Middletown transcript., 1916-07-15
CHAPTER I'll.
/ AnneaI for Aid.

Appeal Tor AIo.
1t had been two years since l was
at Quebec, and it was with new eyes
of appreciation that 1 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 1 had always seen before in
dull forest garb, yet 1 permitted him
to take my hand and assist me gal
lantly to the shore. 1t was evidently
a gala day, for flags and streamers
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 1 viewed so mot
ly a throng, and could but gaze about
with wide opened eyes on the strange
passing figures.
1t was all of such interest 1 was
glad enough to be finally rid of him,
and be greeted so kindly by Sister
Celeste.
''Three years have changed you
greatly, my child" she said gently,
touching my cheeks with her soft
hands; "but bright as your eyes are,
it is not all pleasure 1 see in them.
You must tell me- Of your life. The
older man, take it, was your uncle,
Monsieur Chevet"
"Yes," 1 answered, but hesitated to
add more. =
''He is much as 1 had pictured him,
a bear of the woods"
HE is rough" 1 protested, "for his
life has been hard, yet has given me
no reason to complain. 'Tis because
the life is lonely that l grow old"
"No doubt, and the younger gallant7
He is not Of the forest schOolT"
"'Twas Monsieur Cassion, commits
saire for the governor"
"Ahl it's through him you have in
vitation 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" 1 explained
doubtfully. "Know you aught Of the
man, sisterF'
Her hand closed gently on mine.
"No, only that he has been chosen
by La Barre to carry special message
to the Chevalier de Baugis in the Illi-
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 tightened.
''The Sieur d'ArtignyW echoed,
startled into revealing the truth. HE
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 your"
eyes; he sought knowledge of you.
and of why you were in the household
Of Chevet. 1 liked the young man, and
told him all l knew, of your fathers
death and the decree Of the court, and
Of how Chevet compelled you to leave
the convent. 1 felt him to be honest
and true, and that his purpose was
worthy"
"Sister, you must hear me-" 1 said.
81 have no mother, no friend even to
whom to appeal; 1 am just a girl all
alone. 1 despise this man Cassion;
do not know why, but he seems to be
like a snake, and cannot bear his
presence. 1 would rather die than
marry him. 1 do not think Chevet
trusts him, either, but he has some hold
and compels him to sell me as though
I was a slave in the market. am to
be made to marry him. 1 pray you
let me see this Sieur d'Artigny that
I may tell him all, and beseech his
aid"
But why D'Artigny, my girl? What
is the boy to your
"Nothing-absolutely nothing" I
confessed frankly. 1--WE have scarcely
spoken together, but he is a gallant
Of true heart; he will never refuse aid
to a maid like me. 1t will be JOY for
him to outwit this enemy of La Sale.
All I ask is that be permitted to tell
him my story"
Celeste sat silent, her white hands
clasped, her eyes on the stained glass