luck and adieu!" said she
with fine flourish of her whip: those
people had always pretty politeness
Of manner.
"Adieu," said, lifting my hat as
rode of, with a prick of the spur, fol
the road was long and had lost quite
half an hour.
My citation gave way to sober though
presently. l began to think of Louis
that quiet, frank, noble, beautiful
great-hearted girl, who might b,
suffering what trouble knew not, ant
all silently. there in her prison home
! A sadness grew in me. and then l sud
denly saw the shadow of great trouble
loved them both; knew not which
loved the better. Yet this interview
had almost committed me to Louison.