The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1916-08-04
CHAPTER n.
The Choice OF a Husband.

U ne Cholcc OF fuSband,
IL was Just before dark when Mon
sicur Cassion left us, ana watched
/ him 40 gladly enough. hidden behind
/ the shade OF my window. lie had
! been talking for nm hour with Chevet
! I'm the room below; | could hear the
rattle of glasses, as though they drank
and the unpleasant arrogance OF his
/ voice. although no words reached me
/ clearly. | cared little what he said,
/ although | wondered nj his purpose in
/ being there. ana what object he might
/ have I'm this long converse with my
/ uncle. Yet ! was not sent for. and no
! doubt Il was some conference over
/ furs, OF no great interest The two
were I'm some scheme | knew 10 gain
/ advantage over Slcur de In Sale. and
were much clatcd now that la Barre
! held power; but that was nothing for
| "A girl 90 understand. so | worked on
with busy fingers, my mind not forget
ful Of the young Sicur d'Artigny.
Chevet did not return 10 the house
after Monsieur Cassion's canoe had
disappeared. | saw him walking back
and forth along the river bank. smok
| ing. and seemingly thinking out some
| problem. Nor did he appear until |
had the evening meal ready. and called
| TO him down the arbor lie was always
grulf and bcarish enough when we
were alone. seldom speaking indeed,
| except 10 give utternnce to some or
| der, but this night he appeared even
more morose and silent than his wont.
not so much M looking at me M he
| took seat and began 10 eat. No doubt
| Casslon had brought III news, or else
| the appearance OF D'Artigny had
| served 10 arouse all his old animosity
toward La Sale. II was little 10 me.
however. and had learned 90 ignore
his moods, so | took my own place
silently. and paid no heed 10 the
scowl with which he surveyed me
| across the table No doubt my very
Indifference famed his discomfort. but
| remained ignorant OF IT, until he
burst out sa.yagely.
"And so you know this young cock
erel, do your You know him. and
never told me? Where before did you
ever meet this poplnJayw
"At the convent three years ago.
La Sale rested there over night and
young D'Artlgny was OF the party.
He was but boy then"
"He came here today 10 see your
"No, never" ! protested IL doubt
If he even had the memory OF me until
| told him who was. Surely he ex.
pained clearly why he came"
He eyed me fiercely, his face full OF
suspicion, his great hand gripping the
knife.
"'Tls we'll for you n that be true"
he said grufIiy, "but | have 40 faith
| I'm the lads words. He II here as La
| Sales spy, and 40 ! told CassiOn,
though the only honor he dld me was
TO laugh at my warming. Let him
| spy he said. and | Will play at the
same game: 'tls little enough he will
! learn. and we shall need his guidance
! Ay, and he may be right, but I want
nothing 20 do with the fellow. Cas-
sion may give him place In his boats,
! IL he will. but never again shall he set
foot on my land. nor have speech with
! you. You mark my words, made
! molselleT"
I felt the color flame into my cheeks,
and knew my eyes darkened with an
ger, yet made effort 10 control my
/ speech.
yes, monsieur; ! am your ward ana
| have always been obedicnt, yet this
/ Sieur dArtigny seems pleasant
spoken young man, and surely tits no
crime that he serves the Sieur de la
| Sale"
"Is II not" he burst forth, striking
the table with his Hst. Know you
no: / would be rich but for that fur
stealer BY right those should be my
furs he sends here In trade. There will
be another tale 10 tell soon. now that
La Barre hath the relns OF power; and
this D'Artlgny-bah. What care
for that young cockerel--but hate the
brood Listen, girl, I pay my debts;
10 was this hand that broke Louis
| d'Artigny. and has kept him 10 his bed
for ten years past. Yet even that does
not wipe out the score between us.
IT'S no odds 10 you what was the
cause. but while live hate. So you
have my orders; you will speak no
mara vyfth tbIa I1'ArfiUuv"