Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-03-09


We must have gone long journey
when the carriage halted. They pulled
lis out roughly and let us up three
steps and across q deep veranda. A
bell rang, door swung open, flood of
light fell on us. fltering to our eyes.
Entering, we could feel O carpet I'M
der US. and took dozen PAGES or more
before they bade US halt. We heard
only the low-spoken order and the
soft tread of our feet. There was u
dead silence when they removed our
letters and unbound our eyes. We were
standing In big and sumptuous draw
ing-room. A company of gentlemen
sat near MS in arm-chairs; there
were al least score OF them.
Round tables of old mahogany
stood near. on which were glasses
and packs Of cards and wine-bottles.
The young man who sat with the
general and answered to your Lord
ship" was approaching me, hand ex-
tended.
Glad to see you; sit down." he said
in the same quiet, languid. forceful
tone had heard before.
II was all very odd The guards
were gone; We were apparently as
free as any Of them.
II shall try to make you comforta-
ble," he said. A servant began filling
a row Of glasses. I'VE have here wine
and wit and all the accessories, includ-
ing women. should introduce you,
hut have not the honor of your ac-
quaintance. Let 1t suffice to say these
are my friends The turned to those
who sat about, land gentlemen, these
are my enemies" he added, turning to
MS. Let us hope they may die happy"
And with a fighting chance"
added, lifting the glass without tast-
ing it.
Dri sat, his brows lifted. his hands
In his pockets. his legs crossed. He
looked curiously from one to another.
Horton" said his lordship, as he
sat down, leaning lazily on the arm Of
his chair, will you have them bring
down the prisoners
The servant left the room. Some of
the men were talking together in low
tones; they were mostly cookbook
ing and well dressed.
Gentlemen said his lordship, ris-
ing suddenly. I'm going to turn you
out Of here for momcnt-they're shy
lot. Won't you go into the library?'
They all arose and went out of 4
door save one. q bald man OF middle
age. half tipsy. who begged of his
"Ludship" the privilege of remaining.
Sir Charles said he young man,
still lOungins in his chair as he spoke,
in that cold calm tone Of his, "yor
annoy me. Go at once." and he went.
They covered our faces with nap
kins Of white linen. Then We heard
heavy steps, he cinli of scabbards on
stairway, the ieet Of ladies', and The
swish OF their s,,wna. With a quick
movement our faces were uncovered.
! rose to my lect. for here before me
stood Louison and he Baroness de
Feire, between two guards. and, be-
behind them, Louise. bor eyes
covered. her beautiful head bent
low could see that she was
crying. The truth came to me
In flash Of thought They had been
taken after we left they were prison.
ers brought here 10 identify us. A
like Quicknessi OF perception had ap-
parently come 20 all We four stood
looking at one another with no sign
Of recognition. My lace may have
shown the surprise and horror in me.
but shortly ! recovered my stony calm.
The ladies were dressed finely, with the
taste and care had 20 much admired.
Louison turned away from me with a
4 splendid disniiy an stood looking up
at the wall, her haV 5 behind her. a
toe of one shoe tapptng the floor i'm
| patiently. 1t was 3 picture to remem-
Der lifetime. could feel my pulse
quicken as 100, ed upon her. The
baroness stood. sober-taccd. her eyes
looking down. her fan moving slowly.
His lOrdship rose and came to Lou
Use.
Come, now. my pretty prisoner; II
Is disagreeabe, but you must forgive
me-" no said.
She turned away from him, drying
her eyes. Then presently their beauty
shone upon me.
Grace an ciel!" she exclaimed. q
great joy in her eyes and voice. 1T is
M'sicur Bell. Sister-baroness-it is
M'sieur Bell"
advanced to meet her, and took her
hand, kissing it revercntly. She COW
cred her face, her hand upon my Shout
der. and wept in silence. II it. meant
my death. | should die thanking Goo
knew. or thought knew, that she
loved me.
"Ah, yes; it is M'sicur Bell-poor
fellow" said Louison, coming quickl,
to me. And you, my dear. you are
Ma'mselle Louise"
She spoke quickly in French, as II
quite out of patience with the poor di'
plomacy OF her sister.
Il knew it was YOU. for | saw thu
emerald on your finger she added
turning to me- but | could not tel
her"
Il am glad, am delighted. that sh'
spoke to me" said. ! desired to saw
the fair girl, whose heart was ever al
o childs. any sorrow for what she hat
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