Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1916-06-15

~ iHtNN SlSSSA WIZ W 1919
the crucifx above the door, and the
partially open window, set deep
in the stone wall.
Soon l 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 l heard the pound
ing of my heart.
Child" said the mother, her voice
low but clear. Rise that / may see
your face. All! it has not so greatly
changed in the years, saw that the
eyes hold knowledge of sorrow. Sis
ter Celeste hath told me your story,
and if 1t be sin for me to grant your
request then must l abide the penance,
for it is in my heart to do so. Until
l send the sister you may speak alone
with Monsieur d'Artigny."
She drew slightly aside, and the
young la bowed low, hat in hand,
then stood erect, facing me, the light
from the window on his face.
Sat your command, mademoiselle,"
he said quietly. 1.-THE mother tells me
you have need of my services. This
Hugo Chevet-he is a brute. l know
is his abuse beyond endurance?"
mo, no." / fastened to explain. "In
his way he is not unkind. The truth
is he has lived so long in the woods
alone, he scarcely speaks. He-he
would marry me to Monsieur Cassion."
Never will l 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, tits
even dS L uODtI. Ihth DdNC III lCuh
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"
mo doubt they are hand in glove
in the fur trade, and the commissair'
has La Barre's ear just now. He rod'
by yonder in the carriage a momen
since, and you might think from hi
bows he was the governor. And thii
J marriage? when does it take place?
"On monsieur's safe return from tn,
great West"
| The smile came back to his face.
Not so bad that, for tits a lonj
journey, and might be delayed.
travel with him, you know, and W
depart at daybreak. What else di,
/ this Cheyet have to sayP
] "Only a threat that If ever you cam
5 near me again his fingers would fee
i your throat, monsieur. He spoke o
e hate between himself and your father.
The eyes upon mine lost their tolel
s ant smile, and grew darker, and
marked the fingers of his hand cllncl
l.. "That was like enough, for m
o father was little averse to a 1uarre
although he seldom made boast OF
| afterwards. And so this Hugo Chevt
threatened me! l am not OF the bloot
mademoiselle, to take such thing
n lightly. Yet walt-why came you I
It me with such a tale? Have you Il
d friends?"
h "None, monsieur" l answered grav'
ly, and regretfully, ''other than I'll
nuns to whom l went to school, an
It they are useless in such a case"
Is He walked across the room, ono
twice, his head bent in thought, an
1t l watched him, half frightened LEI
| had angered him.
I Have / done very wrong. mo-
y sieur?'
1t Me stopped, his eyes on my fac
ID He must have perceived my perple,
Or ity, for he smiled again, and presst
my hand gently.
"If so the angels must judge |
answered stoutly, "As for me, | a
Is very glad you do me this honor.
but seek the best plan Of serviC
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