Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-03-02

] WENT AWAY THEN FOR A WALK
AND STROLLED INTO THE NORTH
TRAIL.
at me as I looked after them at the
edge Of the wood. The baroness had
asked me to 80 with her. but thought
the jour,ey too long. Louise came out
and sat by me awhile as | lay in the
hammock. She was all in white. A
trifie taller and bit more slender
than her sister, / have sometimes
thought her beauty was statelier, also,
and more statuesquc. The sight Of her
seemed to kindle in rae the spirit Of
old chivalry. would have fought and
died for her with my best lance and
plume In all my life ] had not seen
n woman of sweeter graces of speech
and manner. and. in truth, I have
met some OF the best born of her sex.
She had callers presently-the Sieur
Michel and his daughter. went away.
then, for a walk. and. after a time.
strolled into the north trail. Crossing
messy glade, in n circle of fragrant
cedar, sat down to rest. The sound
Of falling water came TO my ear
through thickets OF hazel and shad-
berry. Suddenly heard sweet voice
singing o love-song Of Provence-the
same voice, the same song had heard
the day ] came half fainting on my
horse. Somebody was coming near. In
a moment saw Louise before me.
What. nam selle." ! said; "alonA
In the woods"
Not So said she. Il knew you
were here--somewhere, and--and-
well. | thought you might be lonely"
You are good angel" | said. al
ways trying 10 make others happy"
Eth bien,' said she. sitting beside
ME, Il was lonely myself cannot
read or study. have neglected my
lessons; have insulted the tutor
threw my book at him, and
walked away. for he sputtered at
me. do not know what is
the matter. | know am very
wicked. Perhaps-ah me- perhaps it is
the devil
Nam selle, it is appalling" said.
You may have injured the poor man.
You must be very bad. Let me see
your palm
I held her dainty fingers in mine,
that were still hard and brown, peer
Ing into the pink hollow OF her hand.
lShe looked up curiously.
"a quick temper and heart of
gold" I said. IF the devil has it. he
In lucky, and-well. should like to
be in his confidence
"Ah, m'sieur,' said she, seriously,
little tremor on her lips, Il have
imuch trouhe-you do not know.
have to fight with myself"
"fou have, then, formidable enc
my" | answered
But l am not quarrelsome," said
she, thoughtfully Il am only weary
iof the life here should like to 30
away and be OF some use in the world.
l suppose it is wicked, for my papa
wishes me to stay. And bah! it is a
prison-a Hopital de sa!petriere!"
Nam 'selle." exclaimed. "if you
talk like that | shall take you On my
horse and fly with you. | shall come
as your knight, as your deliverer, some
day"
"Alas:" said she. with a sigh, you
would find me very heavy. One has
nothing to do here but grow lazy and
-ciel!-fat"
X my meeting with her sister had
not made it impossible and absurd,
should have offered my heart to this
fair young lady then and there. Now
could not make it seem the part Of
honor and decency. could not help
adoring her simplicity. her frankness,
her beautiful form and face.
ut is no prison for me-" said. II
do not long for deliverance. l cannot
tell you how happy have been to stay
how unhap.y shall be to leave"
Captain, she said quickly. you are
not strong: you arc no soldier yet"
Yes; ! must he off to the wars"
And that suggests an idea" said
she, though fully, her chin upon her
hand.
(Which is?"
THAT wealth Is my III fortune sh o
went on. with u sigh. Men and wo-
men are fighting and toiling and bleed
ing to make the world better. and I
II am just lady. fussing. prlmping,
peering into a looking glass should
like to do something. but they think
] am too good-too holy"
But 1t Ia hard business---the labors
ana quarrels OF the great world"
suggested.
"Well-it Is Gods business" she
Continued. And am I not one of his
children. and 'wist We not that I must
he about my Fathers business?' II
was not too good for the man who
said that"
Il But what would you do?"
III DO not know. suppose l can do