Troy weekly news. (Troy, Idaho) 1897-1933, 1908-05-29
CHAPTER XIV.
A Il s t y n


ed in a state of seclusion within the
chateau. By the provisions 4 Nine. Rou-
pelps 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 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 DIR. 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 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 a moment, and then
dashed off into the underbrush. II had
to laugh" she said, apologetically, 'for il
why, his expression was almost human
1T is possible he may be, according tG
Hans Werlow," remarked the doctor.
'And who is Hans Werlow?"
HE is a German friend of mine whC
has Just revived peculiar theory in re
gard to the soul. His idea is that thu
spirits of men and women who have mis-
behaved themselves on earth, will q
death enter the bodies of animals, Their
to undergo a certain penance for the sin
they have committed on earth. 1t is quit
the talk of Paris, where 1t has becom
the fashion to point out an old cab hors
and say That is Marat or Robespiere
working out his destiny"
Here Harriet was compelled to laug
outright.
"How l should like to meet your frien
Hans Werlow You must contrive t
invite him to visit us some day."
perhaps / shall, when all Is brigh
again." replied Mason, land it shall b'
IL 1 can make it so, or rather, if Monsieu
Cassagne can, for the matter is In hi
hands now. All l can do is to wait an
hope"
''You seem to have great confidence
your friend" remarked Emily.
Eyes, 1 have In times of grea
trouble we are apt to lean on someon
One is glad to have somebody in sue
a crisis who can be trusted. 1t is I'll
special mission of the strong to suppol
the weak"
AS we lean on you," said Emil
- quietly, "for comfort in our hour {
need"
Her arm was within his own, and h
fair. white hand was temptingly nea
He placed his own upon it, with GENT
reassuring pressure. The action was ell
ouent of assurance that she could tru
to his friendship to the last. A broth
might have done the same, yet a stranI
thrill went through her. He saw h
momentary embarrassment, and heigh
ened color.
For Harriet's sake and for yours"
said gently.
Then to his surprise and delight, h
fingers returned the pressure of his ow
They seemed to say, II understand you
The sun was high in the heavens.
was very warm. They were yet some d
. lance from Vertiers. They sat down
the messy bank under the shade of o.
of the grand old trees. Taking no cree
IN 70 himself, he told them what he hi
iii learned of NJ. Cassagne's doings; he
thoroughly impressed he was with the
nocence of Van Lith; how indefatigat
he had worked and what skill he h
It'll displayed in unraveling as far as he b
or gone the cause and motive for the GRIN
I'D 81 don't see much to eat around her'
,-,-,a rlrad the doctor. finally.