The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-02-11
THE QUEENS PAGE
By Cornela Baker re ce gcnsg M. ,sGS Co,


CHAPTER IA VISITOR TO TIE CASTLE.
"a the close of summer day the children sat
~ on the stone seat of the window on the stairs,
they noticed two riding side by side on the
road which wound along the side Of the mountain to the
castle Visitoss not frequent not to attract
attention, and the children wondered who these
could be.
1.-The Zone one on the donkey is Brother Francois said
should know him at any distance; but the gentleman
with HIN! hm is no one we ever have seem"
,"We1, at any rate, it is who could harm u.s.
for In that Brother Francois would not be with
him, observed Petronla
Aunt Catalina down the staircase and paused
TO gaze at the who by this time had stopped
at the gate The stranger, dressed in black riding
suit was stout, elderly with white hair, who dis
mounted in eisurely manner, as one who feels the
''He is very old, very plain and very cross re-
stant expressed her opinion Immediately afterward
He is nothing of the kind said Aunt Catalina.
"He is fine personable gentleman. I going
change my gown and put my cap''
Pedro
But their aunt grppcd each of them by the arm.
"You will do nothing of the knd,'' cried. Clancy
gentleman come to pay visit and being greeted at
down the terrace like sheep rushing the top
mountain. Stay where you until you sent for
changes in her toilet.
But sooner had Aunt Catalina disappeared down
the stairway than the children down the back way
method is waited almost Immediately from drawing
room to the kitchen There they found Olympic pucking
direction, while old jules half demented between his
anxiety that the fire should be just right for the roast
ing of the fowls and his desire to be at work his
pastry, was running wildly back and forth from the
kitchen to the pantry.
It would be useless to ask any questions of Olympic
for she always when she busy and always
silent when she CROSS but Jules always good
hunnor T..
''Ten us about it, JULES coaxed Petronilla e<Who
is the strange gentleman who just ROW? Has he
come to marry Aunt Catana?''s z,-. -.
The old stared at her for moment; then he
Nh1c IA a SG1Zp to
and placing bis hands his fat Sides he laughed until
the tears cant:
stand there gufawing like clown this supper will not
be ready before midnight"
Her husband gave vent q no! hot no! which had
been ready explode when she began to speak; then
dropping his knees he again went to work at the fire.
|'No, my child' ne replied as he worked away, cit is
who to be married for suspect that he has
wife and family already, and perhaps even grandchl
dren IT is Monsieur de Beaurepas who is physician at
Pau and he the Sonora Velasco upon very
important matter which he will REVEAL her after
per- He has travelled all day and very tired for gentle
of age his wei the fatigue
which can be borne easily by younger Brother
Francois has long known him. and he that he is
very distinguished physician and has made that
are little short Of Miraculous
sBut one here is i'll, said Pedro
.tNo thank heaven, no one ever is III in this house
shall know the object of his visit.'' .~@+
But the question which agitated the twins was
would they be sent to beds Their anxiety regarding the
matter great to be almost painful They asked
Jules what he thought about it.
stThat, said the old man, beginning to beat dish J,
eggs with whack whack whack that almost drowned hi
voice. 'Iis question difficult to Taken sep
aratey would say yes; but your wsule
say nos approached when they together your aunt
influence would be felt and it would be >no' And there
you have it.
The children away in search of their mother. sh
twas in the drawing room butt alas! their aunt
Both waiting for their guest to emerge from hi
apartment. Brother Francois sat by table, reading hi
breviary by the light of bronze lamp, shaped like
eauce-boat. @' =
Oh mother,' cried Petronilla, 'tcan not go to tn
supper table tonights''
ssWhat idea'' exclaimed their aunt, before thei
mother could reply This gentleman is accustomed
about the court and to only great people He ha
dined in the queens banquet-han and what would h
think to be placed at the table with two hungry chill