The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-06-21

sdiu Aimee implOringly. 81 dome o,u.
Tor myself, but it's going to he avn,
Ior Dad. EI-if you'd only Lot M.
tell you" me
Il have no desire to listen to ~.
creditabie story. at which, no douht
l could give very good guess. As
ior your father. he must face the CON.
sequences of having allowed vou to
oehave as you do. l have no mora
TO say" replied Diana WITH cold dis.
dain. u''
Almee's eyes blazed at her.
You utter beast, Di!" she said
ana hung out Of the room.
For half an hour Aimee unused upon
the situation, and mentally pro-
nouhced 1t hopeless. The dreary bed
room became impossible to her. She
opened the door; the house was In
darkness; everyone, apparently. had
reured. Aimee made her way to
Georgina's bedroom door, and rapped
steaithily for some time, for the door
was locked 1t seemed impossible to
arouse Georgina, and after a lengthy
eHort Aimee desisted. Lady Erythea's
room was next door. and even the deaf
near when they are not wanted TO.
Finally, Aimee crept down into the
nan. where the suits of armor loomed
grimiy in the half-light. silent,
threatening host. 1t was impossible
TO get out of the house. All conceiy-
able outlets were secured, since the
burglary. Aimee passed through the
paneied dining hall. The darkness
got on her nerves. She switched on
a single electric light, and looked
round her hOpelessly.
| Two or three more days, and l
believe Billy would have pulled me
through" she said DULY. "I know he
would. Now, it's all up. I'm done.
And l can't get to Billy"
Aimee dropped into an armchair.
buried her face in her hands, and be-
gan to cry. She cried like a child that
has hurt itself.
A large figure stole into the room
with remarkably noiseless step. 1t
was the Vicomte de Jussac. He start
ed as he caught sight of the forlorn
figure in the chair, and stared in sur
prise. The spectacle of damsel in
distress at once reused generous SEN
timents in the beau sabreur.
He crossed the room and scared
himself on the arm of the chair.
Away, dull care" murmured Ber.
trand. "Such eyes as those-I cannot
see them but l am sure they are
adorable-were never made for weep.
Ing. Tell me your sorrow. ma pc
tte,' he said gently; at shall be
swept away"
"rm in awful troublel" sobbed
Aimee.
"Alas! But lot me help you. Here
am I, big, gross fellow, but yer!
capable. sent by the gods to aid you
1t Is what am for p
Aimee dropped her hands and
stared at him, startled.
Are you Monsieur de Jussac r she
stammered.
Infinitely at your service ma
demoiselle." s
Aimee's eyes searched his face. II
was rather closer to hers than ap
peared necessary, but 1t was undoubt
edly sympathetic.
Tell mel" he murmured.
Aimee hesitated.
|, "we3l. Il will tell you. I've got I,
tsll somebody. or shall 70 mad r
laid Aimee with q ru3h. .Anywa,
they'll know 1t tomorrow. I'm not tn,
parlor maid. I'm Aimee Scpope-
Lady Erythea's niece"
"Heini" exclaimed the vicomte. HI
rose to his feet, staring at her. ant
twisted his mustache-a habit In mo
ments of bewilderment.
Aimee plunged into her tale breath
lessly. She made It brief; 1t was alst
very jumbled. But the thread man
aged to unravel itself. Before sh,
finished, Bertrand turned away. Hi
shoulders quivered and shook, the
back Of his neck was crimson.
You're laughing!" cried Aimee &C
cusingly.
"But mol" gasped the vicomte
choking. "It is grief. Grief and sym
pathy-for you-mademoiselle."
"You are laughing!" said Aimee
stepping in front Of him. go on
then-laugh! If you can laugh al
that, you're-you're all right! Billy
says" She checked herself, and
suddenly began to laugh. too; very
rainbow of laughter and tears. "Bui
what's to be done? It's the finish !"
Bertrand turned and caught her by
the hands.
1--WE shall find way" he cried
Courage! Bah but that is an I'm
1dtMTU[1T11M /.