The Ekalaka eagle. [volume] (Ekalaka, Mont.) 1909-1920, 1913-02-14

abuse me.
Taking her brothers arm, Anne-Ma-
rie walked toward the card room. The
marqulse turned to speak to another
guest. Brachard was left alone. stand
ing awkwardly beside the entrance.
He looked after his wife as GOvain adj
vanced to meet her. then turned quietly
and went out to his automobile.
The Marquise d'Andeline hurried aft
err Anne-Marie when she saw that Bra
chard had gone and intercepted her be-
fore she reached the door Of the card
room.
MY dear girl. ! haven't had a word
with you." her mother began. Jacques
will %return:"
Yes"
You will soon be a widow"
"A widow" Anne-Mar1e repeated
wonderingly. ooh. yes, yes; he 10 60
ing away tonight"
But he is coming back the day after
tomorrow. isn't he:"
Il don't know Anne-Marie replied,
with utter Indifference.
What. you don't know" the mar
quise exclaimed. We'll. then. l will
tell you that your husband will be back
the day after tomorrow. 1t is the first
time he has eve left you since your
marriage. isn't it,"
Anne-Marie's mother had a remnant
Of a conscience. and it always troubled
her when she thought Of the sale of her
daughter to Brachard. Whenever she
talked with her daughter she strove to
awaken in her some spark Of feeling
for her husband, whose good points she
extolled, although she cordially despis-
ed him.
AT the thought Of his going on such
a journey don't YOU feel-er-some-
what
In establishment Anne-Marie exclaim-
ed, do you mean that you wish to
know whether y feel badly about it,
mother"'
ooh, no, no" the marquise said hur-
riedly, frightened at Anne-Marie's We
hemence. "Only I was afraid that-to-
night-all alone in your big house.
Il am much more lonely when he is
there" Anne-Marie said bitterly.
"My dear, can't you think n little
more kindly Of him." the marquise
asked earnestly. Make an effort.
Jacques is so much in love with you"
Really" Anne-Marie said with cut
ting sarcasm. Now, mother, you GER
tainly don't expect me to love him?"
Jerome lie Govain had watched i'm
patiently the fluttering efforts Of the
marquise to awaken Anne-Marie's love
for her husband. Now, despairing of
the interview coming to a natural end.
he boldly entered from the card room.
The marquise turned as he bowed,
and spoke.
Have you stopped playing bridge"'
she said.
Yes. don't want to play all night
How do YOU do, Marie"
"A very pretty was talking
to me about you this afternoon" the
marquise went on gayly.
"Who was it,"
Jeanne de Huertebelle. Does tina
name recall a%nything:'
GOvain shook his head thoughtfully
"She's from the country, a distan
!, cousin of mine. She heard your nam
mentioned and exclaimed: ".Jerome Il
Govain. Why, I know him. He's
dreadful man,. One day at the race
at Rlois. before everybody, he pulled
, my husbands nose"
"What tale is this?' Govain exclaim
, ed, laughing,
"You got on a horse belonging t
Hu%ertebelle." the marquise explained
"You didn't win, and he criticised YOU
: Then you dismounted and pulled tn
poor mans nose"
, "Oh, yes: I remember" Govain said
laughing as if the recollection please
/ him. ut was in the days when I rod
races for fun. The fool challenged me-
r | warned him. but he persisted"
"She said you nearly killed him"
eyes; n ctraight sword thrust" &C
vain said indifferently.
81 think that you have fought wit
every one"
"Oh, I've had a few duels!" he re
r piled modestly. "1'm always on han6
u but I'm not so much sought afte
now"
e The marquise went on into the car
e room. Govain turned to Armchair
and leaned over her, speaking in a low
v passionate voice.
l. Marie, my darling, I love you" h
cried.
She moved uneasily, struggling wit
n herself. Then she looked up at him.
e Good evening" was all she coul
trust herself to say. 1t chilled Govail
>" "How coldly you say that he pr
u tested. 81 said loved you"