Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1913-11-21

tainly she lifted her head; looked
around her; then mechanically stepped
forward and left the room.
A scene OF animation greeted her in
the court, alive with lords and ladies,
for the most part already in the saddle
and waiting.
"Hail to Diana, who will lead us in
the forests!"
Fair nymph, let us away!" and the
Marquis extended his hand.
With seemingly merry nod she
acknowledged their greetings; put out
foot, and lightly sprang to her place
on the back of the nervous thorough
bred. But ere giving the signal to
start, the girls glance swung around
to window opposite, where stood an
austere figure, imperturbably looking
down to watch them ride off.
eau revoir, mon pere!" Her voice
rose with an odd, unusual thrill. eau
revoir!" she repeated, when a misti-
ness in her eyes suddenly blurred
sight Of him, and she tightened the
reins. Yet hestitating to go, her gaze
cleared, and swerving, was abruptly
arrested by another and more inter
ested spectator, who, partly concealed
by flowers and plants, peered with
| anxious expectancy from her own bal
cony. AS Nanette's eyes met those Of
the Governors daughter, they wavered
half guiltily; suddenly became steady,
held by something-a fash of impel-
ling intelligence in the others gaze. A
moment or two, my lady continued to
| regard the girl; then touching her
horse, wheeled sharply, and set pace
| downward not easy to follow.
At the base Of the Mount they were
met by a numerous guard bright in
holiday trappings, and, under the care
Of the commandant, with flourish Of
horse, the party swept gaily from
sands to shore.
"a gallant company, Monsieur le
Commandant!" observed the Marquis
to the officer in charge, as they
reached the green line at the yellow
basins edge. "Now if we were to
meet an enemy"
''He would find us prepared, my
Lord!" the officer declared.
"True!" And the nobleman COM
placently touched the jeweled hilt OF
his own blade, accompanying the ac-
tion with a tender glance at the Lady
Elise.
She, however, a little ahead, ap-
peared not to hear; spoke suddenly to
her horse, and, as they swung from
the sward, started at a brisk gallop
down the road. Laughing, the others
came after, lords and ladies first; be-
hind, with tumult and clatter, the COM
mandant and his men. AS they ad-
vanced, on either side the way thick
trunks Of moss-grown monarchs up
lifted their gnarled and hoary branch
es, to meet overhead; through leafy
interstices bright flashes Of sunlight
shot downward, danced on fine gar
ments and accoutrements, and then
whisked elfishly away. In dim recesses
finches and sparrows sang; beyond,
murmured streams and rivulets, while
at the feet Of the riders. gay restless
flowers nodded, as If in accompani-
ment to the glad music Of the morn.
"Small wonder his Excellency should
have desired to add this fair principal
ity to his own" muttered the Marquis,
looking around. "Of the seven forests
of Brittany, none will compare with
this, the Desaurac woods. What think
you, Elise?" spurring his horse near
his betrothed's. "Are you not taken
by Its beauties2"
She looked at him with start;
since leaving the sands she had not
spoken, and now, tugging at the reins
only said abruptly: "My saddle!
believe 1t is loose"
'Loose!" repeated the nobleman
"Careless lacksysl Let us see" And
CONTINUED en Third Pags)