Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1916-07-07
CHAPTER III.
| AppeaI for Aid,

It had been two years since l was
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 I had always seen before II
dull forest garb, yet permitted hiT1
to take my hand and assist me gal
lantly to the shore. It was evidently
a gala day, for flags and streallers
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 I viewed so mot
ly throng, and could but gaze al5out
with wide opened eyes on the strange
passing figures.
1t was all Of such interest I was
glad enough to be finally rid Of 4 aim
and be greeted so kindly by 81 stel
Celeste.
Three years have changed you
greatly, my child" she said go r:ly
touching my cheeks with her oft
hands; "but bright as your eyes sre
1t is not all pleasure 1 see in item
You must tell me of your life. The
older man, I take it. was your uncle
Monsieur Chevet."
Yes" / answered, but hesitated to
add more.
HE is much as l had pictured him,
bear of the woods"
"He is rough" 1 protested, "for his
life has been hard, yet has given me
no reason to complain. IT'S because
the life is lonely that l grow old
mo doubt, and the younger gallanti
He is not of the forest school"
"'Twas Monsieur Cassion, commits
saire for the governor"
"Ah! it's through him you have in
vitatien 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" l explained
doubtfully. "Know you aught of the
man, sisterW
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 ILL
nOis country. He hath an evil, sneer-
ing face, and an insolent manner, even
as described to me by the Sieur d'Ar.
tigny.'
I caught my breath quickly, and my
hand grasp frightened.
1.-THE Sieur d'Artignyw I echoed
startled into revealing the truth. "ne
has been here? has talked with your
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 you?"
Eyes; he sought knowledge of you
and of why you were in the household
of Chevet. l liked the'young man, and
told him all l knew, of your fathers
death and the decree of the court, and
Of how Cheyet 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
81 have no mother, no friend even tC
whom to appeal; I am just girl al
alone. l despise this man Cassion;
do not know why, but he seems to be
like snake, and l cannot bear his
presence I would rather die thar
marryyahim. I do not think ,Cheve
trusts him, either, but he has some hole
and compels him to sell me as though
was slave in the market. 1 am te
be made to marry him. 1 pray yor
let me see this Sieur d'Artigny thai
l 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 "We have scarcely
spoken together, but he is a gallant
of true heart; he will never refuse aiG
to maid like me- 1t will be Joy fol
him to outwit this enemy of La Sale
All ask is that be permitted to tel
him my story"
Celeste sat silent, her white hands
clasped, her eyes on the stained glass
window. 1t was so still could heal
spoke, her voice still soft and kindly.