Mexico Missouri message., 1916-06-15

I in the fur trade, and the cOmmissairC
has La Barre's ear just now. He rode
by yonder in the carriage a moment
since, and you might think from hi:
bows he was the governor. And this
marriage? when does 1t take placer
"On monsieur's safe return from the
great West"
The smile came back to his face.
mot SO bad that, for tits a long
journey, and might be delayed. ]
travel with him, you know, and we
depart at daybreak. What else did
this Chevet have to say2"
"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 l
marked the fingers Of his hand cllnch.
"That was like enough, for my
father was little averse to a quarrel,
although he seldom made boast of it
afterwards. And so this Hugo Chevet
threatened me! / am not of the blood,
mademoiselle, to take such things
lightly. Yet wait-why came you to
me with such tale? Have you no
friends?"
"None, monsieur" I answered grave
ly, and regretfully, "other than the
nuns to whom 1 went to school, and
they are useless in such a case"
He walked across the room, once,
twice, his head bent in thought, and
watched him, half frightened lest
1 had angered him.
"Have 1 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.
eff so the angels must judge" he
answered stoutly. "As for me, I am
very glad you do me this honor. 1
but seek the best plan of service,
mademOiselle, for stand between you
and this sacrifice with much pleasure.
You shall not marry Cassion while l
wear sword"
buI uOI NlOIeuCe, uOuSleur!
planning and scheming is not my
way, nor am 1 good at it. A soldier
of La Sale needs more to understand
action, and the D'Artigny breed has
ever had faith in steel. seek no quar-
rel, yet If occasion arise this messen-
ger of La Barre will find me quite
ready. know not what may occur
Mademoiselle; 1 merely pledge you my
word of honor that Cassion will no
longer seek your hand. The method
you must trust to me-"
Our eyes met, and his were kind and
smiling, with a confidence in their
depths that strangely heartened me. Be
fore 1 realized the action 1 had given
him my hand.
81 do, monsieur, and question no
more, though pray for peace between
you. Our time is up, sister,"
"Yes, my child" she stood in the
doorway, appearing like some sanity
image. "The mother sent me-"
D'Artigny released my hand and
bowed low.
SNAAt ASAJ NpNA JSNA SANNNANuhNC CT
the ballF" he asked, lingering at the
door.
Eyes, monsieur"
"And may bespeak dancer"
81 cannot say no, although it may
cost you dear"
He laughed gayly, his eyes bright
with merriment.I
Faith! most pleasures do 1 find; the
world would be dull enough otherwise.
Till then, mademoiselle, adieu."
We heard his quick step ring on the
stone of the passage, and Celeste
smiled, her hand on mine.
"a lad of spirit that. The Sieur de
la Sale picks his followers well, and
knows loyal hearts. The D'Artignys
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 mother
would have you visit her."