Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-01-20
tones; they were mostly good-look-

tones; they were mostly good-look- ing and well dressed.
 Gentlemen" said his lordship, ris- ing suddenly, I'm going to turn. you put of here for moment-they're shy lot. Won't you go into the library?"
 They all arose and went out of a door save one, bald man of middle age, half tipsy, who begged of his "Ludship" the privilege of remaining.
 Sir Charles" said the young man, still lounging in his chair as he spoke, in that cold calm tone of his, you ;snnoy me. Go at once!" and he went.
 They covered our faces with nap kins of white linen. Then we heard heavy steps, the clink of scabbards on a stairway, the feet of ladies, and the swish of their gowns. With a quick movement our faces were uncovered. I rose to my feet. for there before me stood Louison and the Baroness do Ferre. between two guards, and, be- behind them, Louise. her eyes covered, her beautiful head bent low. could see that she was crying. The truth came to me in flash of thought. They had been taken after we left; they were prison CTS brought here to identify us. A like auickness of perception had ap- parently come to all. We four stood looking at one another with no sign of recognition. My face may have shown the surprise and horror in me, but shortly recovered my stony calm The ladies were dressed finely, with the taste and care I had so much admired Louison turned away from me with a splendid dignity and stood looking up at the wall. her hands behind her, a toe of one shoe tapping the floor im- patiently. It was picture to remem- Der lifetime. could feel my pulse quicken as I looked upon her. The baroness stood, sober-faced. her eyes looking down, her fan moving slowly. His lordship rose and came to- Lou ise.
 Come, now. my pretty prisoner: it V disagreeable, but you must forgive me-" he said.
 She turned away from him, drying her eyes. Then presently their beauty shone upon me-
 Grace au ciel!" she exclaimed, a great joy in her eyes and voice. ''It is Msieur Bell. Sister-baroness-it is Ms!saE Rs!!:s
 advarred to meet her, and took her hand. kissing it reverently. She cov- cred her face. her hand upon my shoul- der, and wept in silence. If it meant my death, l should die thanking God l knew. or thought knew, that she loved me.
 "Ah, yes: it is M'sieur Bell--poor fellow!" said Louison. coming quickly to me. And you. my dear, you are Ma'mselle Louise"
 She spoke quickly in French. as if quite out of patience with the poor di- plOHldcS Ol Hef SlSter.
 ''I knew it was you, for I saw the emerald on your finger" she added. turning to me, but could not tell her"
 T am glad. am delighted. that she spoke to me-" said. desired to save the fair girl, whose heart was ever as a child's. any sorrow for what she h ad done. "I was about to speak myself. It is so great pleasure to see you all I could not longer endure silence"
 They made us prisoners: they bring us hsre. Oh. m'sieur, it is terri ble'" said the baroness.
 And he is such a horrible looking monkey" said Louison.
 Do they treat you well?" I asked.
 "We have big room and enough to cat. It is not a bad prison. but it is one terrible plase." said the baron- ess. There is a big wall: we cannot 50 beyond it.
 And that hairy thing. He is iE love with Louise. He swears he will never let us go," said Louison, in 8 whisper, as sine came close to me, "un- less she will marry him."
 "Ah. a :ea-party," said his lordship coming toward us. Pardon the in- teruption. I have promised to re- turn these men al nine. It is now 1( minutes of the hour. Ladies. wish 1ou all very good night
 He bowed politely. They pressed my hand. leaving me with such anxi. ety in their faces that felt it more than my own peril. Louison gave me a tender look out Of her line eyes. and the thought of it was a light to my soul in many an hour of darkness She had seemed so cool. so nonchalant was surprised to feel the tremor ir her nerves. knew not words to say when Louise took my hand. Forgive me-eoOd-by!" said she It wasfa faint whisper out of trem. bling lips. It was lighted with trouble and a nobler beauty than I had ever seen. Ii was full of tenderness and pity and things could not understand
 Have courage," I called as they went away.
 I was never in such a fierce tempe, as when. after they had gone above stais. could hear one of them weep. ing Dri stood quietly beside me, hi.