The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1906-01-19
D'ri and 1
By IRVING BACHELLER
Author Eben Holden" Darrell Of the Blessed Isles Etc.
Copyright, 1901, by Lothrop Publishing oompAny.)

spoken. We could hear hoofs railing,
the rattle of bit and rein, the creak
of saddle-leather on each side of us.
We must have gone a long journey
when the carriage halted. They pulled
us out roughly and let us up three
steps and across a deep veranda. A
bell rang, door swung open, flood OF
light fell on us, altering to our eyes.
Entering, we could feel a carpet I'M
der us, and took a dozen PAGES or more
before they babe us halt. We heard
only the low-spoken order and the
soft tread of our feet. There was
dead silence when they removed our
letters and unbound our eyes. We were
standing in a big and sumptuous draw
ing-room. A company of gentlemen
sat near us in arm-chairs; there
were at least a score of them.
Round tables of old mahogany
stood near, on which were glasses
and packs of cards and wine-bottles.
The young man who sat with the
general and answered to "your Lord
ship" was approaching me, hand eX-
tended.
"Glad to see you; sit down." he said
in the same quiet, languid, forceful
tone I had heard before.
1t was all very odd. The guards
were gone; we were apparently as
free as any Of them.
Il shall try to make you comforta-
BILE" he said. A servant began filing
a row of glasses. we have here wine
and wit and all the accessories, includ-
ing women. / should introduce you,
+ but l have not the honor Of your ac-
quaintance Let it suffice to say these
are my friends" (he turned TO those
who sat about, and gentlemen. these
are my enemies, he added, turning to
us. Let us hope they may die happy"
"And with a fighting chance l
added, lifting the glass without tast-
/ ing it.
D'ri sat, his brows lifted his hands
/ in his pockets, his legs crossed. He
looked curiously from one 10 another.
Horton" said his lordship, as he
sat down, leaning lazily on the arm Of
his chair, will you have them bring
down the prisoners?'
The servant left the room. Some Of
the men were talking together in low
tones; they were mostly cookbook
ing and we'll dressed.
Gentlemen" said his lordship, ris-
ing suddenly, I'm going to turn you
out OF here for mOment-they'r a shy
lot. Won't you go into the library?"
They all arose and went out of
door save one, bald man of middle
age, half tipsy, who begged of his
''Ludship" the privilege Of remaining.
Sir Charles" said the young man,
still lounging in his chair as he spoke,
in that cold calm tone of his, you
annoy me. Go at once!" and he went.
They covered our faces with nap
kins Of white linen. Then we heard
heavy steps, the clink of scabbards on
a stairway, the feet of ladies, and the
swish of their gowns. With a quick
movement our faces were uncovered.
l rose to my feet, for there before me
stood Louson and the Baroness de
Ferre, between two guards, and be-
behind them, Louise, her eyes
covered, her beausfu head bent
low. l could see that she was
crying. The truth came to me
in a flash Of thought. They had been
taken after we left; they were prison.
ers brought here to identify us. A
like quickness Of perception had ap-
parently come to all. We four stood
looking at one another with no sign
of recognition. My face may have
shown the surprise and horror in me,
but shortly recovered my stony calm.
The ladies were dressed finely, with the
taste and care | had so much admired.
LouisOn turned away from me with a
splendid dignity and stood looking up
at the wall, her hands behind her, a
toe Of one shoe tapping the floor i'm
patiently. 1t was a picture to remem-
Der a lifetime. | could feel my pulse
quicken as | looked L ION her. The
baroness stood, sober-faced, her eyes
looking down, her fan moving slowly.
His lordship rose and came TO Lou
ise
Come, now, my pretty prisoner; 1t
- ss:sasreeaDIe, Out you must 1orgive
me-" he said.
She turned away from him, drying
her eyes Then presently their beauty
shone upon me.
Grace au ciel!" she exclaimed, a
great Joy in her eyes and voice. ct is
Msieur Bell. Sister-baroness-it is
Msieur Bell"
l advanced to meet her, and took her
hand, kissing it reverently. She COW
cred her face, her hand upon my shout
der, and wept in silence. If it meant
my death, should die thanking God
l knew, or thought l knew, that she
loved me.
"Ah, yes; it is M'sieur Bell-poor
fellow!" said Louison, coming quickly
to me. "And you, my dear, you are
Ma'm'selle Louise"
She spoke quickly in French, as II
quite out of patience with the poor di-
plomacy of her sister.
II knew it was you, for I saw the
emerald on your finger" she added
turning to me, "but l could not tell
her"
II am glad, am delighted, that she
spoke 10 me F." 7 said I desired IN save