Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1905-10-19

is not strange, mademoisellc." he re-
sumed, that | should speak thus, for
love La Sale, and he loves you, and
| am pledged by all the ,claims of
friendship and loyalty. to bring you
safe to your journeys end"
Before Renee could reply the comte
entered, followed by squaw. Hardly
had she seen the prisoners before she
uttered a cry, and Tonti stared in be-
wildcrment into the face of Madame
BiZard. II was indeed she, but how
changed! The roses had left her
cheeks and lines OF care and suffering
were strongly marked about her eyes.
Clad in the slatternly dress OF an Iro-
quois squaw, she had lost the trim
ness of figure that had been her chief
attraction formerly. No longer were
Che lashes dropped in coquettsh
elances, but a hunted look had taken
their place. The comte stood watch
ing them, smiling grimly so it
seems that you two are acquainted
Madame BiZard then seeing Renee
lor the first time, rushed to her and
clasped her arms about her. weeping
violently. This action displeased her
lord, for he advanced and, grasping
her roughly by the shoulder, pulled her
away, giving her a rude shove that
sent her rolling on the floor. He then
seized her by the hair and pulled her
up into sitting posture, crying bru-
tally, Get up or you will fare worse"
The poor woman did not seem to think
n n
meekly did his bidding. Take ma
demoiselle to her lodge and serve her
wants" was the next demand; so,
beckCning Renee to follow her, she led
her out.
They passed to the adjoining house,
which had been hastily prepared for
its new occupant. Some attempts had
been made at cleaning the place, a
large number of skins and rugs hav-
ing been spread about. Renees COM
panion was silent until they had en-
tered. After casting a backward
glance to see that they were not fol-
lowed, she fell ON her knees and
burst into tears. Renee, who pitied
her forlorn condition and remembered
her kindness to her when she first ar
rived at Quebec, strove to soothe her.
and the kindly, womanly sympathy
thus displayed had its effect, for soon
the tear-stained face was raised and
sad smile lighted up her features.
"Ah! mademoiselle," she murmured.
you are so good TO pity an unfortu-
nate castaway like myself. | have
snned deeply, but have been cruelty
punished. Since seeing you | have
had time to reflect and realize how
great a wrong-doer | have been. Many
misery, and thought of all the happi-
ness | might have had, but which |
thrust aside. You can see the misery
of my fate without telling you.
However, it is your future that trou-
bles me, for rather than see you in his
power | would bury knife in his hate
full breast. Bat tell me how you hap
pen to be here?"
Renee then rapidly sketched the
events that had led up to their jour
ney and the adventures encountered
since then. AS she told of Tonti's eff,
forts at the time of their Shipwreck,
Madame Bizards eyes glowed and a
faint tinge OF color returned to her
cheeks.
How brave he is, and how noble!
My love told me that he was good and
worthy"
your lovei" exclaimed Renee.
Yes, my love, for will confess it TO
you, mademoiselle-I loved him. 1t
was my insane love that drove me to
tempt him to the very act to which the
comte yielded. But he was strong,
and rebuked me, shaming me for the
thought"
But you told me-"
Eyes, but l lied. My heart was full
Of bitterness at finding him so muck
better than |; for his teaching me that
mans honor was even stronger than
woman's. 1t was the desperate mem
ory of his refusal of my suggestion to
fly with me that drove me mad, and
made the society of my husband. your
self, and all who were good and pure
torment, and was the goad that urged
me to the step I took. But my re.
Dentance has been bitter"
Aud HIS WlLe ana cNlld abandoned
in Paris?" eagerly asked Renee, as she
clutched the woman by the arm, her
breath waiting on her reply.
More lies. | could find nothing bad
enough to say about him. | hated
him for the deep humiliation he had
caused me, and loved him all the time
for his nobility of heart. He spoke of
one in France whom he adored. [
would have given my right arm to nave
heard him speak of me with that same
feeling and reverence in his tones.
Now all is done. and it is too late for
repentance. A weary life of servi-
tude amongst these savages is my por-
tion. l can do nothing to retrieve the
past, unless indeed l could effect your
escape. That would I gladly do were
to pay for it with my life. Have
courage, mademoiselle, shall accom-.
plish whatever can for you"
DIT Il