Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-01-03

sle alone seemed to read an oiu sen- tence on, the wall.
 7 When do you sail, Monsieur de Confians?" asked the archbishop when he could be heard above the tu- mutt. There was an instant silence as they all waited in tense excitement tc receive the reply,
 "Monseigneur. answered the old admiral, inclining his head toward the prelate, I beg you to invoke . blessing upon our undertaking. Si- lence, gentlemen" The officers stood with bowed heads while the venerable archbishop, ris- ing and lifting white hand in the air. breathed forth an eloquent prayer for the success of their arms. The amens with which the guests ratified his passionate petition were not less deep and fervent than had been their cries moment since.
 Most Reverend Father" returned the admiral, as the prayer was con- cluded, "as to the time of sailing? As soon as the wind changes, monsei- eneur, and lets us get away from the harbor."
 There was a sudden clashing of arms on the stair A young soldier, an officer of cavalry, strode into the room through the open door. He stopped before the admiral, clicked his heels together with military pre- cision, and saluted.
 Monsieur le Marechal.' he said, ''I have a message to you from the port admiral"
 What is it. sir?"
 He bade me tell you that the wind had changed within the hour and 'tis now blowing fair for you to leave the harbor." "Gentlemen.'' cried the admiral, I've sail at six in the morning. We have much to do. Monsieur le Mar. quis. you will pardon us if We with' draw thus early? Come. come. mes. sieurs, the toasting and feasting are over. the time of war begins"
 Grafton felt a touch on his arm. The anxious face of Josette loomed up out of the darkness near his shoul- der.
 Come. with me-" she whispered, softly.
 As he turned to go, he heard the admiral say to de kerSaint:
 Monsieur, you may remain here an hour or two longer. Your ship, l know. is in readiness to weigh anchor, and so long as you are aboard at the appointed time shall be satisfied. am loath to part you from so charm ing a fancee in so unceremonious a way. Yes," he continued in answer to question, you may retain Capt. de Vitre."
 Grafton drew the hood over his head once more, and wrapping the cloak closely about him turned and followed the nervous Josette, as she stepped rapidly through the hall and up the stair. The corridors were filled with gentlemen and servants. and though one or two cast glances of curiosity and suspicion at the maid and her companion, they were neither accosted nor detained. Just as they entered upon the stair the steward came into the corridor and gazed earnestly at them.
 As Grafton found himself mounting the tower stair he discovered his heart beating almost to suffocation. He was to see Anne. to speak to her again, perhaps to take her in his arms, to kiss her once more. He forgot his frigate outside, he forgot the French fleet, his duty. everything, for the moment, but his love. How could she greet him? He would soon know. They were approaching her door.
 Have you told her that am here?' he asked Josette. sA. ss lgF
 No, monsieur" b3hsE " That's well"
 Shall l announce you nowy"
 By no means. Do you stand by the door here ana give me warning or any approach"
 You would not harm the Countess Anne. monsieur?" she asked, laying her hand upon his arm and looking at him beseechingly. You will remem- Der that she is but a woman who loves you?"
 "I love her too. Josette. swear to you l would rather die than harm should come to her. Rest easy. And enter without hesitation should I be in danger of discovery. Is this the door?"
 She nodded her head. He pressed her hand softly. opened the door. part ed the curtains, and entered the room.