The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1914-07-16
CHAPTER KIN.
THE PROMISE.
Mon dieul" eaid The general,

THE PROMISE.
Mon dieul" said the general.
1t was six years later. At the new
chateau not a blade OF grass seemed
changed. The general stood In the
midst OF closs-cropped millions OF
blades OF grass as he stopped short on
the sloping lawn which led down to
the white stone steps which led to the
sunken garden. At each side OF the
highest step lifted a carved stone vase,
blazing In the September afternoon
with vines. At the foot OF the steps
stood two more vases. and at each side
OF the graveled path, fibboned with g
long flower bed, at even intervals OF 30
feet another stately pair OF them-the
gray stiff vases splitting Intoxicating
brightness OF red flowers. They led
the eye down a line till, 100 yards away,
sun-dial set on q fantastic stone hgure
OF a satyr marked the center OF q
grass plot. Massive stone seats held
up by carved crouching griffins faced
each other across the sun-dial; on one
OF these, in the sunny stiffness or the
garden, sat girl and a young man.
Alike. in her riding habit, with a
gloves on her hands, was so lovely
as to be startling She looked at the
ground. half shy, half laughing, and
beat the grass with her riding whip.
Francois was leaning toward her and
talking, and the general, coming slowly
down the lawn. felt flood or pride
rise in him as he looked at this sue
cessflll picture Of q boy which he had
done so much to fashion. The two
had been riding together, and Francois
appeared, as most men do, at bis best
in his riding clothes. With that, as the
general marched slowly down the vel
vet slope, unseen by them, regarding
them-his girl and his boy this happy
sister and brother-with that the
brother lifted the sisters hand and,
bending over II, kissed II slowly, In q
manner Enthusiastically unbrotherly
mon Dieul" gasped the general, and
turned on his heel and marched back
to his library.
All that afternoon he stayed shut up
in the library. At dinner he was taci-
wen then, father" Alike said at
last, after the two had tried every sub
feet In vain to make him talk. 1T will
be necessary now to buy all the berries
that are grown for 10 miles around"
"Berries?" growled the general, be-
wildered.
Surely"
"Why berries7'' ferociously.
Alike looked up at him innocently.
isn't it berries which big bears live
on2, or will you eat us, my father,
when you have bitten our heads off and
torn us to pieces7"
And the general, when he had been
betrayed into q laugh, sighed deeply
and got up from his chair, dinner not
being over, and stalked back to his IL
brary. Never had such thing hap
.svVhat is it?" Alike asked OF Fran
co.'s. "F4e is not ill--he told us that
Have you done something, you wicked
sinful boy, to trouble him?"
Francois shook his head thoughtfully.
'T cannot think Of anything, ne said,
and his eyes met hers truthfully. But
we shall know soon. He Is as frank as
q child; he cannot keep a grievance
from the people he loves"
which was a true judgment, for the
next morning the general sent Tor
Francois to come to him In the library.
A letter had been brought a short time
before and was lying open on the table
= FRANCOIS. began the general in his
deep abrupt tones, II am In trouble.
VIII you help meT'
|. yes, my seigneur," said Francois
ptTf Il means a sacrifice to yourself?"
"Yes, my seigneur" Francois an
eve shan See" The generals strong
lips were set and he said nothing more
for a moment, but gazed thoughtfully
at the letter which lay under his big
outanread fingers. AZ length. You re-
member Pietro's father, the Marquis
zappi?" he demanded.
Surely, my Seigneur.
You remember the story once told
you, how he saved my life IN RUSSIA
II have never forgotten It.
you realize that he was dearer TO
me than any man on earthl'
Il have always believed 1t So" said
Good growled the general you
win. bear that In mind. 1 wish to tell
YOU now OF an arrangements hope
which the Marquis Zappi and had
formed together. IL was TO be the
crown OF our friendship and its per-
iuaflatiou: II was to have been our
happiness togetherfS ~ would belt, VIII
he IL All goes well, the happiest thing
which could come to my life, now that
he fss gone. Would you break that
hope ana take that happiness from
: Francois startled, caught a quick
breath. my Seigneur! You should
not ask. You know i would give my
own happiness for yours.
The general glared at him. frowning'
I'VE shall see,' he said again, ana lhetl
suddenly as a shot from O cannon
docs Alike love you. Francois
There was no installing what he
meant, and Francois did not evade II.
Al flame Of scarlet crept In g. swift di-
agonal across the warm brown OF MS
boyish cheeks, but his clear eyes met
the generals searching look frankly.
re hesitated q moment.
I'll think not. my seigncurs" ne