The Washington herald., 1911-09-08
CHAPTER XXIX-Continued.

A strange feeling Of relief, Of rest and
calm, came over Josephine st. Auban.
a lady OF rank in another world, where
an incident such as this could not have
been conceived. Here It seemed not
only possible, but covetable. The first
babble OF congratulations and greetings
over, she settled down 10 the quiet OF
the room assigned to her, and gave
sigh as OF one who at last finds harbor-
age. II only this might go on forever
II only the street might always be thus
silent, the roof thus sheltering, the
greetings OF simple friends thus comfort
ing. She made TO plans for herself, no an
nouncement to others OF possible plans. 1t
was enough to remain thus, for a night
at least. She was very weary, body and
soul The pathetic droop at the corners
OF her brave gay mouth must have
brought sympathy TO any who had
known her earlier.
I'VE are not rich, Nine. Countess"
said Hector the next morning at the
breakfast table. but, my faith. 1t is not
so bad here. We have not much to offer
madame, but such as II is, it is quite
hers. With what riches could she pro-
duce hen 10 lay eggs more perfect
than those which madame beholds this
morning? They are the eggs OF Mildred,
our most special hen. And this cream,
one does not find in any land for docil-
ity and amiability of disposition. Our
roof Is small, but II is ours. We have
a yard so large as forty feet TO the street
yonder. What more does one demand for
flowers or for the onion with green top
in the spring? The couch of madame,
was 1t not soft? Yes? 1t is from fowls
OF this very valley. That scene from
the window there, is II not beautiful?
in
greater abundance than we, but as for
myself. my business OF the cooperage
prospers-behold my excellent wife
Jeanne, wonderland this daughter OF
oursl What more could human being
ask?''
Time and again. Josephine found her
self repeating this same question
what more could be asked than this?
What more did the great world offer?
It had not offered her, long used to lux
ury, so much as this. To Hector at this
moment she made evasive answer. Il
could willingly tarry with you always,
Hector" she said, IF that were right"
'Right?" demanded Hector. swelling
out his chest. why is 1t not right?"
He doubled up a mighty arm to show
where the muscles rose upon It See,
I am strong! What is one more mouth
to feed-could 1t even come to that for
one Of madame's wealth? Madame but
jests. Did not madame bring me that
Jeanne there? All, II only IL were right
for her to linger with US, how happy
we should be! Madame is a noblewoman,
We are but poor; yet she has honored
US. Very well, then, what good to won
der about the future? Madame is rich,
that is true. Suppose even she were
poor, would It not be possible for mad
anne to settle down here in st. Gene
We've. and to teach the language of
France-far better, to teach the English
to these ignorant French?"
The sturdy speech OF the fresh-look-
in, good-hearted fellow touched the
heart OF a woman so world weary. For
a time she said nothing Of plans, even
TO herself. 1t was not long before the
baby OF Jeanne found q place upon her
knee, and Jeanne herself, though Jeal-
Gus, was willing to surrender her dearest
rights, at least for a time
But always the eyes of this world weary
woman were lifted up to the hills. She
found herself gazing out beyond the
street Of ST. Genevieve, toward the
Ozarks, where once she had travelled
true' against her will, but yet
through scenes which she now remem-
bered. And always there came I'D in
her mind a question which she found
no way to ask. It was Jeanne herself
who, either by divination or by blunder,
brought up the matter.
Madame remembers that man wonder
that savage. Dunwodee?" she began
apropos OF nothing That savage most
execrable, who was so unkfnd TO
madame and myself-but who made love
so fiercely7 declare, madame, believe
II was Monsieur Dunwodee set me listen
ing to Hector! En-. bienr'
They were sitting near the window.
looking out upon the bleak prospect of
the winter woods. For the time Jose
phine made no comment, and Jeanne
went on.
He has at last, thank heavens, come
to Justice. Is II not true that human be-
i1gs find Never their deserts?''
What do you mean, Jeanne?'
"Of the congress Of this State, where
he is so long a members, he is now not
a member. He has fail, he has been de-
feat"
It thought he was sure of reelection
so long as he choose" commented Jose
phine. with feigned indifference.
There is talk-I do not understand
these matters-that he has chang his
coat, as one says, and gone over to the
side Of that man Benton. Yet one says
that Benton was always his enemyi Me.
do not understand. I have the baby"
What Is that you tell met" suddenly |
demanded Josephine. That Mr.. Dun
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