The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1908-03-18
Continued.

him, bowed and introduced himself.
Paul Leduc was about the middle
height, with a well-made figure. small
hands and feet, and the style of beau
ty most admired in a Frenchman. He
had good features, his cheeks perhaps
a little too full for his age, which
was probably about eight-and-tWenty,
brilliant eyes, and a small black mus
tache.
Arthur had a sudden, unaccounta-
BILE feeling that he had some time in
his life seen him before, but how,
when, and in what circumstances he
could not recollect. He fancied, also.
that Paul Leduc was astonished, even
slightly taken aback. when he saw
him.
He at once assumed the manner of
a host, and took them to a salon on
the first floor. where a table was al
ready set prepared for a meal. He
desired old Battiste to bring in the
dinner and offered chairs, as if he
alone of the party were really at
home. Antoinette sat down timidly;
she kept looking at the door, evil
IDENTIFY expecting every moment to see
her father. Old Battiste slowly
brought in the scanty repast and ar
ranged it on the table.
The lady and gentleman are
served" he said. in his best manner
He had on a clean blouse, and boots
instead of sabots. Arthur and An
toinette had eaten nothing since they
left Lekaus, and there did not seem
very much on the table for them to
eat. There was bread and butter,
cheese and few winter pears.
Paul Leduc said hastily: Made
moiselle must me tired from her jour
ney, Battiste. See if there is no
meat in the larder, no soup, or even
eggs"
There is no meat unless Nanon
kill a fowl at once" said Battiste;
but as to an egg or two, if Made
moiselle likes, Nanon can quickly do
some au gratin.'
But, first of all, Battiste," said
Antoinette, will you show me where
1 can find my father? l cannot rest
till I have seen him
The old man put down a bottle of
cider on the table, and then, with a
shaky hand, poured out a glass of
it. He began to explain.
Il have told Monsieur that Made
moiselle has come. I shouted it
through the door, and, as I expected,
l received no answer. My master is
no longer young, monsieur ct dame.
He has acquired fixed habits. At this
hour he always retires to his room;
it is the rule of the house that we
never disturb him. Monsieur Paul
only has occasionally accompanied
him. He tells me he studies. 1t may
be So"
An odd frown contracted Paul LIE
dues smooth brow. we must re-
spect the habits of Did age" he said.
II am sure you will agree with me.
Is it not so, my fair c%ousin?"
Il am not sure" said AntoiLette.
THE case is peculiar. My father
wrote to desire M to come to him;
he was oppressed with a feeling of
nervous fear. He needed protection"
1T is not wonderful" said BAttiste.
"Mademoiselle has heard about the
dog? All there was mischief meant,
! am sure OF it, quite sure"
What was that? Inayer heard OF
it." said A%ntoinette.
Paul Leduc told her the story,
making light of it, and expressing it
as his opinion that it was an act of
revenge probably on the dog itself,
which was a very fierce and unman-
ageable one. Your father could
hardly have been in earnest when he
sought protection from a young and
lovely young lady" added Paul, with
a d~isagreeable laugh.
He sought it from his only daugh-
ter" said Antoinette, with a deter
mined look. Arthur knew that such
a mode of speech was highly distaste-
full to her, and he admired the man.
ner in which she put an end to it.
Il shall go in search of my father
after we have dined," she said.
They sat down to table. Battiste,
promising to return Immediately with
another dish, had hurried away.
Il wish I could have stayed On
here" said Paul Leduc, presently.
1T would have given me much I'M
feigned pleasure TO have become bet
for oon1aintnJ with cn,1 INV onrcin
With my uncle l have been more
fortunate. Daring the days that |
have been staying, first at Goucy, and
since the adventure of the dogs
death, in this house, he admitted me
to an intimacy which, I understand,
is not at all common to him."
You have been staying at Goucy?"
said Arthur. perhaps, then, you can
recommend me an hotel or lodging
where l can be certain Of a bed to-
night?"
Antoinette looked up suddenly and
seemed as if she were about to speak;
then she changed her mind and
leaned back listlessly. But Arthur
had read in her quick movement a
sort of appeal to him not to desert
her; but, alas! the matter was no
longer in his own hands. He had
fulfilled his own part of the transac-
ton; he must deliver her into the
hands of her own relations.
Paul Leduc, who appeared to
watch every movement of his guests
and endeayor to anticipate their