Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1910-05-05

'Ies; l think so. | don't quite re
member. 1t was at the
He stopped. There had come to their
ears the sound Of voices-De Nalette's
voice and Father OMara'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 rcst?" 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 my
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 what"
Except" went on Raoul evenly,
"that she left the house Immediately
after being betrothed to me"
He paused.
In a different tone he continued,
"My cousin, | am obliged TO decline
the hand Of Mile de Nalette.'
! De Valette's brows contracted. His
eyes grew narrow. His voice was
cold.
"Are you aware" he demanded,
that such a statement must have an
expanation?'
Raoul shrugged his shoulders.
Explanation" he repeated. "She
saw me and went away. That IS quite
sufficient for me- But for yourself"
he added He did not finish. Instead
he said slowly:
81 said | had no explanation.
haven't But he"-he indicated the
young recruit with little jerk OF his
head-"he has"
De Valette turned sharply 10 Craw-
ley.
And then II was tina. there came
among them Madeleine She came a
wan little figure. golden hair, in which
the sunbeams dwelt, disheyeled, white
dress draggled, torn. She came slow
ly and with infinite WEAKNESS, yet
with great gladness, 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 to
us"
/ I'm so very tired" she sighed. 'I've
come so far" Her eyes fell on NJ.
Raoul de Valette standing there look
ing at her. She rose, courtseying to
him.
"Ah, M'sieur Raoul," she said a little
shyly, Tim 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 Nalette started.
"With Gilbert Steele?" he repeated.
And again, with Gilbert Steele?"
She nodded lightly.
why, yes" she said "But Gilbert
had to go on"
She did not see her fathers look.
She went on lightly, easily, explain
ing: You see, it was just as M'sieur
Raoul said. 1t comes all In one second.
And 1t did to us. The very first time
l saw Gilbert You mustn't be an
CRY, father. You mustn't punish me
for something l couldn't help. Gil
bert had to go. But as soon as he
! conquers the British he's coming back
for me, and then
! 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, and 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
Raoul is not angry. See? He forgives
me, don't you, m'sieur? He She
paused helpless; further words she
could not find.
1t was then that Crawley started to
go, but word from the priest checked
him. The boy protested.
"But 1 must hurry to the village" he
asserted doggedly. 81 carry bad
news
! Madeleine's eyes grew wide with
fear.
mot Of the soldlersv' she cried.
"Not off,
'The English have beaten u.s." he