The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1906-05-03
CHAPTER vIIL-CosrrSUrD.


IL was clumsiIy said perhaps, for she
shuddered and looked at me With
CHASTITY smile. But she persuaded
her sister to taste something; and she
took something on her own plate
and raised her fork TO her lips. But in
a moment she laid it down again. Il
connot" she murmured. Il cannot
swallow. Oh. my God. at this moment
they may be taking him!"
thought that she was about TO
burst into a passion OF tears and re-
pented that had induced her to
descend. But her self-control was not
yet exhausted. BY an effort painful to
zee, she recovered her composure. She
took up her fork and ate with q fierce
undertook. Il want 10 see Clon," she
whispered feverishly. The man who
waited on us had left the room.
HE knows7" I said.
She nodded, her beautiful face
strangely dishgured Her closed teeth
showed between her lips. Two red
spots burned en- her white cheeks and
she breathed quickly. | felt, as
looked at her, a sudden pain at my
heart; and a shuddering fear, such as
a man awaking to find himself falling
over a preciplce. might feel How
these women loved the mani
For a moment could not speak.
When found my voice IL sounded dry
and husky. "He Is a safe confidant,"
I muttered. "He can neither speak nor
write, Mademoiseile."
mo. but" and then her face became
fixed. They are coming" she whis.
pered. 'Hush!" She rose stifiiy and
stood supporting herself by the table.
Have they-have they-found him?
she muttered The woman by her side
wept on. unconscious what was i'm
pending
heard the captain stumble far down
the passage and swear loudly: and
touched mademoiselle's hand fhey
have not!" | whispered. "All is well,
MademoIseIle. Pray, pray calm your
self. Sit down and meet them as II
nothing were the matter. And your
sister! Madam. Madam" l cried, al
most harshly, compose Yourself Re
member that you have part to play"
NV appeal did something. Madam
ssifIed her sobs Mademoiselle drew
deep breath and sat down: and though
she was still pale and still trembled,
the worst was past
And lust in time. The door few open
with a crash. The captain stumbled IN
20 the room, swearing afresh. "Saere
nom du Diable!" he cried. his face
crimson with rage. What fool placed
these things here? My boots? Ny"
His Jaw fell. He stopped on the word.
stricken silent by the new aspect OF
the room, by the sight of the little
party at the table, by all the changes
had worked saint Siege!" he NUT
tered. What is this?" The lieutenant's
Erizzled face peering over his shoulder
completed the picture.
"You are rather late. M. lie Capi-
tame" said cheerfulIy. "Madam's
hour is eleven. But come. here are
Jour seats waiting for y0u."
Mile tonnerres." he muttered. adj
vancing TITO the room, and glaring at
US.
Il am afraid the rsgout is cold" |
continued, pesrine Into the dish and
affecting TO see nothing. "The soup,
however, has been kept hot by the fire.
But | think you do not see madam"
He opened his mouth TO swear. but
for the moment thought better Of II.
"Who-who put my boots in the pas
sage?" he asked. his voice thick with
rage. He did not bow 10 the ladies, or
take any notice of their presence.
"one OF the men, | suppose" | said
indlfferently. as anything missing?'
He glared at me. Then his cloak,
spread outside, caught mis- eye. He
strobe through the door. saw his hol-
sters lying on the grass and other
things strewn about He came back.
Whose monkey game is this?" he
snarled, and HIS face was very ugly.
who is at the bottom of this? Speak,
Sir. or L"
"Tut-tut! the ladies," said. "You
forget yourself, Monsieur"
Forget MYSELF" he Kissed. and this
time he did not cheek his oath. Don't
talk 20 me OF the ladiesl Madam?
BAIL Do you think. fool. that we are
put into rebels houses to bow and
smile and take dancing Iessons?"
In this Gaze a lesson In politeness
were more to the point. Monsieur"
said stcrniy. And I rose.
WAS il by your orders that this was
done?" he retorted, his brow black
with passion. Answer. will your"
1T wasl" I replied outright.
Then take that" he cried. dashing
his hat violently in my face. And come
outside"
with pleasure. Monsieur" answer
ed, bowling. "In one moment. Permit
noe to find my sword. I think It is In
the passage"
went thither 10 get Il. When | re-
turned | found that the two men we're
waiting for me in the garden, while the
ladies' had risen from the table and
were standing near IL with bianched
faces you had better take your sis
Z IL aid