Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1905-10-05
CHAPTER XVIII.-CoNTINUED.


Renee then opened her heart TO her
companion, and the iron-gray head of
the doughty warrior was bent in Won
dering interest at the recital of the
perls of the girl the depth of a wom
ans love, the wound a feminine heart
can suffer and yet live, and the
strength of purpose of noble nature
that has resolved to conquer, even
though it be by flight. She told of the
Comte de Miron, of his duel with
Tont, of her adventure in the chair,
of her love she felt to be returned, of
the appearance of the comte in Que
bee AS regards Tonti she contented
herself with saying that she had
learned that she was mistaken in her
estimate of the man, that he was all
unworthy of her love, and that, in
short, she had ceased to love him.
Her retiCence as to the cause of her
change of feeling, the vehemence with
which she expressed her dislike, and
the evidences of mingled shame and
hurt pride in her tone, caused FTonte-
nae to smile indulgently. He listened
patiently until the end and then dis
missed her, saying in a soothing tone:
81 will consider the matter ma chere,
and if | can md no other remedy, be-
lieve me l shall not stand in your way
of escape from this rascal, but shall
aid you all in my power"
Renee thanked him and arose to go.
AS she passed through the anteroom
she was startled at finding Tonti stand
l. 81
an opportunity to see the comte. He,
too, was surprised at beholding her,
and bowed low as she passed, mutter-
ing some commonplace greeting. She,
however, neither noticed his bow, his
words, nor himself but with eyes fixed
in front of her, passed rapidly through
the door with an air of naughty pride
and disdain that would have done
credit to mademoiselle herself, and
was gone.
Frcatenac saw this by-play and
laughed at the rueful countenance with
which Tonti greeted him.
There seems to be some mistake"
he said. "You apparently think you
know the fair donnee, while she be-
lieves differently. All! you knave, try
ing your fascinations on every pretty
woman you meet!"
Pardon, NJ lie Comte," replied
Tonti, stiffiy, but knew the young
lady before leaving France, hence my
salutation. She probably did not see
me-"
VERY likely" responded Frontenac,
dryly. "Since you know her so well
she will probably tell you how it hap
pens she is here and all about her
self. 1t will save me the trouble"
Tonti grasped him by the wrist nerv-
ously. Come" he said, you are my
friend. Tell me when and why did she
leave France?"
Frontenac, seeing the young mans
earnestness, good-naturedly told him
him of the arrival of his charge.
'She has fed from Louis" murmured
Tonti. But why this garb of a re-
ligieuse?"
ITO escape the attentions of
worthless adventurcr who came in the
same ship. She wished to become a
nun, but | was not willing TO allow
that"
WlSheu TO become nun! eX-
claimed Tonti, in astonishment Glow
can that be? She loves La Sale, and
he is devoted"
Loves La Salle!" laughed Fronte-
nae long and loudly. "Ho! no! my
friend, l happen to know better than
that"
Tonti's face flushed angrlly. lie
o. grI
know? What can you know-unless,
par Dieu! you are wooing her and in
tend to marry her yourself?"
Frontenac fairly chokcd with merrl-
ment at these i.eful words. When be
was able 10 speak again he said:
"Mordl one az time! DO / want
both ears boxed? But come, my war
like friend, sit down and eyaporate
your wrath