Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-01-17

the merry look, any longer. In June
you were a boy, in August-voila! it
Is a man! Perhaps you are preparing
for the ministry"
She assumed a 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
confidante of Louison.
"Alas! ma'm'selle, am worried.
have no longer any peace"
do you miss them?" she inquired,
knowing look in her handsome eyes.
do not think me impertinent."
More than miss my mother"
said.
II have letter." said she, smiling.
II do not know thought should
show it to you, but-but not to-day"
us 1t from them?"
at is from Louison-from Tiptoes."
"And-and it speaks of met"
"Ah, m'sieur," said she, arching her
brows, sit has indeed much to say Of
YOU"
"And-and may not see it?"
asked eagerly. "Ma'm'selle, tell you
IL must see It."
"Why?" She stirred the name Of
her horse with red riding-whip.
''Why not?" l inquired, my heart
beating fast.
III knew-if were justifled-you
know I am her friend. / know all her
secrets"
"Will you not be my friend also?" l
interrupted.
"a friend Of Louison, he is mine"
said she.
"Ah. ma'm'selle. then confess to
you-it is because love her."
II knew it: am no fool" was her
answer. But had to hear it from
you. It is q remarkable thing to do,
but they are in such peril. think you
ought to know"
| She took the letter from her bosom,
passing 1t to my hand. A faint odor
Of violets came with 1t. It read:
My Dear Therese: wish could see
| you, II only for an hour. have SO much
to say. have written your father Of our
prison home. am going to write you OF
my troubles. You know what we were
talking about the last time I saw you
myself and that handsome fellow. Mon
Dieui I shall not name him. It is not
necessary. Well. you were right, my
dear. was fool; I laughed at your
warning; did not know the meaning OF
that delicious pain. But oh, my friend
know may never see him again. M,
heart II breaking with 1t. Mere de Dieu
! can no longer laugh or jest or pretend
to be happy. What shall I 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, Il
he were king. I remember those words
Of yours. I know he loves you Oh. my
dear Therese, what comfort they are
to me now! repeat them often. II
could only say, I know'l Alas! I can but
| say, I do not know nay, even. 7 Dc
not believe. II had not been fool j
should have made him tell me, for had
him over his ears In love with me one
day, or am no Judge Of man. But
you know, they are SO tickle! And the1
the Yankee girls are pretty and so clever
Well, they shall not have him IL car
help 1t. When I return there shall b,
war, II necessary, between France ant
America And, Therese. you know I hav'
the weapons. and you have done me tn,
honor to say know how to use them
have told Louise, and-what do 70,
think?-the poor thing cried an hour
for pity Of me! AS ever, she makes m,
trouble her own. have been selfish al
ways, but know the cure. It is love-
i toujours pamour. Now think only O
him, and he recalls you and your swee
words. God make you a true prophet
With love to you and the marquis. kis
each line, praying for happiness for 70,
and for him. Believe me as ever. YOU
efrectionate, LOUISON."
| "P.s. feel better now have told you
wonder what his lordship will say
Poor thing! he will read this; he will
think me fool. Eth bien, have no bet
ter thought of him. He can put me under
lock and key, but he shall not imprisor
my secrets; and, if they bore him, hi
should not read my letters. L."
read it thrice, and held it for mo
ment to my lips. Every word stung m.
with the sweet pain that afflicted 1T
author. could feel my cheeks burn
Ing. =. Ia.
"Ma'mselle, pardon me; 1t is not
she refers to- She does not say whom
Surely" said Therese, flirting hsl
whip and lifting her shoulders
"M'sieur lie Capitaine is never stupit
man. You-you should say something
very nice now"
Il "If it is THANK Cod Her miser,
is my delight. her liberation my on,
purpose"
"And my congratulations" said she
giving me her hand. "She has wit ant
beauty. a true heart, a great fortune
and-good luck in having your love.
/ raised my hat, blushing to the root
Of my hair.
1T is pretty compliment" said
'"Aad-aaa have no s.st q asapas. I