The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-04-27
daiectad manner.

dejected manner.
 ''Yes, M'sieur Raoul, will go," she said. Perhaps some day you wilP'- She started, with a little cry. She call ed suddenly:
 ''CrawIey! Dick Craw1ey; Como here! I want you!'
 She turned again to Raoul, who was still unbending.
 "There is one who marched in Cap tain Wolf's company. Ask him if there was a young lady with the lad Gilbert Steele"
 Crawley was beside them now, be- draggled, with the heavy dust thick upon face and shoes and clothing.
 You called mel" he muttered. and then: q carry bad news. What is it you want?''
 L'Acadienne said slowly:
 'fYou and Gilbert Steele both were with Captain Wolf's company? ?''
 He nodded. "Yes," he replied.
 ''There was a young lady with Gil bert Stee1e2"
 He thought for moment, then he said:
 "Yes: remember"
 "She was fair,'' persisted L'Aca- dienne, t'of slight f1gure-very -young?''
 'Yes; I think so. I don't quite re- member. It was at the''-
 He stopped. There had come to their ears the sound of voices-De Valette'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 Va1ette answered sadly:
 "Rest! How can I restT' His eyes fell upon the little group of three, ey- ing them closely.
 "who is this boy7'' he demanded; then quickly: You have news of my daughter? She has been found-hurt perhaps? Why don't you tell me? Speakr'
 Raoul de va1ette said slowly:
 "I know nothing of your daughter nothing except'- He stopped. De valette cried. impatient:
 Except whatY
 Except went on Raoul evenly, ssthat she left the house immediately after being betrothed to me"
 He paused.
 In a diffefent tone he continued, ''My cousin. am obliged to decline the hand of Mile. de Valette.''
 
 eyes grew narrow. His voice was cold.
 "Are you aware" he demanded. asthat such a statement must have an explanation? ?"
 RaouI shrugged his shoulders.
 ssExplanationv he repeated. ssShe saw me and went away. That is quite sufficient for me. But for yourself" 1" he added He did not finish. Instead he said slowly:
 tI said I had no explanation. haven't But he''-he indicated the young recruit with little jerk of his head-%he has,
 De Valette turned sharply to Craw- ley.
 And then it was that there came wan little figure, golden hair, in which the sunbeams dwelt, disheveled, white dress draggled. torn. She came slow ly and with infinite wearineSs, yet with great gladness. too, for. though the way had been long and very hard. yet her heart was light.
 "FatherI'. she cried. And again. s'Fathery'
 He turned to her, taking her in his arms-elasping her to him.
 'cMy daughterY' he said. His voice a us.''
 sePm so very tired" she sighed. 'I've | come so far" Her eyes fell on M. r Raoul de Valette standing there look Ing at her. She rose. courtseying to him.
 -sAh, M'sieur Raou1,n she said little shyly, I'm afraid I can't marry you-now I-you see, it was just as nno aIjT7 fn on in spite of fear or shame or''- Weary eyes fell upon the shock haired young recruit. Weary eyes grew round. Your she cried. 'eYou 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 Va1ette started. ''With Gilbert Steele?'' he repeated And again, With Gilbert Steele2v She nodded lightly. 'Why, yes," she said. 'tBut Gilbert had to go on" She did not see her fathers look. | She went on lightly, easily, explain ing: t'You see, it was just as M'sieur Raoul said. It comes all in one second And it did to us. The very first time I saw GilbeEt- You mustn't be an gry, father. You mustn't punish me l for something I couldn't help. Gil bert had to go. 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. It did l not need his word to check her speech "I 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