The Lamar register., 1912-10-02
CHAPTER v.
An Interruption.


fete champetre, my Lady," At the
verge of the group of peasant dancers,
the Lady Elise and the Marquis de
Reanv'llers, who had left the other
glests to the enjoyment of fresh cul-
mary surprises, paused to survey
scene. intended, yet falling. to be
festal For whether these people
were too sodden to avail themselves
OF the opportunity for merrymaking
or liked not the potion OF tripping
together at Beppo's command. theii
movements, which should have been
free and untrammeled as the vigorous
swing of the music. were character
lied only by painful monotony and
tagging. In the half-gloom they came
together like shadows; separated aim
lessly and cast misshapen silhouettes
-caricatures of frolicking peasants
on the broad surface of the sands DO
yond. These bobbing. black spots my
lady disapprovingly regarded.
They seem not in the mood, truly!"
tapping her foot on the beach.
"Here-and elsewhere!" he laughed.
But the governors daughter made
an impatient movement; memories OF
the dance, as she had often seen 1t,
when she was a child at the Mount,
required to her. They seem to have
forgotten!" Her eyes flashed. IL
should like to show them"
You? My Lady,"
She did not answer: pressing her
red lips. she glanced sharply around.
Stupid people! Half of them are
only looking on! When they can
dance. they won't. and" She gave
. slight start. for near her. almost
at her elbow. stood the young seaman
she had observed only a short time
before. when the minuet was in pro
gress. His dark eyes were bent on
her and she surprised on his face an
expression half derisory. half quizzic-
al Her look changed to one OF dis.
pleasure.
You are not dancing?" severely.
mo. my Lady" Too late. perhaps,
he regretted his temerity-that too
unveiled and open regard.
"Why not?" more imperiously. =.
q" he began and stopped.
You can dancer"
"a little. perhaps"
"As well as they!" looking at the
people.
wooden fantoccini!" said the man.
q flicker Of amusement returning 10
his face.
"Fantoccini?" spoke the girl impa-
tiently. What do you know of them?"
I'VE Breton seamen sail far. ON oc-
casion.'
Far enough to gain in assurance"
cried my lady, with golden head high,
surveying him disdainfuIly through
nalf-colored, sweeping lashes. But you
shall prove your right
"Right?" asked the fellow. his eyes
fixed intently upon her.
The right of one who does not
dance-to criticize those who dol"
she said pointedly. and made. on the
sudden. an imperious gesture.
He gave a start of surprise; au.
dacious though he was, he booked as
II he would draw back. What? With
you, my Lady,"
A CLEAN OF satisfaction, a little cold
and scornful, shone from the girls
eyes at this evidence of his discom'
future. "Unless." she added malicious
ly, you fear you-can not?"
Fear" His look shot around; a
moment he seemed to hesitate: then
a more reckless expression swept
suddenly over his dark features and
he sprang to her side.
AT your Ladyship's commando"
MY lady's white chin lifted. The
presumptuous fellow knew the dance
of the Mount-danced 1T well, nc
doubt!-else why such ease and as
surance? Her lids yelled a look -
disappointment; she was half-mindec
CURLY to dismiss him, when a few
words of low remonstrance and the
sight of my lords face decided her
She drew aside her skirts swiftly;
flashed back at the nobleman smile
capricious and wilfui.
They" indicating the peasants
must have an example. my Lord
she exclaimed, and stood. with eyes
sparkling waiting the instant to catcf
up the rhythm.
But the marquis. not finding the
reason sufficient to warrant such con
descension. gazed with mute protest
and disapprovai on the two figures
SO ill-assorted: my lady. in robe oil
satin. fastened with tassels OF siivel