Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-01-24

i AT LUNCHEON WE TALKED OF THE WAR
 the merry look, any longer. In June you were a boy, in August-voila. it is man. Perhaps you are preparing tor the ministry"
 She assumed a solemn look, glanc- ing up at me as if in mockery of my sober face. She was a slim, fine bru- nette, who, as I knew, had long been oonfidante of Louison
 Alas. ma selle. 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 I miss my mother" I said.
 q have letter" said she, smiling. "I do not know-I thought l should show it to you. but-but not to-day" 'ls it from them?"
 Tt is from Louison-from Tiptoes." /" l, "And-and it speaks of me?"
 "Ah, m'sieur." said she, arching her brows, it has indeed much to say of you"
 "And-and may I not see it:" asked eagerly. 'Ma'm'selle, tell you IT must see it."
 "Why?" She stirred the mane of her horse with red riding-whip.
 Why not?" l inquired, my heart beating fast.
 If l knew-if I were justifed--you know I am her friend. l know all her secrets"
 Will you not.be my friend also" l interrupted.
 "A friend of Louison, he is mine" said she.
 'Ah. mann 'selle, then confess to you-it is because I love her"
 q knew if; am no fool" was her answer. But I had to hear it from you. It is 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 to my hand. A faint odor of violets came with it. It read: | My Dear Thercse: l wish I could see you, if only for an hour. l have so much to say. l have written your father of our prison home. l am going to write you of my troubles You know what We were talking about the last time 1 saw you myself and that handsome fellow. Mon Dieu! l shall not name him. It is not necessary. Well, you were right, my dear. l was Il fool; I laughed at your warning: I did not know the meaning of that delicious pain. But oh my friend, 1t has become terrible thing since I 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 l say? That l 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, if hc were king. l remember those words of yours, I know he loves you Oh, my dear Therese, what q comfort they are 10 me now. l repeat them often. If ] could only say. T know, Alas! l can but say. I do not know nay. even, I do not believe If had not been fool should have made him tell me. for l had him over his ears in love with me one day, or l am no judge of d man. But. you know, they are SO fickle! And then the Yankee girls are pretty and so clever [ Well. they shall not have him If I can help it. When I return there shall he war. if necessary. between France and America. And. Therese. you know [ 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. ! have been selfish al. ways. but I know the cure. It is love toujours ramour. Now I think only O. him. and he recalls you and your swee, words. God make you true prophe, With love to you and the marquis. l kil { each line. praying for happiness for yU'I and for him. Believe me as ever. Your affectionatc LoUIsoN'
 .'P.S. I feel better now have told you. I wonder what his iordship will say. Poor thing he will read this: he will think me fool Eh bien. have no bet ter thought of him. He can put me under my secrets: and. If they bore him. he should not read my letters. L. read it thrice. and held it for a mo- ment 10 my lips. Every word stung me with the sweet pain that afflicted it's author. l could feel my checks burn ing
 Ma'mselle. pardon me: it is not 1 she refers to. She does not say whom.
 Surely" said Therese. flirting her whip and lifting her shoulders.
 M'sieur le Capitaine is never a stupid man You-you should say something very nice now"
 If it is I-thank Cod 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 he1<. a great fortune. and-gOcd luck in having your love s
 raised ny hat bIushing to the roots Of my hair
 -it Is a pretty compliment said.
 Ans-and ! have no gift of speech fo thank you I am not a match for you except in my love of kindness ana