The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-07-23
Copyright. 1907.
D. Appleton & Co
CHAPTER XVI.

something which Was an ezcuSe 10 set
Paul 70 the Chateau Bernard.
And It was impossible that Nine. Ber-
nard should not know of all this; but
Paul remembered. with a groan. that
Lucie had always been able to wrap that
imposing-looklng person around her little
finger. And would 1t be right-would
1t be a manly thing-for a poor sub
lieutentant Of dragons to take sdvan-
tage of this childish fancy? Paul. y9st-
ing his blond head m both his hands. re-
membered that sometimes these youth
full attachments, which begin. as II were.
with ones first look at life, last through
out the whole play until the curtain goes
down at the end. This puzzled him stfll
more, and he suddenly thrust Lucies
letter, and her sweet image, and Toni,
and Bienville. and the whole business
out Of his head. and, taking ap a book
on strategy. studied until midnight.
The note from Lucie was TO ask him
to ride with her the next afternoon as
she had a new horse and Mime. Bernard
was not quite willing 10 trust her alone
with a groom. No French girl would
have sent such an invitation. but Lucie
had acquired, during her two years in
America, all the directnesS, the habit OF
command. the insight into a mans mind
of an American girl Among the num-
Der OF things which amazed but charmed
Paul was the astonishing invention Lucie
displayed in bring Paul to her side. OF
course, there was nothing for him TO do
but accept this invitation to protect
Lucie's life, so the next afternoon they
were cantering through the park toward
the highroad with groom in at
tendance. AS they passed the place
where Count Delorme's body had been
found. Lucie turned her head away with
something Ike a shudder.
II always hated him." she said. until
he was killed, but you can't hate dead
man"
81 can hate a scoundrel dead or alive"
replied Paul stoutly. He ruined your
sisters life, he deserved TO die a bad
death"
Il don't think sophies life is quite
ruined" said Lucie.
They had brought their horses down
to a walk and the groom, who had nei-
Their eyes or ears. had fallen a little way
behind.
Sophie is married to the man she
loves-I am sure she would not change
Capt Ravenel for a marshal OF France
II she could get him. She has had
great sorrows. but she has had great
happiness. too. know perfectly well
Il fsraF
but she was cruelty punished for IL"
Paul. who was thoroughly French in
HIS ideas OF young ladies. was much
scandalized at this speech OF Lucie's. but
Lucie was more American than French,
and Paul knew the hmpid innocence OF
her mind. Still he thought that Lucie
should be more guarded in her speech.
and thought that If he had the rare good
fortune OF marrying her. he would make
her little more prudent.
They soon struck the highroad and
presently were passing through a forest
which was intersected by many roads.
A cracking OF shots was heard In the
distance-the troopers were practising AT
the rife butts. Paul turned to the groom
and told him to ride forward and find
out where the butts were, and Just then
Toni appeared. Saluting Paul, Toni said:
Pardon. sir, but the orders are that
no one shall be allowed to cross this
road. and you wifi have to remain sir.
if you please, on this side"
But this ladys groom is on the other
side. He viii be back presently" urged
Paul
Very sorry, SIR" said Toni, with an
air OF polite determination. but those
are the orders" and then Paul and Toni
saluted gravely. and Toni backed on.
This meant that Paul and Lueie would
have to take their ride alone through
the woods Paul turned TO Lucie and
said:
you see. mademoiselle, how It is
II can not be helped"
And I am sure I don't wish II TO be
helped" responded Lucie, in that dare
devil American manner of hers which
shocked and charmed Paul. Now we
can talk freely"
There was, however. a road by which
they could get back to the highway, and
along this they rode in the bright au-
tumn afternoon. Presently they came to
a rivulet into which little spring bub-
bled. They stopped to let the horses
drink. and when they were on the other
side Lueie suddenly raised up and cried:
want some water, too" and before
Paul could say a word she had slid OF
her horse and, gathering up her skirt
to her habit. ran to the spring. She
pulled on her gloves. and dipping up the
water In the hollow Of her little hand,
pretended to drink It. while 1t splashed all
over her fresh, fair face. Paul swung
himself of his horse. and. leaning up
against a tree. watched Lucie with ador-
alton in his eyes. She had the uncon-
scious grace OF a child, but Lucie was no
child-she was a woman of gentle, yet
fixed resolved, Of strong and tender feel
ings. She was In love with Paul and had
been ever since she took his English
book away from him that summer after
noon in the park at Bienville so many
years ago; and reading Paul's mind. as
she had read that English book, she saw
exactly what was in it-that he was in
love with her and withheld by pride, diff
hdence, and generosity, all three excel
lent qualities In mans love. And Lucie,
having much practical American sense
In, her charming head. had realized that
an heiress has TO be very prudent in the
man she marries, and that of ali who pro-
fessed to love her. Paul was the Only
one who loved her well and would not
tell her of II.
She looked at him, her face dimplfng
with laughter. He was such a great
goose, standing there. his eyes devour-
Ing her. and gnawing his mustache for
fear the words would come out that he
wished to hold in.
Paul" she said. in soft little voice.
and Paul. against his will, was forced