Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1908-05-30
CHAPTER XIV.

chateau. By the provisions Il 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 a
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 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 4 possibility of
the terrible mystery which enshrouded
ell 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 Vineneuve, much of Harriet's usual
gaiety and sprightliness of manner also
returned. Her cheeks regained their
color with the unwonted exercise; her
pulse beat quickly again; the soft June
breeze famed her brow, and her dark
eyes regained their luster.
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 moment, and then
dashed off into the underbrush. II had
to laugh" she said, alphabetically, for II
ever 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 q 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 a certain penance for the sins
they have committed on earth 1t is quite
the talk Of Paris, whore 1t has become
the fashion to point cut an cid cab horse
and say That Is Marat or Robespierre,
working out his destiny"
Here Hsrrist was compelled to laugh
outright
'Row 1 should like to meet your friend
Han WcYlswl Ysu aust csntrive to
invite hia to Visit us ssns day"
Perhaps I GhAll when all is bright
again. replied Mason, and 1t shall be,
Il can n..ks IL ~, or rather, II Monsieur
Cassasns can, fer the matter Is In his
hands nov. All can Dc Is to wait and
hope"
You see. to have great confidence in
ysur friend" remarked Emily.
"Y@, ! have. In times of great
trouble We are APT to lean on someone.
One Is glad to have somebody IN such
special ,aissisn Of the strong 10 support
the weak"
"As we lean on you" said Emily,
quietly, 'Nfor 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 1t, with a gentle
reassuring pressure. The action was elo-
Quent OF assurance that she eoald trust
to his friendship to the last. A brother
might have done the same, yet strange
thrill went through her. He saw heI
momentary embarrassment, and height
ened color.
For Harriet's sake and for yours" h,
said gently
Then 10 his surprise and delight, hel
fingers returned the pressure Of his own
They seemed to say, II understand you
The sun was high in the heavens. II
was very warm They were yet some dis
tance from vertiers. They sat down OF
the messy bank under the shade of on,
Ol Tue Elhh0 old ticCo- dhlnS no ClCOl
to hinse&f, no told them what he ha,
learned Of M. Cassagne's doings; how
thoroughly impressed he was with the in
necence of Van Lith how indefatigabl,
he had worked, and what skill he ha,
displayed in unrsveling as far as he ha,
gone the cause and motive for the crime
81 don't see much to eat around here,
remarked the doctor, finally.
mo, not here, Of course" said Har
riet. Bat there's cottage up there b.
the edge Of the weed, where dare sa
we can get some excellent milk and per
haps some white bread. Let us 20 Their
at once I'm perfectly ravenous."
Without giving the others time to ar
swer, Harriet Weldon at once began t
lead the way. Gathering her daint
skirts about her, she leapt lightly acros
a ditch which interviewed between tn
peasants holding and the edge ef tn
wood, and turning around. cried gaily:
Now, monsieur lie docteur, you ca
exert your strength and your gallantr
on Emily You'll have TO carry he