Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-04-04

fH lOnll SuiACu' ucIc Io tHib uAACS> ence between us, mon Capitaine: you evidently have found the one; can tee but the many"
 La Sale seemed somewhat discon-
 .erted at the interpretation put upon his words by his friend. He hesitated ! moment before replying; then look Ing earnestly at Tonti, exclaimed:
 Come, mon cher lieutenant. since
 ke are to share our future fortunes,
 et there be no secrets, between us. I have found the one. Years ago I left my native city Rouen to enter the service of the church. became a novice in the Society of Jesus. There was an attraction for me in that or ganization, spread like network throughout the world. It symbolized to me that greatest of human achieve ments, power. But this same admin iStration of power caused my situation to become very galling to me. saw tho manifestation of power, but in the hands of others; I was subservient to 1t, not holding 1t within my grasp. I soon realized that to be moved, not the mover, to become the passive in- strument of another's will, to surren- der my own individuality and become but part, an inflnitesimal part of one great whole, would inevitably become intolerable. So before my vows were taken, compelled though I would be to surrender to them my patrimony, I withdrew from the society and joined my brother in Canada
 You have a brother there?" asked Tonti in tone of surprise.
 "Yes, the Abbe' Jean Cavelier, a Sulpitian priest. Now, during all my religious training was taught to guard myself against the seductions of the female sex; that women were but necessary evils"
 Here a plate fell from the hand of Pompon, who was engaged in clear ing off the table, and lay in hum dred pieces on the floor "Cuistre!" he muttered. as he stopped to pick up the fragments, ''I did not know the priests taught as much wisdom as that"
 La Salle did not hear. or at least did not heed the interruption.
 My early training still clung to me, until, falling ill with fever while on a visit to Montreal, I was nursed, not by the nuns, but at the home of the former governor and by his wife. Such gentleness and tenderness I had never known save for far-off remembrance of my mother, who died when I was a small child. Then, too, her unselflsh devotion and steadfastness to her hus- band, who was a surly brute, but who really cared for her in his own pe- cufiar way, was a source of daily sur prise and admiration. took away her firm friendship when left, and also a nature changed in that particu- lar. The ground had been cleared, the soil prepared, and 1t only wanted the seed to be dropped"
 And while in Paris this time" be- gan Tonti.
 "The seed was sown," was the reply. "Parbleu! Good news this," cried Tonti, seizing his goblet. Devil take me if I do not envy your ability to choose. To me each face is fairer, each eye is brighter, and each waist a trife more slender in every pretty woman meet, than the one before. He spoke truly who said that beauti- full woman was the hell of the soul. the purgatory of the purse, and the paradise of the eyes. But come, raise up your cups in health to the future, shall I say, Comtesse de la Salle?- Nay, he would be but a selfish king who would reward your efforts so nig- gardly; he will be forced to make you a duo. So, then, to the future duchesse-"
 . La Salle raised his hand deprecat- ingly. Not so fast, mon ami, not so fast. Mon Dieu! you will have me married and a grandfather next. Un- fortunately, she knows nothing of my devotion. and I fear" here he lapsed into a lovers despondency. would care little It is this hope of winning her that spurs me on in my labors. To come back hero and un riche is my desire. Then can I offer her some thing worthy her deserts"
 Tonti. nothing daunted, replied per- sistently, Her health," and mount ing with one foot on his chair and his goblet raised aloft, mo'ioned to his two friends to do likewise. Even Pom- pon seemed moved by his infectious exuberance, and he, too. responded, albeit with an air of superior knowl- edge. La Salle arose; the rims of their drinking-cups met. Her name!" cried Tonti.
 La Salle hesitated. Not now" he said; wait until We have left this sunny land of France behind us. Know her in the meantime as The Lily of Poitou.'"
 "Tle Lily of Poitou," they all ex- claimed in unison. and moment later three empty goblets stood together upon the table amid the remains of the feast
 After La Salle's departure. Tonti sat in his chair. his feet sprawling out in front of him. meditating. Dame! if do not begin to love that man." he cried. looking up. "I have seen him but twice. yet he somehow has reached out and gripped my heart al- ready"
 Rising with these words. Tonti stretched his arms and yawnei. "I must be of to get my new clothes in which to appear before his majesty. How would a new baldric to support