The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-09-26

H. Adele! Mademo1selfe!
\ stepped into the light. permit
\ ting the curtain to fall behind me.
i Eyes, Monsieur - you were
seeking met"
For an hour past; for what
reason did you leave the ball
room?"
HAS it been so long, Mon
sieur?" | returned in apparent
surprise. why, l merely sought
a breath of fresh air, and became
interested In the scene without"
4 La Barre stood motionless, his
heavy eyebrows contracted in a
frown.
81 will question the young lady,
Cassion," he said sternly, FOR l
have interests here of my own.
Mademoiselle!"
Yes, Monsieur"
who was here when you came
in?"
mo one, Monsieur; the room
was empty"
Then you hid there, and over
|
Colonel Delguard and myself?"
Yes, Monsieur" | confessed,
feeling my limbs tremble.
"And also all that has passed
since Monsieur Cassion entered?"
Yes, Monsieur"
He drew deep breath, strik-
ing his hand on the desk ,as
though he would control his an
Iger.
Were you alone? Had you a
companion?"
ri | know not how I managed 1t,
yet | raised my eyes to his. simu-
lating a surprise | was far from
feeling.
Alone, Monsieur? | am Adele
la Chesnayne; If you doubt, the
way of discovery is open without
word from me-"
His suspicious, doubling eyes
never left my face, and there was
sneer in his voice as he an
swered.
Bah. | am not in love to be
played with by witch. Perchance
it's not easy for you to lie. Look
within the alcove, Cassion."
The Commissaire was there,
even before the words of COM
mand were uttered, and my heart
seemed to stop beating as his
heavy hand tore aside the drapery.
| leaned on the desk, bracing my
self, expecting a blow, struggle;
! but all was silent.
mo one is there, Monsieur
Cassion reported, "but the window
is Open"
"And not dangerous leap to
the court below" returned La
Barre thoughtfully. $50 far you
win, Mademoiselle. Now l pro-
pose closing your mouth and plac-
ling you beyond temptation. Mon
sieur Cassion, have the lieutenant
at the door enter"
I stood in silence, wondering at
what was about to occur. La Barre
must seal my lips to protect him
self-but how AS though In a
daze saw Cassion open the door,
and return, followed by young
officer, who glanced curiously
aside at me, even as he saluted
La Barre.
where is Father lie Guard?"
"In the chapel. Monsieur; he
passed me a moment ago."
Good; inform the pere that
desire his presence at once. Wait!
Know you Hugo Chevet?"
II have seen the man, Mon
sieur."
Bring him here to me. Attend
to both these matters"
Eyes, Monsieur"
La Barrels eyes, turned from
the disappearing figure Of the Of
ficer, rested on my face.
"Your marriage is to take place
tonight, Mademoiselle."
Tonight! my marriage tc
whom"
"Ah! Is there then more thar
one prospective bridegroom? Mon
sieur Cassion, surely I am not II
error that you informed me o.
J your engagement to Mademoisell'
= Ia Chesnayne?"
"She has been pledged me II
5 marriage, Monsieur.
"'Tis then as / understand,
La Barre went on, chuckling
0 THE lady is over modest"
! Never have l felt more hope
= less, more utterly alone.
The door opened, and a lear
0 priest entered noiselessly, bend
. ing his shaven head to La Barre
Monsieur desires my pres
c Ience?"
Eyes, Pere lie Guard, a mission
: of happiness. There are two here
Q to be joined in matrimony b,
G bonds of Holy Church. Weabu
g wait the coming of the lady''
Q guardian" ~
e The pere must have interprqtet
= the expression of my face. ~
c 'Tis REGULAR" he asked. &
"By order of the King" sre
: turned La Barre sternly. he
G lyond that II Is not necessary tina
c Iyou inquire. All, Monsieur
Q Cheyet! they found you thens q
have a pleasant surprise for you
0 'Ifs hereby ordered that youf'ac
company Commissaire Cassion Il
the Illinois country as interpreter
. to be paid from my private fund
9 Chevet stared into the Cover
' nor's dark face, scarce liable &c