Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1910-06-04

1
Steele"
Crawley was beside them now. be-
draggled, with the heavy dust thick
upon face and shoes and clothing
"You called mef' he muttered, and
then: II carry bad news What is 1t
you want?"
L'Acadienne said slowly:
"You and Gilbert Steele both were
with Captain VOLTS companyy
He nodded Yes" he replied.
There was young lady with Gil
bert Steele?"
He thought for a moment, then he
said
YES; remember"
"She was fair" persisted L'Aca.
dienne. "of slight figure-very youngY'
Eyes; think So | don't quite re-
member. 1t was at the
He stopped. There had come to their
ears the sound of voices--De yalette's
voice and Father O'Mara's. O'Mara.
good man Of God and of men. was pro-
testing
"Now, now, sir" he was saying
you're in no condition to go out again
You must rest"
They came through the gateway
from the house. De valette answered
sadly:
Rest. How can I rest?" His eyes
fell upon the little group of three. ey-
ing them closely.
"Who is this boy?" he demanded;
then quickly: You have news of M
daughter? She has been found-hurt
perhaps? why don't you tell me?
Speak"
Raoul de Valette said slowly:
Il know nothing of your daughter
nothing except He stopped. De
Valette cried. impatient:
Except whatT'
Except" went on Raoul evenly.
'that she left the house Immediately
after being betrothed to me-"
He paused.
In a different tone be continued,
"NIy cousin, am obliged to decline
the hand of Mile. de Valette.'
De valettes brows contracted. His
eyes grew narrow. His voice was
cold
Are you aware" he demanded.
that such statement must have an
explanations"
Raoul shrugged his shoulders.
Explanation" he repeated. she
saw me and went away That Is quito
sufficient for me. But for yourself
he added He did not finish. Instead
he said slowly:
u said | had no explanation.
haven't But he''-he indicated the
young recruit with a little jerk Of his
| head-"he has"
he Vaette turned sharply to Crav'-
LEY
And then it was that there came
among them Madeleine. She came
wan little figure. golden hair. in which
| The sunbeams dwelt disheveled. white
dress draggled, torn. She came slow
y and with Infinite WEAKNESS, yet
with great Tladness, too, for. though
The way had been long and very HARD.
yet her heart was light
Father she cried And again
Father
He turned to her, taking her in his
arms-clasping her to him.
MY daughterr' he said. His voice
broke a little you've come back 10
US"
I'm so very tired" she sighed 1--WE
| come so far" Her eyes fell on NJ
Raoul de Valette standing there look
ing at her, She rose, courtseying to
him.
"Ah. Msieur Raoul," she said a little
shyly, lin afraid l can't marry
you-now. I-you see, it was just as
you said One clings to another in
| spite of fear or shame Or Weary
eyes fell upon the shock haired young
recruit. Weary eyes grew round.
You" she cried You were with
the soldiers! Why have you come
| back? Is the battle over?"
He answered slowly:
You were with Gilbert Steele, were
you not?"
| De Valette started.
with Gilbert Steele?" he repeated.
And again, with Gilbert SteeleT
She nodded lightly.
|
had to go on"
She did not see her fathers look.
| She went on lightly, easily, explain
ing: You see, it was just as Msieur
Raoul said. 1t comes all in one second.
And it did to us. The very first time
i saw Gilbert You mustn't be an
CRY, father. You mustn't punish me
for something l couldn't help. Gil
bert had 10 20. But as soon as he
conquers the British he's coming back
| for me. and them
She glanced up at last. She saw
his face and the look thereon. 1t did
not need his word TO check her speech.
Il thought YOU were only LOST he
said. slowly, very slowly, ana his voice
was low and clear and cold.
But, father" she protested, fearing
now a little. you don't understand!
/ Gilbert is coming back for me. M'sieur