Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1914-02-12

ly there below the gravity. And II
was this monsieur who had saved the
life OF the seigneur: that, after all.
was the whole matter. Francois vast
ed little time thinking OF other peoples
feeling toward himself. He was much
too busy with a joyful wonder of his
own at the ever new goodness OF his
world. To the marquis, who hardly
noticed him, he proceeded to consti-
tute himself a shadow. At the first
sign Of a service to be done he was
up and at 1t; always quicker, always
more intelligent than the footman.
You have thrown a charm over my
boy Francois, Alessandro," the gen.
eral said. well pleased. And the mar
quis answered -thoughtfully:
1t is boy out OF the common. |
believe. Gaspard. At first | thought
it mistake that you should raise a
child OF his class to the place you
have given him, but see that you
understand what you are about. He
is worthy OF good fate"
The day came when, on the next
morning, the Marquis Zappi was due
to start on his long journey to Amer
lea. Out on the lawn, In the shadow
OF the beech trees he sat and watched
his son playing ball with little Alike.
Then he was aware of Francois stand
ing before him. The boy held some
thing in his closed hand, and with that
he opened his fingers and stretched
it to the marquis. The marquis looked
at the yellow metal.
What is this?" he asked: he was
prepared now to be surprised by this
boy about once in 80 often, so he sim.
ply suspended Judgment at a thing
unexpected.
1T Is for you, Monsieur the Mar
quis," Francois smiled radiaHtly and
continued to present the ten-franc
piece. 1T is my own: the seigneur
gave 1t to me on my birthday, and my
father said 1t was to be mine to do
with as ! chose. choose to give 1t
to you. Monsieur the Marquis. So
that you may have plenty OF money!
know well what it is not to have
enough money"
The brown fist was outstretched. the
gold piece glittering in it, and still
the marquis stared speechless. Never
in his life had any one presumed to
offer him money. He looked Up at the
face Of the little peasant; 1t shone
with peace and good will; he put out
his hand and took the gold piece and
looked at it q long minute, and drew
leather case from his pocket and
placed 1t within carefully, and put
it away.
Thank you, Francois" said the mar.
quis. And then he considered again
the shining little face. why have
you done this. Francoisg' he asked.
why do you always-do SO much for
me?"
That thing in Russias for my
seigneur. When you saved the life
OF my seigneur."
oh" said the marquis and stared
down at the boy anxiously explaining.
Il have been afraid that / could
never show you how thanked you
for the life OF my seigneur. But I
viii do more will be a friend OF
Pietro. He is six months younger
than /; | can teach him how tn climb
and how to fight and how to take care
OF himself. And | will, because OF
that thing you did. Because. too.
think well OF Pietro and besides be
cause OF your kindness to me-"
My kindness to you?'
yes. Monsieur the Marquls-be-
cause you have been so kind to me-"
And the marquis. in the silence OF
his soul, was ashamed.
The next day he went. As they
stood. gathered in the big carved door
way, he told them all goodby and
lifted his boy and held him without
a word AS he set him down he turned
toward the carriage. but in a fash
he turned back as II by sudden in
spiration. and laid a hand on little
Francois shoulder.
you will remember that you prom
ised to be friend to Pietro, Fran
co.'s ?"
''Yes. Monsieur the Marquis. al
ways." the child answered gravely.
frC. RE cONTINITEp1