Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-02-25
CHAPTER XIIT-(Continucd)

nNE by one they came 10 taDle dHu
" signed. each writing slowly and
peering at the document trying to get
a hint as to its provisions. But Roi
hurried them, and they obeycd his nod
toward the door and went out.
Now to go back 10 what VIC were
talking about Vetal," said the SNUG
gler. We've agreed, eh, that it's no
use to argue with Evangelne? She
isn't a girl who can be argued with
The memory OF that night in Mon
arda clearing came back TO Beaulicu.
He could see her as she stood before
him, her soul dominating him through
the windows of those flashing eyes,
abasing him, frightening him.
"She is not like the Acadian girls
who obey-she talked to me-" He
began to wall, but Roi checked him,
brusquely.
She wants to have every one else do
exactly as she says. She has foolish
notions. She lived all her life in a
convent. and needs q little practical
experience. She will settle down after
she gets married. So her father and
I have decided that she had better
get married, Louis"
Roi understood the mercurial tenn
perament of Vetal. The man needed
the constant impetus Of a stronger
will, the support of plausible excuse
for action in this difficult matter
which had faced him in his family.
1t was plain that Roi was now talking
more for the strengthening of Netal's
resolve than for the enlightenment of
the lawyer. a sympathetic droop of
the attorneys eyelid testified his un-
derstanding.
IT was perfectly willing TO go about
this marriage in the usual way
banns, a parade up the center aisle,
and all the rest! But no, she stood
out against her father and myself and
ran away to be foolish along with the
Yankees. So her father and l have
decided that if it isn't to be a church
wedding II shall be a civil affair, and
that you shall marry us, Louis. She
has been promised to me-her father
has come along to see her married
all due and proper, and under those
circumstances we'd like to know whose
business it will be if we do get mar.
ried?"
1T is not a good place for any girl
where she is now" Blais informed
the father. TT is especially bad for
an Acadian girl. After she is married
and settled nicely with her husband
she will be glad that you came to as
sert your authority. In the end it will
come out all right"
Those who witnessed the will shall
witness the wedding" stated Roi,
grimly. And the wedding is set for
tomorrow night. 1 hope there are
no fools In Attegat who viii forget
themselves and fall under the feet of
the wedding party"
"They will not laugh at me behind
my back after tomorrow night" de.
claimed Netal. II shall show this
border that can run my own family"
From distance came the lugubri.
Gus wailing OF hounds. 1t was low,
mournful ululation. To a superstitious
mind 1t carried sinister portent; even
the wise have found ominous meaning
-,
howl. Blais folded the will, placed it
in an envelope, and sealed it. Vetal's
hand trembled when he took the docu.
ment
"That is not a good SOUND for a
Beaulieu to hear" he muttered, 1T
means bad things"
Folks will laugh at you behind your
back and to your face, too, if they
ever find out that plain hound dog
backed you down" sneered Roi. What
are you going to do with that paper?'
vetal wrinkled his brow and pom
dered.
"I think" he said, at last, "I'n give
II to Felix Cyr. He has a safe. HI
shall put 1t there. do not like tha
sound. II is not good to hear. Ny
grandfather told me it is not a gooC
sound for the Beaulieus.'
He trudged out of the room with hi
head down.
CHAPTER XIV
1I Till. ~ o Kn.obf Errau,