Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-02-03

'well," said Therese, "do you see
my trouble? Having shown you the
flrst letter, had also to show you the
second. l fear have done wrong.
My soul"
BE blessed for the good tidings,"
interrupted.
Thanks. was going to say II 40.
cuses me. Louison is proud girl;
she must never know. She can never
know unless"
you tell her." said l., quickly. And
of course you will"
What do you mean" she asked.
THAT every secret that must NOT
be told is the same as published If.
H."
"If what?"
"1f-if it tells a pretty story with
some love in it," said, with a quick
sense of caution. "Ah, ma'm'selle, do
l not know what has made your lips
so red?"
What may it be?"
1.-THE attrition Of many secrets.
burning secrets" l said. laughing.
"Mordieu! what charming impu.
dence!" she said. her large eyes glow
ing thoughtfully, with some look Of
surprise. you do not know me,
m'sieur. have kept many secrets and
know the trick"
"Ah. then shall ask Of you great
favor" said THAT you keep my se-
cret also. that you do not tell her Of
my love-"
She wheeled her horse with merry
peal Of laughter, hiding her face, now
red as her glove.
ut is too late" said she. II hsva
written her"
We rode on, laughing. In spite Of
the serious character Of her words.
fell a-Quaking from crown to stirruD.
I was now engaged to Louison. or 40
good as that. and. being a man OF
honor, must think no more of her
sister
II wrote her of your confession"
said she, for knew it would make
her SO happy; but. you know, did not
tell of-of the circumstances"
"Well, 1t will make it all the easier
for me-" said. "Ma'm'selle. / assure
you'll am not sorry"
And, my friend, you are lucky: she
is so magnificent"
aHer face will be a study when !
tell her."
1.-THE splendor of it," said she.
"And the surprise" added, laugh.
ing.
"Ah, m'sieur, she will play her part
well. She is clever. That moment
when the true love comes and claims
her it is the sweetest in woman's
life"
A thought came flying through my
brain with the sting Of an arrow.
"6he must not be deceived. have
not any noble blood in me. I am only
the son OF soldier-farmer and have
my fortune to make" said I, quickly.
That 10 only little folly" she an
swered, laughing. Whether you be
rich or poor. prince or peasant. she
cares not snap of her finger. Ciel!
10 she not a republican, has she not
money enough"
Nevertheless. beg you to say. in
your letter. that have nothing but my
word and my honor"
Az we rode along I noted in my book
the place and time we were to meet
the captives. The marquis Joined us
at tho Hermitage, where stable-boy
watered our horses. Three servants
were still there, the others being now
in the counts service.
II any place give me . days h4ppi-
ness it is dear to me, and the whore
ind love is forever sacred. l like TO
stand where stood thinking Of 1t. and
there see that those dear moments
are as much part of me as Of history.
So while Therese and the marquis got
off their horses for little parley with
the gardener, I cantered up the north
trail to where sat awhile that de-
lightful summer day with Louise. The
grotto had now lattice roofing of bare
branches. Leaves, as red as her blush,
as golden as my memories, came rat.
Ting through it, falling with faint
rustic. The big woods were as d
gloomy and deserted mansion, with the
lonely cry of the wind above and a
ghostly rustic within where had been
love and song and laughter and all de-
light.
ITO be continued.