Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1916-10-06

in the fur trade, and the commiSsaire
has La Barre's ear just now. He rode
by yonder in the carriage a moment
since. and you might think from his
bows he was the governor. And this
marriage? when does 1t take placer
ION monsieur's safe return from the
great West"
The smile came back to his face.
Not so bad that, for it's a long
journey, and might be delayed.
travel with him, you know, and we
depart at daybreak. What else did
this Chevet have to say?"
Only a threat that If ever you came
near me again his fingers would feel
your throat, monsieur. He spoke of
hate between himself and your father"
The eyes upon mine lost their toler-
ant smile, and grew darker, and
marked the fingers OF his hand clinch.
THAT was like enough, for my
father was little averSe to a quarrel,
although he seldom made boast of 1t
afterwards. And so this Hugo Chevet
threatened me. | am not of the blood,
mademoiSelle, to take such things
lightly. Yet Nativity came you to
me with such a tale? Have you nc
friends?"
"None. monsieur" I answered grave
ly, and ~regretfully, ''other than the
nuns to whom l went to school, and
they are useless in such a case"
He walked across the room. once,
twice, his head bent in thought, and
l watched him, half frightened lest
l had angered him.
"Have l done very wrong, mon
sieur?"
He stopped, his eyes on my face.
He must have perceived my perplex-
ity, for he smiled again, and pressed
my hand gently.
IF so the angels must judge" he
answered stoutly. "As for me, l am
very glad you do me this honor.
but seek the best plan Of service,
mademoiselle, for | stand between you
and this sacrifice with much pleasure.
You shall not marry Casslon while l
| wear a sword"
But not violence, MONSIEUR"
planning and scheming Is not my
way, nor am l good at 1t. A soldier
Of La Sale needs more to understand
action, and the D'Artigny breed has
| ever had faith in steel. l seek no quar-
| rel, vet If occasion arise this messen.
| ger Of La Barre will find me quite
ready. | know not what may occur,
Mademoiselle; l merely pledge you my
word of honor that Cassion will NJ
longer seek your hand. The method
| you must trust to me-"
Our eyes met, and his were kind and
| smiling, with a confidence in theil
depths that strangely heartened me. BE
fore | realized the action | had giveI
him my hand.
Il do, monsieur, and question NJ
more, though | pray for peace between
you. Our time is up, sisterT'
"Yes, my child" she stood in thu
doorway, appearing like some sanity
image. "The mother sent me-"
D'Artigny released my hand ant
bowed low.
81 still rely upon your attendance a
the ball?' he asked, lingering at TIT
door.
yes, monsieur"
"And may bespeak a dancer"
81 cannot say no, although It ma!
cost you dear"
He laughed gayly, his eyes brigh
with merriment.
Faith! most pleasures do | find; tn
world would be dull enough otherwise
Till then, mademoiselle, adieu."
We heard his quick step ring on tn
stone Of the passage, and Celeste
smiled, her hand on mine.
"a lad Of spirit that. The Sieur d
Il Sale picks his followers well, ant
knows loyal hearts. The D'Artigny.
never fail"
you know Of them, sister,"
81 knew his father" she answered
half ashamed already Of her impulse
"a gallant man. But come, the mothe
would have you visit her"