Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-10-03
CHAPTER XIV.

For a period of two weeks Immediately
following the death of Nine Roupell
both Harriet and Emily Weldon remain
ed in a state of seclusion within the
chateau. By the provisions II Nine. Rou-
pell's will, in the absence Of other claim
ants, her fortune was equally divided
between her nieces.
1t was a lovely June morning. The
girls had received no one since the death
of their aunt. Harriet, however, did not
lose sight Of the fact that she owed
duty to the living. 1t seemed selfish and
wicked to pass the precious hours in
mourning for one whom she could not re-
call, while a fate so dreadful hung over
her lovers head. Emily, who readily
surmised the state of her sisters feelings,
was not backward in administering what
comfort she could. She had written re-
peatedly to DR.. Paul Mason, urging him
to spare neither labor nor money in his
endeavors to extricate Van Lith from his
terrible position.
One morning, looking out Of the win
dow, Harriet presently espied the sturdy
figure of the doctor coming at a swinging
gait across the park under the great trees
He had arrived in Villeneuve by the
morning train, and made a short cut
across the fields instead of coming by the
road through the village.
For the first time since the death of
her aunt, Emily Weldon was in tolerable
spirits. The cloud which had lowered so
heavily over the future seemed lifting at
last. According to the report of DR..
Mason, there was at last a possibility of
the terrible mystery which enshrouded
all their lives being cleared away-some
hope that her sisters lover, whom she
believed to be innocent, would be freed
from the awful charge which hung over
him.
AS they walked along following the
path which led them through the forest
of Villeneuve, much of Harriet's usual
gaiety and sprightliness of manner also
returned. Her cheeks regained = ir
color with the unwonted exerci- r
pulse beat quickly again; the sc dne
breeze famed her brow, and h dark
eyes regained their luster. Z
Emily was similarly affected. Her
spirits rose with every step they took.
She even laughed when a little rabbit,
startled by their approach, sat upright
to look at them for a moment, and then
dashed off into the underbrush. Il had
to laugh" she said, alphabetically, for if
ever a rabbit showed surprise, that did !;
why, his expression was almost human"
1T is possible he may be, according to
Hans Werlow,' remarked the doctor.
"And who is Hans WerlowY
'He is a German friend of mine who
has just revived a peculiar theory in re-
gard to the soul. His idea is that the
spirits of men and women who have mis-
behaved themselves on earth, will at
death enter the bodies of animals, there
to undergo certain penance for the sins
they have committed on earth. 1t is quite
the talk of Paris, where it has become
the fashion to point out an old cab horse
and say That is Marat or Robespierre,
working out his destiny"
Here Harriet was compelled to laugh
outright.
How | should like to meet your friend
Hans Werlow You must contrive to
| invite him to visit us some day."
| Perhaps | shall, when all is bright
again. replied Mason, land it shall be,
| if l can make it so, or rather, if Monsieur
| Cassagne can, for the matter is in his
hands now. All / can do is to wait and
hope
You seem to have great confidence in
your friend" remarked Emily.
"Yes, | have. In times of great
trouble We are apt to lean on someone.
One is glad to have somebody in such
| crisis who can be trusted. 1t is the
special mission of the strong to support
the weak"
"As we lean on you," said Emily,
quietly, for comfort in our hour of
need"
Her arm was within his own, and her
! fair, white hand was temptingly near.
He placed his own upon it, with a gentle,
reassuring pressure. The action was elo-
| quent of assurance that she could trust
| to his friendship to the last A brother
might have done the same, yet a strange
thrill went through her. He saw her
momentary embarrassment, and height
ened color.
For Harriet's sake and for yours he
said gently,
Then to his surprise and delight, her
fingers returned the pressure of his own.
| They seemed to say, Il understand you"
The sun was high in the heavens. II
was very warm. They were yet some dis
! lance from Vertiers. They sat down on
| the messy bank under the shade of one
of the grand old trees. Taking no credit
to himself he told them what he had
learned of NJ. Cassagne's doings; how
thoroughly impressed he was with the in
nocence of Van Lith; how indefatigably
be had worked, and what skill he had
| 60 L. L
gone the cause and motive for the crime.
Il don't see much to eat around here, y
remarked the doctor, finally.
mo, not here, of course" said Har-
riet. But there's a cottage up there by
the edge of the wood, where [ dare say
we can get some excellent milk and per-
haps some white bread. Let Us go there
at once. I'm perfectly ravenous''
Without giving the others time to an
swer, Harriet Weldon at once began to
lead the way. Gathering her dainty
skirts about her, she leapt lightly across
ditch which interviewed between the
PEASANTS holding and the edge of the
wood, and turning around, cried gaily:
Now, monsieur !e docteur, you can
exert your strength and your gallantry
on Emily. You'll have to carry her
across. She's the worst hand at jump
ing a ditch in the whole of France"
Il think you'd better trust me, Miss
Emily" said Mason, laughing.
AS you will, them" she said, simply
and the next moment his arms were
around her.
There are opportunities in our lives
which come to us but once. Fortune raps
upon our door, and failing to gain ad-
mission, fees, never to return. DR.. Paul
Mason held in his arms the woman he
loved best on earth. Her head reclined
on his shoulder. Her heart beat against
his own. Her eyes looked dangerously
into his. 1t was an objectionable liberty
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