Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1914-08-27

small, young man rode out from the
city by Colonel Hampton's side, sitting
his horse like an accomplished cavalry
man, more than one citizen turned to
look with com%prehending interest. Tt
a southerner it would seem not out Of
proportion that the CA Of Russia and
the monarchs of England and France
should together visit his city, and in
offering them his best he would rest
content as to their entertainment,
which is surely the well-bred attitude.
So that the good people Of Norfolk who
stopped to gaze a moment at the flu
ture emperor of France, the kinsman
Of one of earth's greatest conquerors,
were not unduly impressed. One n
another lifted his hat and bowed
smile of approval. It was right, it was
traditional. that the Hamptons Of
Roanoke house should take charge of
a DISTINGUISHED stranger, and, more
over, it was extremely pleasant for the
stranger. And impressive Prince Louis,
who appeared to ook at nothing,
missed neither the self-respecting in
terest of the citizens in himself, nor
their p%rofounder sense of the impor-
lance of his host. Very little passed
within range Of those u gray eyes
which was not filed away for refer
ence IN the mine behind the mask.
Out they rode through the sun
lighted. wind-whipped country, doing
lrestfully through It's last winters nap.
stirring already at the step of lively
April on the threshold. The air was
sharp, and nipped at the princes fin
gers and toes. but it was exhilaration
to be across a horse again, and the
of steel which failure and misfortune
never broke till it broke forever at
Sedan-grew buoyant. That some
thing about the outside of a horse
which is good for the inside of a man.
worked it's subtle charm on this fin
ished horseman~ and horse lover, and
he was gently responsive as the colonel
talked Hueatly on.
s1t was on his own affairs that the
colonel talked, of his thousands of
acres. his hundreds of slaves, his meth
DDS, his crops, his tobacco. and then
of his family n their history here in
Virginia. and at last, most. absorbing
topic of adj. he talked of himself. He
explained to he prince how it was
that he came to speak French so we'll,
and notaa CLEAN in the filmy gray gaze
betrayed the princes opinion. But a
pause came in the stream of words,
and Prince Louis resonant voice filled
it.
Does it so happen. Monsieur lie Col
onel, that there is in these parts a
~Frenchman of-of Instruction. man
whom I might use as a secretary? I
SHal nave neeu tomorrow to write let
tiers. Would you know of such a man,
Monsieur lie Colonel?"
Nothing pleased Monsieur lie Colonel
more than to be master of the situation.
Most certainly" he answered blandly
and felt that the prince must notice
how no denand could find Colonel
Hampton at a loss. Most certainly.
My DAUGHTERS French master would be
the very fellow. He is Intelligent and
we'll educated, and what is, more he is
a most ardent adherent of your family,
prince. He has talked to Miss Hamp-
ton with such a vehement enthusiasm
that, by the Lord Harry, I believe she
expects to see you fly in with wings,
sir-I believe h does,' and the col
onel laughed loudly and heartily. 1t
was as good a joke as he had ever
made.
A vague movement twisted he
muscles of the princes mouth, but it
was a regretful smile. He was Won
dering if the inn parlor would not have
been better than this fine landscape
and good horse with Colonel Hamp-
tons steady conversation. But he had
plenty of French politeness. ct is
good Of mademoiselle to give me her
favor" he said graciously. made
moiselle is young-a little girl?"