Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-01-18

at me. "Of somebody else!" Whom, could she mean? Had her sister told her? Did she know of my meeting with Louison? was about to confess how deeply, how tenderly, I loved her. had spoken the first word when this thought flashed upon me, and halted. I could not go on
 .'Ma' m selle." I said. "I--I-if it is I of whom you are thinking. give me only your pity and I can be content. Sometime, perhaps. I may deserve more. If I can be of any service to you, send for me-command me. You shall see that I am not ungrateful. Ah, mai selle," I continued, as l stood to my full height, and felt a mighty uplift in my heart that seemed to toss the words out of me, 'I have strong arm and good sword, and the love Of honor and fair women"
 She wiped her eyes, and turned and looked up at me. I was no longer 8 sick soldier.
 Tt is like beautiful story she said thoughtfully; and you-you are like knight of old. We must go home. It is long past luncheon hour. We must hurry"
 She gave me her arm up the hill, and we walked without speaking Il am very well today" I remarked as we came to the road. If you will will wait here until I get to the big birch. shall go around to see if I can beat you to the door,
 Tt is not necessary" said she, smil- ing, 'and-and, m'sieur, l am not ashamed of you or of what have done"
 The baroness and Louison had not yet returned. NJ. Pidgeon was at luncheon with LIS in the big dining room, and had much to say of the mighty Napoleon and the coalition he was then fighting.
 The great monsieur stayed through the afternoon, as the baroness had planned big houseparty for the night, in celebration of the counts return My best clothes had come by messen- ger from the Harbor, and l could put myself in good fettle. The baroness and the count and Louison came early, and we sat long together under the trees.
 The dinner was at seven. There were more than dozen guests. among whom were number had seen at the chateau-Mr. David Parish of Ogdens- burg, who arrived late in big, two- wheel cart drawn by four horses that came galloping to the door, and 1 Gen. Wilkinson. our new commander in the north, stout, smooth-faced man. who came with MT. Parish in citizens dress.
 At the dinner the count had much ! to say of the scenes of excitement in Albany, where he had lately been. l The baroness and her wards were re- splendent in old lace and sparkling 1 jewels. Great launches of venison were served from long sideboard there was free flow of old Madeira and Burgundy and champagne and cognac. Mir. Parish and the count and the. general and Moss. Kent and M. Pidgeon sat long at the table. with cigars and coffee, after the rest of us had gone to the parlOrs. and the big room rang with their laughter. The 1 young Marquis de Gonvello and MT. Marc Isambert Brunei of the Com pagnie, who afterward founded the great machine shops of the royal navy 1 yard at Portsmouth and became engi- 1 neer of the Thames tunnel, and Pierre Chassinis. Jr.. and l waltzed with the ladies. Presently I sat down near the baroness, who was talking in French with Therese Le Ray, the counts 1 daughter.
 ! Pardon my using French" said the D baroness, turning to me. for believe you do not use it, and. my friend. it is a misfortune for you miss knowing what good company is the Ma 'selle Le Ray"
 ! And l miss much pleasure and may hap duel with the marquis" said. laughing: but I beg you to proceed with your talk. have learned many words since came here. and love | the sound of it."
 We saw British soldiers to-day" she continued to Ma selle Le Ray. in French. They crossed the road near us on their horses Louison came over and sat by them. They were not in uniform" the baroness continued ''but I knew they were English: you cannot mistake them"
 And what do you think?" said Loui- son. eagerly. One of them threatened 10 kiss he"
 Indeed. that was terrible said Ma'm'selle Le Ray. You must have been afraid"
 Yes" said she. smiling. afraid he would nit. They were a good-looking lot"
 T do not think he was speaking Of ! you at all" said the baroness. He was looking at me when" ''Ciel!" exclaimed Louison. laughing. That is why they turned suddenly and fed into the fields"
 fled. too-perhaps as suddenly as the Britishers-to save myself the dis grace of laughter.
 The great clock in the hall above stairs tolled the hour of two. The ladies had all gone to bed save the baroness The butler had started up- stairs. candelabrum in his hand. Fol- lowing him were the count and Mir. i Parish. supporting the general be- tween them The able soldier had