The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1912-04-23

black clouds which drove now across
IT, He was bit superstitious about
Francois as well, with an idea, when
he smoke to no one, that a pivotal IN
terest OF his career rested In the MOD
est figure.
He rose. this night In Boulogne, as
the paper rustled and the little frencn
provincial chanson sounded from the
room where Francois Beaupre. now
his secretary, had been installed. ana
stepped to the closed door.
'De tous cote's ION que je suia
bette"
Francois sang softly. The Prince
smiled. AS he opened the door tne
singing stopped; the young man
sprang respectfully to his feet, a leu
ter grasped In his hand. and stooo
waiting.
"Sire" he said.
Prince Louis flung out his hand with
a gesture Of impulsiveness strange 70
his controlled manner, yet not out OF
drawing to those who knew him well
"Ah Francois" he cried. Let the
titles 20 for tonight. Say, Louis as
on that day when we first saw each
other; when the four children played
together in the old chateau ruins Ano
Francois smiled his radiant exquisite
smile and answered quietly. But yes,
nv brother-Louis." And went on, !
believe shall not sleep tonight. Louis
| believe | am too happy to sleep
As one reads a novel for relaxation
in the strain of a critical business al
fair, Prince Louis caught at the as
traction of this side issue. The next
morning was planned to the last de-
tail: there was nothing to do till day
light. yet he could not sleep at pres
ent. Here was romance OF some
sort. He sank back on the cushions
of the coach OF Lieutenant Aladenize 8
smoking room and put his feet up lux
urously, and slowly lighted a cigar
of Havana.
Tell me-" he ordered. and the gen
tleness OF appeal was in the order
"Sire"-the young man began-and
corrected himself. Louis" he said.
The Prince smiled dlmly. Since our
landing ] have known that a wonder
full thing has happened to me. II IS
he spoke lower-"it is the love of the
woman who is to me the only one In
the world"
81 congratulate you, mon ami" Louis
said gently. rs 1t by any chance the
delightful little Mademoiselle Alike OF
the old chateau?"
Beaupre turned scarlet. He was a
marvellous man. this Prince Louis
How had he guessed? "She loves me
i have here a letter in which she
tells me that she loves me. Will his
Highness read It." With an impetu'
GUS step forward he held the paper
toward Louis Napoleon.
81 thank you" the Prince said grave
ly. He read
Francois, what you have wished all
your life is true. The good fairies
have granted one of your wishes be-
fore the battle. That they will give
you the other two on the day OF the
battle is the belief of your
ALIKE"
And below was written hurriedly
"Pietro sends his love"
The Prince gave back the letter with
respectful hand; then looked at
Francois inquiringly. what you
have wished all your life, mon ami?''
Francois laughed happily. zone must
explain, II it will not tire his High
ness" And he told, In a few words,
of that day when his self-restraint had
given way and how, when his guard
was down and he was on the point OF
telling his lifelong secret love, some
spirit of perversity-but Francois did
not know 1t was an angel-had caught
Alike, and she had accused him OF
wishing always that she might love
Pietro. And how, meshed in that same
net of hurt recklessness, he had an
swered in her own manner-"Yes," he
had said, 1T was that which had been
the wish of his life-that Alike might
love Petrol" And Francois laughed
gaily. telling the simple ENHANCEMENT
to the Prince. the night before the
battle. "One sees how she is quick
and clear-sighted. my Alike" he said
For she knew we'll even then it was
not that l wished" He stopped. for
in the quiet contained look of the
listener an intangible something struck
a chill to his delicately.poised sensi
tlveness. What is it, Louis? ?" he cried
out. you do not think | mistake her
-mistake-Alixe!"
| ITO n1r cnNrrrIN-IrrrIn