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

words. His voice shook.
Rise Chevalier Francois Beaupre,
one da. a marshal Of France under an
other Bonaparte,'" he cried, thrilled
through with the words which he re-
peated. 4
The girl leaning forward, watched
him; with a gasp she spoke. Then
that is why you are really Chevalier
Beaupre? Did the emperor have the
right toto knight your
but yes, mademoiselle," francois an
swered with decision. II have studied
the question, n 1 believe that the
a~ccolade-the knighting-was always a
right of the of France, dis
used, perhaps at times, but yet held in
Allowance. a right. My family did not
agree with me. My father, who was
very practical, thought that 1T was a
mere joke Of the emperor's-or if not a
joke, then a caprice which carried no
weight. But the seigneur-the General
G~ourgaud, who was one of Napoleon's
officers, and others, m~ademoniselle. be
lieve as I do. And to my mind it is i'm
possible that the enperor's word should
carry no weight. There has never lived
on earth a man Of so enormous q force,
and even the smallest acts of his were
history. If the emperor ordained, then,
that a little child of the people, a
peasant, should be a noble-why, it was
we'll within his power-it was lone.
And l am that child"
The glance of his brilliant eyes met
hers with a frank calmness which
showed that he claimed nothing which
he did not feel; that his haphaZard
nobility had lived in his soul and grown
with his growth, n come to be part
of him. With a gentle humility, very
winning as it sprang from his gentle
pride, he went on.
II know. mademoiselle, that I am a
peasant n that I must be content
with a small place in life at the pres
ent. I know this. And sven that posi-
ton which / have is more than my
brothers. For you must know, madem-
o%iselle. that the others grew up to be
farmer or tradeEmen." He hesitated
and then in a few words told her of
General Gourgaud, the seigneur Of Vic
Rues, and how he had given the peasant
boy all the opportunities which his own
son could have had. And as he talked
ne remembered how, afterAhis father's
ruin. he had stood inside the bare, lit
tie, new cottage and watched through
the window his mother standing at the
gate and talking to the seigneur, who
held Lisette's bride. 1t seemed to him
ne could see the dark braided hair of.
La Claire, coiled around her head, and
the deep point Of her white neck hand
kerchief. as she stood with her back
to him, and the big bow of the apron
tied about her waist. The picture came
wildly. And it opened his heart so
that he talked on, and told this strang-
er In a strange land many things that
had lain close n silent in his heart.
He told her about the generals gruff-
ness, which could not hide his good
ness; and how he had come to be the
child of the castle as we'll as Of the
cottage; something of Pietro also he
told her; but he did not mention Alike.
You spoke of three children, mon
sleur; who was the third?' asked Lucy.
went on as if he had not
heard the question. "It was a happy
life, mademoiselle," he said. And it
mas been so ever since-even. for the
most part, in prison. I have wondered
at times if the world is all filled with
such kind people as 1 have met. or if
1t is just my good luck"
Lucy Hampton had been reading
aloud to her sick black that
day., and some of the words Of the book
she mad read came to her, and seemed
TO NJ. ,The kingdom of God is within
you. she quoted softly, to Francois.
linen she considered a momen
Monsieur, would it be impertinent
Tor me to ask you-a question a per-
sonal question:"
Il think not, mademoiselle" he smiled
ct her.
she went on, hesitating a little. ga
rher was talking Of how Prince Louis
Bonaparte served, a few wears ago
with the italian revolutionists. I won,
dered Tiff by chance you had fought
under him."
lie shook his head. ct had not that
happiness, mademoiselle.'
TIE heir of the Bonapartes now Is
mat Prince Louis Napoleon, is it not?'
she questioned.
yes ma6arnoicallo
and ne made an attempt on the city
OF Strasburg, a few months ago ana
was trled for lt-and all that-father
talked about it so much I could not
help knowing a little about it. but 7
don't remember distinctly"
But certainly. mademoiselle. II was
the prince" S
Then. haven't they just done some
thing to him? Isn't there something
people are interested in just now about
that Prince LOUISE"
The grave bright smile flashed ont
at her. In truth. mademoiselle. there
Is. Inc prince was shipped by his jail
than four months ago. for what port is
Know One has not heard of him
lately, and there are fears that he NAV
nave suffered shipwreck. But I do not
lear. 1t is the hope OF France, it is
frances destiny which the Andromede
- VIII NdAIy lila cargo SaIe.i
~. The young prince will yet come to
ms own. and land perhaps you, made
mo1selle-wo knows ?-will cry for him
sVive lEmpereur'!"
The tone full Of feeling thrilled
through the girl. She flushed and STAN
mered as she went on. but Francois,
carried away by his enthusiasm. did
not think Of it. "If you will let me ask
you just one question more. monsieur,
l will promise not to ask any after"
The flicker of amusement lighted his
race. ASK me 1000. mademoiselle."
NO. only one. Did that seigneur-
that General Gourgaud--did he have
any-.any daughter?'
The Frenchman rose 1 a business
like way. the way Of a teacher of Lam
suage at the end Of a lesson.
One" he answered briefly In a mat
ter.of-fact tone. And then, Made
moiselle has talked enchantingly we'll
TINS evening. but I have perhaps talked
TOO much. 1 may nave tired made
moiselle. I have the honor to wish you
2 good evening"
His heels together. he stood in the
doorway n made hfs bow. A plaisir
de vous revoir." he said. and was O
CHAPTER Xxx.