The Dermott news., 1914-04-16

And you must never care less, Alike
never forget him because he has
gone away. He will come back" The
boy spoke with effort. slowly. but
Alike was too much occupied with her
own tumultuous thoughts to notice.
He will surely come back and-be-
long TO YOU more than ever He will
come back distinguished and covered
with honors. perhaps, and then-and
theu-AlXe. do you see the chestnut
tree at the corner that turns 10 the
chateau Il Is a good bit of soft road
we will race to that tree-shall we?
And then will tell you something"
The horses raced merriy Alike sat
close to The saddle with the light
swinging seat. the delicate hand on
the bride which were part of her
perfect Craftsmanship, and over and
over as h watched her ride Francois
said to himself
II Will give my happiness for the
Seigneur's said it. and l will. |
will be a friend to Pietro always
said it. and | will"
over and ever the horses flying feet
pounded out that self-command, and at
length the music of the multiplying
hoof beats grew slower, and with tight
eniug rein they drew in and stopped
under the big chestnut. Alike was
laughing. eXhilarated. lovely.
Wasn't it good race? Didn't
they go deIiciously2" she threw at
him. And then We will 90 around
by the Delesmontes Road it is only
three miles farther. and it is early
In the afternoon; there is nothing to
do
Francois spoke slowly Il am afraid
i must not Alike am going to
the farm tonight
ITO the farm" Alike looked at
him in surprise But you were not
to go over till tomorrow My father
and | will ride over with you. Have
YOU forgotten?
NO" said Francois. Il have not for
gotten 10. indeed But | am going
away tomorrow, Alike"
Going away" Alike turned sharp
ly. and her deep blue glance searched
his eyes What do YOU mean, Fran
co.'s ." Aud then, imperiously; Don't
teasa 5oa Francois, don't like it.
Francois steadied. hardened his face
very carefully and answered: Il am
not teasing you Alike. did not tell
Won before because he stopped, for
his voice was going Erong- because
thought we would h9 our rae JUS.
as usual today l on1a ABOUT II
myself this morning. l ~ a.3ihs 10
Pietro"
"Goine-to Ptetro!" Alike was gap
ing painfully. Francois it is joke
tell me it is a poor joke. Quick"
she ordered Il won't have you play
with me. torture me-"
1T is not a joke" The boys eyes
were held by a superhuman effort on
the buckle OF the bridle-rein lying on
his knee. There was a letter from
Pietro this morning The seigneur
wishes me to go. l wish TO go. l go
tomorrow"
Going tomorrow" The girls voice
was wall. "You-taken away from
me-" Then in fash; Il hate Pietro!
He is cruel-he thinks only of him
self lie wants you-but want you
too. How can | 1--we without you,
Francois 30 Then softly, hurriedly
while the world reeled about the boy.
sitting statue-lke in his saddle: 1T
is Just as | said. You are as much
a part OF my life as the air | breathe
and you and my father and Pietro say
quite calmly, The air is to be taken
away-you must do without it /
can not. | will chokei" She pulled at
her collar suddenly. as If the choking
were Il physical present fact.
No slightest motion. no shade OF
infection missed Francois; still he
sat motionless his eyes on the little
brass buckle. his lips set in a line,
without a word without look toward
her And suddenly Alike. with another
quick blue glance from under her long
lashes-Alixe. hurt, reckless, desper-
ate. had struck her horse a sharp blow
and she was in the road before him,
galloping away.
He let her go. He sat quiet a long
time AS she turned In, still gallop-
ing. at the high stone gateway of the
chateau, his eyes came back again to
the little shining buckle. 1t seemed
the only thing tangible in dream
universe of rapture and agony. Over
and over he heard the words she had
said-words which must mean-whatr
Had they meant It? Had he possibly
been mistaken? No-the utter happi-
ness which came with the memory OF
the soft hurried voice must mean the
truth-she cared for him. and then
over and over and over he said. half
aloud, through his set teeth
Il said that | would give my happi-
ness for my seigneur's; | said that
| would be friend to Pietro; | will
CTO BE CONTINUED.)
Home, Sweet Home.