The Irish standard., 1905-05-13

Il do not know-l thought l should
show it to you, bnt-but not to-day"
"Is it from them?"
ut is from Louison-from Tiptoes.~
"And-and it speaks of me?"
"Ah, m'sieur," said she, arching her
brows, ut has indeed much to say OF
you"
"And-and may l not see it?" I
asked eagerly. Main selle, l tell yo,a
IL must see it,"
"Why?" She stirred the name OF
her horse with red riding-whip.
why not?" inquired, my heart
beating fast
IF knew-if were justified-yon
know am her friend: l know all her
secrets
will you not be my friend also?" I
interrupted.
IA friend of Louison, he is mine,''
said she.
"Ah, ma'm'selle, then confess to
you-it is because love her"
II knew it; I am no fool" was her
answer. But had to hear it from
you. 1t is remarkable thing to do,
but they are in such peril. think you
ought to know"
She took the letter from her bosom,
passing it 10 my hand. A faint odor
of violets came with it. It read:
MY Dear Therese: wish I could see
you, If only for an hour. l have so much
to say. l have written your father Of our
prison home. l am going to write you of
my troubles. You know what we wero
talking about the last time / saw you
myself and that handsome fellow. Mon
Dieu! l shall not name him. 1t is not
necessary. Well, you were right. my
warning; l did not know the meaning OF
that delicious pain. But oh. my friend.
1t has become q terrible thing since
know l may never see him again. My
heart Is breaking with It, Mere de Dieui
I can no longer laugh or Jest or pretend
had rather die than live without him7
No: that is not enough. had rather be
an old maid and live only with the
thought of him than marry another. if
he were king. l remember those words
of yours. i know he loves you.' Oh, my
dear Thercsc, what n comfort they are
to me now! l repeat them often. If
could only say, i know! Alas can but
say, I do not know nay. even, I do
not believe If l had not been n fool I
L
him over his ears In love with me ona
day, or l am no judge of man. But
you know. they are SO tickle! And then.
tho Yankee girls are pretty and so clever.
Well, they shall not have him if can
help It, When 1 return there shall be
war, II necessary. between France and
America. And, rherese. you know have
the weapons. and you have done me tho.
honor to say l know how to use them.
! have told Louise. and-what do ycul
think?--the poor thing cried an hour
for pity of me! AS ever, she makes my
trouble her own I have been selfish al
ways, but I know the cure. 1t is love-
toujours ramour. Now I think only Of
him, and he recalls you and your sweet,
words. God make you a true prophet
With love to you and the marquis. kiss.
each line, praying for happiness for you
and for him. Believe me as ever, Your,
affectionate. LOUISON."
"P.S. l feel better now have told youJ
I wonder what his lordship will say.
Poor thing! he will read this; he wifi
think me n fool. Eth bien, I have no bet
ter thought of him. He can put me under
lock and key. but he shall not imprlsoso
my secrets; and. If they bore him, he
should not read my letters. L."
Tread it thrice, and held it for mo-
ment to my lips. Every word stung me
with the sweet pain that afflicted it's
author. could feel my cheeks burn
ing.
"Ma'mselle, pardon me; it is not
she refers to. She does not say whom"
Surely" said Therese, flirting her
whip and lifting her shoulders.
"M'sieur lie Capitaine is never stupid
very nice now"
'If it is thank Cod Her misery
is my delight, her liberation my one,
purpose"
"And my congratulations" said she,.
giving me her hand. "She has wit ana
beauty, a true heart, great fortune.
and--good luck in having your love.'''
1raised my hat, blushing to the roots,
of my hair.
'1t is a pretty compliment" l said.
"And-and have no gift of speech to
thank you. am not match for you
except in my love of kindness and
and of Louison. You have made me
happier than have been before"
"1f have made you alert. ingenious,
determined, I am content" was her
answer. II know you have courage"
"And will to use it."
"Good luck and adieu!" said she,.
with fine flourish of her whip; those
people had always a pretty politeness
Of manner.
"Adieu," said, lifting my hat as
rode off, with prick of the spur, for
the road was long and had lost quite
half an hour.
My elation gave way to sober thought
presently. began to think of Louise
that quiet, frank, noble, beautiful,
great-hearted girl, who might be-
suffering what trouble knew not, anG
all silently, there in her prison home
A sadness grew in me. and then sud-
denly saw the shadow Of great trouble
loved them both; 1'knew not which
loved the better. Yet this interviews
had almost committed me to Louison.
ITO Be Continued