Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1920-02-17

about it. to tell Rosny as soon as an
opportunity occurred. and to wait,
though the waiting for something TO
eventuate which would resolve the diff
fieulty seemed useless. Only miracle
could save the seigniory from Brous-
seau's grasping hands.
There was one thing that had puz-
zled Hilary for long time, and now
it stayed in his thoughts and would
not leave him. Why was Brousseau
willing to spend unlimited money to
Gust him from his timber rights? Why
did he not balk at murder?
He preached this subject with Ma
deleine, who looked at him in wonder
Il never thought of it in that way"
she answered slowly. II thought 1t
was just-just because he sensed that
we were going to care for each other.
and so wanted you away"
1T may be So" unused Hilary. But
deeper reason"
AS he concluded Madeleine stopped
suddenly and clutched his arm in agi-
tation. They had reached the side of
the Chateau. From where they stood
the front of the building was visible.
A buggy was at the door. and Hilary
recognized the horse as Brousseaus.
He was standing in the living-room
when they went in. facing the .Seign-
eur across the table. His rage. which
he made little effort to hide, was pat
ent. 1t was pitifully clear that be was
the dominating force there, and that
ROsny had been endeavoring to pla-
cate him without avail
"Come in, Madeleine" said the seign-
neur, turning to her. you will ex-
cuse us, 1 am sure, Monsieur Askew,"
he added to Hilary.
MOP shouted Brousseau. "It will
be just as well that your friend the
American shall understand the situa-
ton. l am a plain man, and l speak
without concealment to any one who
cares to listen. SO you have been i'm
plicating me in your troubles with
your men, en- Monsieur Askew? Be-
cause one of the workmen whom you
have assaulted at various times draws
a knife on you and cuts you slightly,
while half unconscious from your
blows, you allege a plot on my part
to murder your
Without answering him, Hilary
turned to the Seigneur. IF Monsieur
Brousseau's business is with me, no
doubt you and Mademoiselle ROsny
will excuse u.s." he said
at amt with you" retorted Brous-
seau, scowling. 81 was just telling you
my opinion of you, the same as I'd
tell any man, no matter who he was.
It's with you, Rosny," he continued,
addressing the Seigneur again. "And
it amt private. Private? Diable, it's
too public It's made me the laughing
stock of st. Boniface, and Ste. Marie
too. Every ones seen Mademoiselle
Rosny riding and driving with me.
Now she says she won't have any
more to do with me. Why? Have 1
changed? Amt l the man l always
was? When l make a bargain l stick
to it."
Monsieur Brousseau," protested the
Seigneur, 1--WE Rosnys do Lot break our
pledges. Whatever my daughter has
contracted to do will be done. But this
is hardly the occasion, or the man.
ner-"
81 know it amt" said Brousseau,
subSiding; and Hilary felt Madeleine's
hand, which had gripped his arm tight
ly to restrain him, relax its teEsion.
MAYBE | forgot myself / don't want
to be anything but gentleman in the
presence of ladies, but it's hard,
Monsieur Rosny, when everything's as
good as settled, TO have it put back
in the melting-pot. Meaning you, Mon
sieur Askewi" he continued, sneering
into Hilary's face. "That's where you
come into this business. When people
in st. Boniface began to talk about
Mademoiselle here having thrown me
over for him"-he was addressing the
Seigneur again-'it's more than flesh
and blood can stand"
The Seigneur looked pitifully dis
tressed. His face. flushed with resent
ment at Brousseau's iDsolence, was
moldsd, into impotence by conflicting
impulses. He stepped forward.
81 am sure. gentlemen. that there
exists no cause for disagreement" he
said. Monsieur Askew Is entirely
guiltless of what you suggest. Please
remember. Monsieur BrOusseau, that
he is my guest. Madeleine. my dear.
| suggest that you and Edouard have
a quiet talk together. 1 know that you
hold your word as sacred as we Ros-
nys have always held our word"
Madeleine was as pale as death. but
she stood forward bravely. 81 never
pledged my word to you, Monsieur
Brousseau," she said in a low tone
you know it. You asked me to be
your wife and / refused. You took a
good deal for granted. You took me
for granted. You made mistake.
When you treacherously conspired to
cut Monsieur Askew's boom, when you
planned his death. you lost whatever
chance you had ever had. shall never
marry YOU
Brousseau staggered backward, came
up against the table, and stood star
ing at her in incredulity, in fear, in
fury. his own face whittier than hers.
The Seigneur sat down in his chair
heavily, seeming to collapse there.
Then Brousseau flung his fear aside
and laughed. and it was the most evil
laugh that Hilary had ever heard. He
addressed Rosny; and as he spoke he
continued TO advance toward him, un-
til he was shaking his fist in the old
Seigneur's face.
Il understand now" he sneered.
This fine American has been at work
in this matter. 1t is he who has been
spreading these lying stories about
me. l don't blame your daughter,
Rosny. A woman is easily influenced
by a new face Sos man. for that
matter
Il don't blame her. | expect my