Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-02-13


and absorbed. by the stone seat, a
shadowy figure with face turned from
me? Was, she recalling the mans
words, fitting them to, the facts and the
past, adding this and that circum-
stance? Was she, though she had re-
buffed him in the body, collating, now
he was gone, all he had said, and out
OF these scraps piecing together the
damning truth? The thought tortured
me. could brook uncertainty no
longer. l went nearer to her and
touched her sleeve. "Mademoiselle,"
said, in voice which sounded hoarse
and forced even in my own ears, do
you believe this Of me?''
She started violently and turned.
Pardon, Monsieur" she answered. II
had forgotten that you were here.
Do believe-what?"
What that man said of. me,p 1 NUT
tered.
THAT" she exclaimed; and she
stood a moment gazing at me in a
strange fashion. "Do believe what
he said, Monsieur! But come, come, .
she continued, "and I will show you II
believe It, But not here"
She led the way on the instant into
the house, going In through the parlor
door, which stood half open. The room
inside was pitch dark, but she took me
fearlessly by the hand and led me
quickly through it and along the
passage, until We came to the cheer
full lighted hall, where great fire
burned on the hearth Ill traces of
the soldiers occupation had been swept
away. But the room was empty.
She led me to the fire and there in
the full light, no longer a shadowy
creature, but red Tipped, brilliant,
throbbing with life, she stood opposite
me, her eyes shining, her color high,
her breast heaving. do 1 believe it p"
she said. II will tell you. M. de
Cocheforet's hiding-place is in the hut
behind the fern-stack, two furlongs be-
yond the village, on the road to Auch.
You will know now what no one else
knows, he and I ard madam excepted
You hold in your hands his life ans
my honor; and you know also, M. de
Berault,. whether 1 believe that tale"
my God!' I cried. And l stood
looking at her, until something of the
horror In my eyes crept into hers and
she shuddered and stepped back.
What is it? WHAT'S it?" she whis-
pered, clasping her hands. And with.
all the color gone from her cheeks she
peered trembling into the corners and
towards the door. There is no one
here. Is there any ene-listening?"'
l forced myself to speak, though I
shook all over, like man in an ague.
mo Mademoiselle, there is no one
here" l muttered.i And then let my
head fall on my breast and stood
before her, the statue of despair Had
she felt a grain of suspicion, grain
of doubt, my bearing must have opened
her eyes. But her mind was cast in so
noble a mould, that having once
thought i'll of me and been converted,
she could feel no doubt again. 1t; was
her nature to trust all in ALL So, lit
tie recovered from her fright, she stood
looking at me in great wonder; and
at last she had a thought
you are not well?" she said sudden
ly. ut is your old wound, Monsieur"
Eyes, Mademoiselle," muttered
family. ut is my old wound"
II will call Clon!" she cried impet-
uously. And then, with a sob, "Ah!
poor Clon! He is gone But here is
Louis. l will call him, and he will get
you something
She was gone from the room before
could stop her; and was left lean
ing against the table, possessor at last
Of the great secret which had come SO