Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1916-07-04
CHAPTER Ill.
l Appeal for Aid.

|
at Quebec, and it was with new eyes
of appreciation that l watched the
great bristling cliffs as our boat Gid
ed silently past the shore and headed
in toward the landing Cassion met
us, attired so gayly in rich vestments
that L scarcely recognized the man,
whom l had always seen before in
dull forest garb, yet l permitted him
to take my hand and assist me gal
lantly to the shore. 1t was evidently
a gala day, for flags and streamers
were flying from every window of the
lower town, and the narrow, crooked
streets were filed with wanderers
having no apparent business but en-
joyment. Never had | viewed so mot
ly thrOng, and could but gaze about
with wide opened eyes on the strange
passing figures.
1t was all of such interest | was
glad enough to be finally rid of him,
and be greeted so kindly by Sister
Celeste
Three years have changed you
greatly, my child" she said gently,
touching my cheeks with her soft
hands; "but bright as your eyes are,
it is not all pleasure l see in them.
You must tell me of your life. The
older man, l take 1t, was your uncle,
Monsieur Chevet."
YES" 1 answered, but hesitated to
add more.
HE is much as l had pictured him,
bear of the woods"
''He is rough" l protested, "for his
life has been hard, yet has given me
no reason to complain. IT'S because
the life is lonely that 1 grow old"
mo doubt, and the younger gallant?
He is not of the forest school?"
"'Twas Monsieur Cassion, commits
saire for the governor"
"Ah! it's through him you have in
vitation to the great ball."
l bowed my head, wondering at the
kind questioning in the sisters eyes.
Could she have heard the truth? Per-
chance she might tell me something
of the man.
HE has been selected by Monsieur
Chevet as my husband" explained
doubtfully. Know you aught of the
man, sister?'
Her hand closed gently on mine.
mo, only that he has been chosen
by La Barre to carry special message
| to the Chevalier de Baugis in the Hi
nois country He hath an evil, sneer-
ing face, and an insolent manner, even
as described to me by the Sieur d'Ar-
tigny."
l caught my breath quickly, and my
hand grasp frightened.
THE Sieur d'Artignyw 1 echoed,
startled into revealing the truth. HE
has been here? has talked with you"
Surely, my dear girl. He was here
with La Sale before his chief sailed
| for France, and yesterday he came
again, and questioned me-"
Questioned your"
"Yes; he sought knowledge of you.
and of why you were in the household
of Chevet. liked the young man, and
told him all 1 knew, of your fathers
death and the decree of the court, and
of how Chevet compelled you to leave
the convent. l felt him to be honest
and true, and that his purpose was
worthy"
| SISTER, you must hear me-" said.
Il have no mother, no friend even to
whom to appeal; l am just a girl all
alone. 1 despise this man Cassion;
do not know why, but he seems to be
like q snake, and l cannot bear his
presence. l would rather die than
marry him. l do not think Chevet
trusts him, either, but he has some hold
and compels him TO sell me as though
| was a slave in the market. 1 am to
be made to marry him. l pray you
let me see this Sieur d'Artigny that
may tell him all, and beseech his
aid"
But why D'Artigny, my girl? What
is the boy to your
Nothing-absolutely nothing"
| confessed frankly. I'VE have scarcely
spoken together. but he is gallant
of true heart; he will never refuse aid
TO a maid like me. 1t will be joy for
him to outwit this enemy of La Sale.
An ask is that be permitted 10 tell
him my story"
Celeste sat silent, her white hands
clasped. her eyes on the stained glass
window. 1t was so still I could hear
nv own quick breathing. At last she
! smoke. her voice still soft and kindly.
81 have no power. child, but l will
speak with the mother superior, and
repeat TO her all l have learned. 1t
| shall be as she wills. Wait here, and
you may trust me TO plead for you"
She seemed TO fade from the room.
and glanced about, seeing no change
| since / was there before-the same
bare walls and floor. the rude settee,
the crucifix above the door, and the
one partially epen window, set deep
| in the stone wall.
Soon | was dimly aware that some
one had entered the apartment II
was the mother superior, looking
! smaller than ever in the gloom, and
behind her. framed in the narrow door
way. his eyes smiling as though in
endowment Of my confusion, stood
D'Artigny. 1 climbed down from the
bench. feeling my cheeks burn hotly,
! and made obesiance. The mothers
soft hand rested on my hair. and there
was silence. so deep heard the pound
ing of my heart
sChild." said the mother. her voice
| low hut clear. "Rise that | may see
your face. All, ii has not so greatly
changed in the years, save that tne
ewes hold knowledge OF sorrow. Sis