Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1913-02-14

Taking her brothers arm, Anne Ma
rie walked toward the card room. The
marquise turned to speak to another
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
er Anne-Marie when she saw that Bra
chard had gone and intercepted her be-
fore she reached the door Of the card
room. The boisterous Max gladly re-
linqushed his sisters arm and left her
for the more congenial pastime Of
bridge
MY dear girl, l haven't had a word
with you," her mother began. Jacques
will return?''
yes"
"You will soon be a widow"
"a widow" Anne-Marie repeated
wonderingly. ooh, yes, yes; he is go
ing away tonight"
But he is coming back the day after
tomorrow, isn't hep
II don't know" Anne-Marie replied,
with utter Indifference.
what, you don't know" the mar
quise exclaimed. "Well, then, l will
tell you that your husband will be back
the day after tomorrow 1t is the first
time he has ever left you since your
marriage, isn't it?'
Anne Marie's mother had 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
ed him. But she had never found it
impossible to penetrate the utter indif
ference of Anne Marie.
cat 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 l feel badly about it,
mother?"
ooh, no, no." the marquise said hur-
riedly, frightened at Anne Marie's We
hemence. "Only l was afraid that-to-
night-all alone In your big house.
81 am much more lonely when he is
there" Anne-Marie said bitterly.
my dear, can't you think a little
more kindly of him" the marquise
w fol- so
Jacques is SO much in love with you.
His devotion touches my heart"
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 futtering efforts of the
marquse 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 woman was talking
to me about you this afternoon" the
marquise went on gayly.
"Who was it?"
Jeanne de Huertebelle. Does that
name recall anything?'
Govain shook his head thoughtfully.
The marQuise continued:
"She's from the country, a distant
cousin of mine. She heard your name
mentioned and exclaimed: jerome lie
Govain. Why, | know him! He's
dreadful man. One day at the races
at Blois. before everybody, he pulled
my husbands nose"
What tale is this?" Govain exclaim-
ed. laughing.
"You got on a horse belonging to
Huertebelle." the marquise explained.
"You didn't win, and he criticised you.
poor mans nose"
"Oh, yes | remember Govain said
laughing as if the recollection pleased
him. 1T was in the days when / rode
races for fun. The fool challenged me-
! warned him, but he persisted, and
we fought"
"She said you nearly killed him.
Eyes: a straight sword thrust" Go
vain said indifferently.
81 think that you have fought with
every one"
"Oh, I've had few duels." he re-
piled modestly. I'm always on hand.
but I'm not so much sought after
now
What a pity"' the marquise said,
laughing. Are you going"'
Eyes: must be off to the club, but
III stay and chat with Anne Marie for
a few minutes"
Yes stay and entertain me-" Anne
Marie said. making room for him be-
side her on the lounge.
The marquise went on into the card
room. Govain turned to Anne-Marie
and leaned over her. speaking in low,
passionate voice.
Marie, my darling, | love you"' he
cried.
She moved rneaSily, struggling with