The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1908-03-05
CHAPTER XIV.

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both Harriet and Emily Weldon remain
ed h = state Of seclusion within the
chateau. BY tho provisions I Nine. Rou-
peli's will, in tho absence u other claim
ants, her fortune was equally divided
> between her niecea.
1t was 4 lovely Juno morning. The
giris had received no one since the death
Of their aunt. Harriet, however, did no.
lose sight Of tho fact that she owed Z
duty to the living. 1t seemed selfish and
wicked 10 pass the precious. hours in
mourning for one whom she could not re
CALI while fate % 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-
peatsdly to DIR. Paul Mason. urging him
to spare neither labor nor money in his
endeavers 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 swinging
gait across the park under the great trees.
He had arrived in Villeneuve by the
morning train, and made q 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 ever 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
all L.; ka,n al ID ~ .
hope that her sisters lover, whom she
believed to be innocent, would be freed
from the. awful charge which hung over
him.
Az they walked along following the
path which led them through the forest
of Villeneuve, much Of Hartet'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. Il had
to laugh" she said, apologetically, for IL
ever a rabbit showed surprise, that did;
why, his expression was almost human"
at is possible he may be- according to
Hans Werlow," remarked the doctor.
"And who is Hans Werlow"
-He is a German friend of mine who
has Just revived 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 q certain penance for the sins
they have committed on earth. 1t is quite
the talk of Paris, where 1t 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 1 should like to meet your friend
Hans Werlow You must contriye to
invite him to visit US some day."
Perhaps l shall, when all is bright
again." replied Mason land it shall be,
If 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, l 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 gentle,
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 strange
thrill went through her. He saw her
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. 1t |
was very warm. They were yet some dis |
tance 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
impressed he was with the in
nocence Of Van Lith; how indefatigably
be had worked, and what skill he had
displayed in unraveling as far as he had
gone the cause and motive for the crime
~ don't see much to eat around here"
remarked the doctor, finally.
mo, not here, of course" said Har-
let. But there's cottage up there by
he edge of the wood, where l dare say
Se can get some excellent milk and per-
,aps some white bread. Let us go there
II once. I'm perfectly ravenous"
Without giving the others time to an
rwer, Harriet Weldon at once began to
cad the way. Gathering her dainty
kirts 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 lie docteur, you can
Iert your strength and your gallantry
n Emily. You'll have to carry her
cross She's the worst hand at jump
ng a ditch in the whole of France"
az think you'd better trust me- Miss