Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-01-03

de Kersaint she really thought there was loophole for an escape before
 her Between de Kersaint and de Vitre what might not happen? She was fully resolved never to marry de Kersaint. and her resolution with re- gard to de Vitre was not so strong as
 1t had been. Absence. separation, both
 pleaded powerfully for Grafton. Sc she waited-and hoped still
 Laughter, jollity, merriment, sub-
 dued by the refinements and require
 ments of good breeding. foated around the table. Joy and good humor were reflected from every face except two
 Hearts beat high in anticipationl The officers of the squadron. who had not yet received orders for the departure felt that it was in the wind and eag- erly anticipated it. ... -~ Grafton, who had ample time to
 study the people in the dining room as
 the banquet progressed. marked with
 thrill of happiness that the universal
 joy was not reflected in the face of his
 love. Never had he seen 1t colder,
 paler, more filled with that ineffable disdain he loved to note when not
 meant for him.. There was not the slightest touch of mirth and happi-
 ness in her features as her eyes rest lessly swept the table When her
 glance fell upon the huge and happy Frenchman who sat next her. Grafton NNti xhOt rL4 %o chy -sv,Iy from him. None but a lovers eye
 could have detected the movement,
 but to him it was plain.
 Gentlemen" said the marquis at last. the repast having been concluded
 by this time. before the Countess
 Anne retires I wish you to drink a
 health with me-
 "A health, health." cried the
 men, :hrusting their chairs back from the table, seizing their full glasses and rising to their feet as they spoke. "Messieurs. cried the old man in his high-pitched old voice. q give you the health of the Demoiselle de Rohan and the Comte de Kersaint, and I an nounce to you the engagement which
 has been entered upon between this
 son and daughter of Brittany, to carry on and perpetuate the two ancient
 races"
 This was death and agony to Graf ton. It was only by the strongest con- straint that he could keep himself from bursting into the room.
 "Vive la Demoiselle de Rohan!" "Vive de Kersaint!"
 Long life and happiness to the pride of Brittany" resounded through the hall as the men drank the toast with enthusiasm.
 "Shiver your glasses, gentlemen. when you drink to the Demoiselle de Rohan!" cried the marquis when he had drained his own, at the same time
 dashing his priceless cup to the floor. Amid the crashing of the crystal,
 therefore, Anne, pale as ghost. the image of everything but joy rose to her feet and lifted her own glass. "Messieurs," sine said. softly, 'T
 drink to you and to France" She bowed low before them amid mur-
 mur of admiration evoked by her
 grace and beauty, and continued:
 And I thank you. And now. with
 your permission, Monsieur le Marquis
 and gentlemen all. will withdraw.
 Resume your seats, messieurs
 thank you again for your congratula-
 tions"
 The marquis handed her to the door,
 Grafton noticed that she tottered as too much for her. He had shot one swift glance toward the foot of the
 table. too. and he had noticed that one glass had not been lifted when the toast had been drunk. and that 1t still stood brimming with wine upon the board in front of the haggard de vitre. The American pitied him, his misery was so great and so apparent Mean- while congratulations from all sides were bestowed upon de Kersaint
 The men crowded around him. shak-
 ing him by the hand. drinking healths to him from fresh glasses which had , been brought. and overwhelming him , with acclamations which he bore with , good-humored mOdesty.
 , Grafton would have left the armory
 at once to follow Anne had he not | faithfully promised Josette 10 stay
 there until she summoned him. He , waited. therefore, in increasing impa- , tience. He was glad. however. even in the midst of his passion. that he P had remained. when he heard Admiral r de Confans tapping the table and re- guesting silence.
 ''Gentlemen," he said. as the tu- mutt died away and the men subsided , into their seats once more. with the permission of my friend. the Marquis
 de Chabot- Rohan, will propose a toast to you, and at the same time
 make an announcement. The English
 have been driven from the blockade , by the fierce gales and I intend to go
 to sea. Amid such loyal friends and supporters I do not hesitate to say , that we are bound for the cnemy'e country. I first propose to take the
 English squadron in Quiberon bay. to embark there the officers and men of 1, the brave army commanded by Mon- i, sieur le Due d'Aiguillon and Marechal Belloc. and then away for Ireland
 crushing any one who may endeavor to stay our progress: and if that be |. Admiral Hawke, let him look 10 his