Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1914-09-16
CHAPTER xxxv-tcontinued).

the colonel was upon them. Lucy
ne began. somebody must arrange
about the new harnesses; my time is
too valuable to be taken up with de-
tails. Uncle Jack says they are needed
at once. 1t has been neglected. l dc
not understand why things are so me-
elected"
Il have seen to it, father. They will,
be ready in a week." Lucy answered
Then the colonel noticed Francois
Good day, Chevalier," he spoke o n
descendingly. "Ah-by the wayne
another of his linen coat. "They gave
me a letter for you. Chevalier, knowing
that you would be at Roanoke house
today. Here 1t sand Lucy saw a
light leap into Francois eyes as they
fell on h English postmark. about
those harnesses, Lucy. Why did you
not ask my permission before having
them made? l do not understand how
you IA take so much on yourself"
And Lucy spoke quietly again. Il
did ask you, father. but you did not
see to it and they were necessary. So
I did it," And then: "Chevalier, read
your letter. 1 see it is a foreign one"
will mademoiselle pardon?"
At that moment an uneven step
came down the slope and Francois
flashed a smile at Harry Hampton and
kSG4S AkSN ~ 6AAO LIN SAAS VI liz S1llkk"
mer house with his letter; while the
colonel, murmuring complaints about
harnesses, went stroliing up the shad-
owy, bird-haunted lawn.
Harry Hampton stood by his sweet
heart with a boyish air of proprietor
ship, radiant, as he had been through
these two years of engagement. Il
want to see it?"
wait, Harry the girl glanced at
Francois. But the lad caught her
wrist. Look" he said, and opened
his free hand and a plain gold ring
glittered from it. With a quick move
ment he slipped it over the little third
finger. There" he said, that will
be on to stay pretty o n then
Uncle Henry shall not badger you
about harnesses. He has made me
wait two years because he needed you,
but l Won't wait much longer, will I
Lucy? Next Wednesday-that is the
wedding day. Lucy
With that Francois turned around.
His face shone with an excitement
pied lovers.
What is it, Chevalier? You have
news-what is it?" the girl cried.
For a moment he could not speak.
Ihen Yes, mademoiselle, great
news" he said. 1.-The prince has sent
for me. And I am we'll and fit to go.
l have lived for this time; yet 1 am
two old friends"
But Francois. you cannot go be-
fore Wednesday," Harry Hampton
cried out. I'VE cannot be married
without you"
And Francois considered. mo. not
before Wednesday," he agreed.
That last French lesson in the sum.
mer hn11Sa IN tho horI.o 20 ~. 49,
flowing James river was on a Satur-
day. On Monday the Chevalier Beau
pre- rode over from CarnifaS and
asked to see Miss Hampton.
"Mademoiselle Lucy" he said, II
nave something to ask Of YOU"
u will do it." Lucy promised blithe-
Francois laughed. you trust one.
Mademoiselle Lucy-that is plain
Then his face became serious. b
o remember a talk we once had
together when I told you OF my old
playmate, Alixe?'
The ~bride-to-be flushed furiously as
s 81 recalled tina talk. Then she nodded
IN a matter Of fact manner. II re-
member very WELL" she said. ut was
wnen 1 threw myself at your head and
you said you didn't want me"
Francois shoulders and hands
and eyes went upward together
INTO an eminently French gesture.
what q horror!" he cried. What an
unspeakable manner to recollect that
talk! How can you? How can O
be so brutal to me?"
Both OF them. at that, burst into
suddenly.
But you have Something to ask me.
Francois. You spoke of your-play.
mate-.beautiful Alike"
VII In nn1U Vynpp uyhn- n~.Y ~
90 this. Mademoiselle Lucy. I have
never told any n else about her. Only
you know of''-the words came slow
!y-"of my love for her. She does not
NOW it: Alike does not know. And I
may be killed, n sees, in this fight for
sne rrtnce. Quite easily. And Alike
TACT. I cannot bear it. So this is what
I ask Of you, dear Mademoiselle." He
out q letter and held it to her.
II you hear that I am killed, will you
send It to Alixe?"
Lucy took the letter ana turned It
over doubtfully. T do not like this
Francois. I feel as IL I were holding
your death warrant"
But 1t IL not by q bit OF writing, I
snail meet my finish, Mademoiselle. I
promise not to die n minute sooner
Tor that letter. It Ia only that 1t will
t." ""r >A
SO Lucy, holding the letter gingerly,
agreed. But az Francois rose to 60 she
stood by him q moment and laid her
hand on his coat sleeve. "Francois-l
want to ten you something"
but yes. Observation-Disclosures. Lucy
'It Is something wrong"
.Yes-Lucy."
7 m going to tell Harry I said it,
&2eT s,zN1tftH
'.This 10 It, then.-and Francois,
smillng, waited ana there was deep 81
lence n the big. cool. quiet drawing
Il then. I donf know how I Fan be 90
unroasonaAle-but I am. I love Harry
- An happy: But Lon auits-3ealous