Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-13

sieur," the lieutenant added. And Tn A moment he turned his companion round. and the two retired up the walk to the house, leaving me to look after them in black fit of rage and 1n- credulity. At the first flush there was something so offensive in the manner of their going that anger had the up per hand. thought of the lieutenant's words. and l cursed him to hell with sickening consciousness that should not forget them in a hurry: Was playing the traitor to the cardinal or to these women-which? Mon Dieu! if ever question-but there! some day 1 would punish him. And the captain! could put an end to his amusement, at any rate; and I would. Doubtless among the country bucks of Auch he lorded it as chief provincial bully, but would cut his comb for him some fine morning hehind the barracks.
 And then, as I grew cooler l began to wonder why they were going, and what they were going to do. They might be already on the track, or have the information they required un- der hand; in that case I could under stand the movement. But if they were still searching vaguely, uncertain whether their quarry were in heneigh- borhood or not, and uncertain how long they might have to stay, it seemed incredible that soldiers should move from good quarters to bad without mo tive. I wandered down the garden think ing sullenly of this, and pettishly cutting off the heads of the flowers with my sheated sword. After all, if they found and arrested the man what then? I should have to make peace with the cardinal as best might. He would have gained his point, but not through me, and should have to look to myself On the other hand, if anticipated them-and, as a fact, felt that I could lay my hand on the fugitive within a few hours-there would come a time when I must face mademoiselle.
 A little while back that had not seemed so difficult thing. From the day of our first meeting-and in higher degree since that afternoon when she had lashed me with her scorn my views of her, and my feelings towards her, had been strangely made up of antagonism and sympathy; of repulsion, because in her past and present she was so different from me; of yearning, because she was woman and friendless. Then 1 had duped her and bought her confidence by returning the jewels, and in a measure I had sated my vengeance; and then, as a consequence, sympathy had again be- gun to get the better, until now hard ly knew my own mind or what I in- tended. stood there in the garden with that conviction suddenly new born in my mind: and then, in moment, I heard her step and turned to find her behind me.
 Her face was like April, smiles breaking through her tears. As she stood with a tall hedge of flowers be- hind her, started to see how beaHti- you, M. de Barthe,' she said, coloring slightly, perhaps because my eyes be- trayed my thought, "to thank you. You have not fought, and yet you have conquered. My woman has just been with me, and she tells me that they are going!"
 "Going?" I said "Yes, Mademoiselle, they are leaving tiae house.
 She did not understand my reserva- tion. What magic have you used?" she said, almost gaily-it was wonder full how hope had changed her. More over. am curious to learn how you managed to avoid fighting"
 After taking a blow?" I said bit terly.
 Monsieur. I did not mean that" she said responsibility. But her face clouded saw that. viewed in this light in which I suppose she had not seen 1.-the matter perplexed her still more.
 took a sudden resolution. Have you ever heard. Mademoiselle," said gravely. plucking of while spoke the dead leaves from a plant beside me, "of a gentleman by name De Berault? Known in Paris. so I have heard, by sobriquet of the Black Death?"
 The duellist?" she answered, in wonder Yes. I have heard of him. He killed a young gentleman of this province at Nancy two years back It was a sad story" she continued shud- dering. of dreadful man. God keep our friends from such,"
 "Amen." I said quietly But, in spite of myself. could not meet her eyes.
 Why" she answered. quickly talk ing alarm at my silence. What of him. NJ. de Barthe? Why have you mentioned him?"
 Because he Is here. Mademoiselle. g
 "Here?" she exclaimed.
 "Yes, Mademoiselle,' answered so- berly. "I am he"
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