Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1913-08-20
By NE eo6B3 -StERRILL CO.

EuDAE AAt tAtEAA uGHAA1s ~ -
they intend to-what else?"
The Sound Of horns-signal for tbs
| party TO gather-broke upon the air
I and, nervously crushing in her palm
the piece Of the message, she stepped
to the table. 10 the untasted break
fast. Like one In a dream. who vel
feels the need for haste, she poured
out the coffee; with unsteady hand
raised the cup and drank; started tc
serve herself again; as If forgetfui Of
the impulse, paused.
And II" she said with deeper
breath. ITO ride to the ambush they
have so cleyerly planned? Allow my
self TO 5e taken prisoner by these des
perate men? No; no; could not
And yet" A trampling of horses
offs in the court below interrupted
" neg are ready to start" Uncer
tainly she lifted her head; looked
around her; then mechanically stepped
fol yard 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.
Hall to Diana. who viii lead us in
the forestsi"
Fair nymph, let us away" and the
Marquis extended his hand
With a 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 10
start. the girls glance swung around
to a window opposite, where stood an
austere figure. imperturbably looking
down to watch them ride off.
"Au reyoir. mon PEREZ" Her voice
rose with an odd, unusual thrill. "Au
revoir!" she repeated, when misti
ness in her eyes suddenly blurred
sight Of him. and she frightened the
reins Yet hesitating to go, her gaze
cleared. and swerwng, 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 Nauette's eyes met those OF
the Governors daughter. they wavered
half guilty; suddenly became steady,
held by something 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 a pace
downward not easy to follow
Az the bsse OF he 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 comnany. Monsieur le
CommandantF" observed he MARQUIS
80 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.
pIacently touched the ieweled hilt Of
his own blade, accompanying the ac-
ton with a tender glance at the Lady
Elise.
She, however. a little ahead. APP
pear2d not 10 hear; spoke suddenly to
her horse, and as they swung from
the sward. started at 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-
yanced, on either side the way thick
trunks of moss-grown monarchs up
lifted their gnarled and hoary branch
IS. to meet overhead. through leafy
intetstIces bright flashes of sunlight
shot downward. danced on tine gar
ments and aecoutrements. and then
whisked elilehls away In dim recesses
fnches and sparrows sang: beyond.
murmured streams 9id rivulets, while
at the feet of the riders, gay restless
flowers nodded. as II in aecompani.
ment to the glad music OF the morn.
Small wonder his l5xcelleney should
have desired 20 add t'1is fair principal
ity TO his own," mutt2red the Marquis.
looking around "Of She seven forests
of Brittany. none win compare with
this. tho nesaurac woods What think
you. Elise" squirting mis- horse near
his hetrothed's Are you NOT taken
by its beauties"
She looked at him with start
since leaving the sands she had not
spoken, aud nov, tugglng at the reins
only said abruptly; MY saddle,
believe it is loose
Loosel" repeated the nobleman
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