The Belding banner-news. (Belding, Mich.) 1918-1973, 1920-09-08

10 hilary mis- c0nvaiescence was
foretaste Of paradise. Edmond Rosny
came In only for formal visits now
twice or three times day; but It was
wonderful to see Madeleine, whom ne
knew that he loved with all his heart
about his bedside all day long, and
then about his chair, waiting on him
anticipating his wishes, until he felt
ashamed to be so helpless, her pride
gone, her scorn gone. her enmity as
well. When Hilary learned OF the
part that she had played In his rescue,
and thanked her gratefully. she could
not meet his eyes.
Then came the first day on which
he was permitted to leave his room.
Leaning on Madeleines arm, he had
gone out to feel the wonder OF the
sunshine and the crisp autumn air.
The garden had originally been laid
out, more than a century before, In
Imitation of the formal gardens OF
France OF the period, with terraces
and statuary. Everything was In
ruin; and yet Hilary had the sudden.
inexplicable sense of having come
home
'Mademoiselle Rosny," he said, I'VE
are going 10 he good friends in future,
aren't we? The goodwill goes with
your kindness, even If IL does not go
with the trees"
She broke down. "What must You
think of me I" she cried.
81 think" began Hilary.
She sprang to her feet. facing him.
"That l knew of the plan to cut your
boom! Yes, did know, but only
little while before II happened. And
listen IL was on my way to you. to
warn you. when the horse bolted. And
the shock of the fall made me forget
for a few moments afterward. But
then II was too late!"
Her words flung a great burden
from HIlary's mind. He had never
been able to reconcile the thought OF
her guilt in the conspiracy with his
knowledge of her, his conception
which was almost knowledge.
IT was sure you could not have
Known tried. at least, to make my
self believe you did not know, in spite
of your words" he said. "Mademo'-
selle Rosny, / ask only one thing; II
was not BaptisteT
"Jean Baptiste? He Is incapable
of such a crimel Monsieur Askew. l
do not know who II was. save that II
| was some man employed by-by him,
probably from Ste. Marie. And be-
cause had known--that was why !
told YOU that II was too late for the
the goodwill. That was why was
unhappy, and seemed in trouble, on
the day when you met me riding. aft
! erward." She raised her head and
met his eyes at last. "And l went to
you that night and asked you to leave
st. Boniface because knew that
| Edouard Brousseau''-she hesitated at
the name-"meant to kill you. He
i had limited as much to me-"
Il presumed once" began Hilary
quietly, though his heart had sudden.
ly begun to hammer, ito ask you a
question about Monsieur Brousseau
which angered you. Whether he
meant so much to you. l dare'-he
took her hand in his--"to ask II
4 again."
"No," she said in a whisper, looking
i down. "He never meant so much
know II now-and since that day wher
he let me see the evil in his heart hi
hns meant less than nothing"
i Her breath came and went quickl!
as she spoke; she was afraid; sh'
tried to withdraw her hand, but M
/ was standing beside her, holding I
fast. She knew that If she looked III
she would be unable to resist him
but already he had drawn her into hi'
! arms.
II love you. Madeleine"
She did not try to disengage her
self; she was trembling, and he coul'
} not see her face.
, "Madeleinel Tell me"
He was conscious Of a stupendou
, fear; all the future hung upon tina
instant, and still she gave no sign.
: Wont you look at me, Madeleine
Won't you speak to met"
! At that she raised her head. an
flung 1t back with a proud gesture