Middletown transcript., 1916-07-15

the crucifx above the door, and the
one partially open window, set deep
in the stone wall.
Soon 1 was dimly aware that some
one had entered the apartment. 1t
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
enjoyment 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.
Child" said the mother, her voice
low but clear. "Rise that l may see
your face. All! it has not so greatly
changed in the years, save that the
eyes hold knowledge of sorrow. Sis
ter Celeste hath told me your story,
and if it be sin for me to grant your
request then must abide the penance,
for it is in my heart to do so. Until
send the sister you may speak alone
with Monsieur d'Artigny."
She drew slightly aside, and the
young man bowed low, hat in hand,
then stood erect, facing me, the light
from the window on his face.
cat your command, mademoiselle,
he said quietly. 'The mother tells me
you have need of my services. This
Hugo Chevet-he is brute. l know
Is his abuse beyond endurance?"
mo, no." l fastened to explain. ''In
his way he Is not unkind. The truth
is he has lived so long in the woods
alone, be scarcely speaks. He-he
would marry me to Monsieur CassiOn."
Never will 1 forget the look Of sheer
delight on his face as these words
burst from me. His hand struck the
bench, and he tossed back the long
hair from his forehead, his eyes merry
with enjoyment.
"Ah, good! By all the saints, tbs
even as 1 hoped. Then have no fear
of my sympathy, mademoiselle. Moth
ing could please me like a clash with
that perfumed gallant. He doth per-
secute you with his wooing?"
"He has not spoken, save to Chevet;
yet it is seemingly all arranged with
out my being approached"
"No- doubt they are hand in glove
in the fur trade, and the commissaire
has La Barres 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 it take place"
"On monsieur's safe return from the
great West"
The smile came back to his face.
"Not sN bad that, for 'tis a long
journey, and might be delayed.
travel with him, you know, and we
depart at 6aybreak. 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 it
afterwards And so this Hugo Chevet
threatened me! 1 am not of the blood,
mademOiselle, to take such things
lightly. Yet wait-why came you to
me with such a tale? Have you no
friends?"
"None, monsieur" 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
1 watched him, half frightened lest
had angered him.
"Have I 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. GAS for me, 1 am
very glad you do me this honor. 1
but seek the best plan of service.