Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-04

Mention it, my good fellow?" answered, looking at him with mean ing, as rose NO; but it must not occur again"
 saw that this man was not like Clon. He had the instincts of tne family servant, and freed from the in fiuence of darkness, felt ashamed of his conduct. While he arranged my clothes he looked around the room with an air of distaste and muttered once or twice that the furniture of the principal chambers was packed away.
 "M. de Cocheforet Is abroad, I think?" said, as dressed.
 And likely to remain there," the man answered carelessly, shrugging his shoulders. Monsieur will doubt less have heard that he is in trou- ble. Tn the meantime the house is triste, and Monsieur mus. overlook much, if he stays. Madam lives re- tired. and the roads arc ill-made end visitors few"
 When the lion was i'll the jackals left him." said.
 Louis nodded. "It is true," he an- 'swered simply. He made no boast or brag of his own account, I noticed; and it came home to me that he was a faithful fellow, such as love. I questioned him discreetly, and learned that he and Clon and an older nan who lived over the stables were the only male servants left of great household. Madam, her sister-in-law, and three women completed the fam fly.
 It took me some time to repair my wardrobe, so that dare say it was nearly ten when left my dismal little room. I found Louis waiting in the corridor, and he told me thas Madam de Cocheforet and mademoiselle were in the rose-garden, and would be pleased to receive me. I nodded, and he guided me through several dim pas sages to a parlor with an open door, through which the sun shone gaily. Cheered by the morning air and this sudden change to pleasantness and life, stepped lightly out.
 The two ladies were walking up and down wide path which bisected the garden. The weeds grew ranlSly in the gravel underfoot, the yrose-bushes which bordered the walk thrust their branches here and there in untraired freedom, dark yew hedge which formed the background bri.;tled with rough shoots and sadly needed trim ming. But I did not see any of these things then. The grace, the noble air, the distinction of the two Somen who pace1 slowly 70 meet me-and who shared these qualities greatly as they differed in others-left no power to no- tice trifles.
 Mademoiselle was 6 head shorter than Ter belle soeur -a slender woman and petite, with beautiful face and a fair complexion. She walked with dignity, but beside madam's stately figure she seemed almost childish. And it was characteristic of the two that mademoiselle as they drew near to me regarded me with -soS;aYf,ll attention, madam with grave smile.
 I bowed low. They returned the salute. This is my sister," Madam de Cocheforet said, with a slight air of condescension. Will you please tell me your name, Monsieur?"
 T am M. de Barthe, a gentleman of Normandy" I said, taking the name of my mother. My own, by possi- bility. might be known.
 Madam's face wore a puzzled look. T do not know your name, think" she said thoughtfully. Doubtless she was going over in her mind all tho names with which conspiracy had made her familiar.
 That is my misfortune, Madam" I said humbly.
 Nevertheless am going to scold you," she rejoined. still cycling me with some keenness. ''I am glad to see that you are none the worse for your ad- venture-but others may be. And you should have borne that in mind"
 '1 do not think that hurt the man seriously" stammered.
 T do not refer to that" she an- swered coldly. You know, or should know, that We are in disgrace here; that the government regards us already with an evil eye and that a very small thing would lead them to garrison the village and perhaps oust us from the little the wars have left us. You should have known this and considered it." she continued. "Whereas-I do not say that you are braggart, NJ. de Barthe. But on this one occasion you seem to have played the part of one"
 Madam, I did not think?" I stam- mered.
 Want of thought causes much evil" she answered, smiling. However. I have spoken and we trust that while you stay with us you will be more care full. For the rest, Monsieur" she con- tinued graeiously. raising her hand to prevent me speaking. I've do not know why you are here. or what plans you are pursuing. And we do not wish to know. It is enough that you are of our side This house is at your service as long as you please to use 1t. And if we can aid you in any other way we will do SO"
 Madam" I exclaimed: and there I stopped. I could not say any more The rose-garden. with its air of neglect, the shadow of the quiet house that fell across 1t. the great yew hedge which