The Carbon County news. [volume] (Red Lodge, Mont.) 1924-1931, 1928-04-26

: moments with Manon were altoges he
too few and too far apart. His dutit
J did not permit otherwise and all pos
sible moments of leisure were eagerl
sought for and anticipated by thei
both.
Fabien was unwearied in his effort
to save Manon from every inconveni
ence. She knew this and her graft
tude, together with an appreciation
for the odd situation that Fabien ha,
placed himself in for her sake, mad
her so tender, and attentive to hi
every desire that their moments to
gether were a continual exchange o
attentions and love.
These rare leisure moments usually
occurred in the early evening wher
the deported women were allowed {
few moments on the open deck be
fore being locked in their quarters
for the night.
Manon had won the fine old cap
tain's heart and respect. He deplored
the fact that so charming a young
girl had been deported. He was sure
it was a mistake because such errors
had been known to occur as the result
of jealousy of someone in authority.
More than anything else the fine
old seaman admired virtue and he was
positive that Manon's sweet face re-
Elected all the good qualities that a
wife should possess.
Eight weeks of life aboard ship had
slipped into the past. 1t was the
longest and most tranquil period that
Manon and Fabien had ever had to-
gether
One beautiful moonlight night they
were on the forward deck while the
ship, with all sails set, sailed straight
into a great golden path of moonlight.
mo magic carpet could carry us ON
a happier journeyl" sighed Manon
contentedly as she nestled her head
in the warm hollow of Fabien's Shout
der. ut is a miracle that you eluded
arrest and are here. shall not mind
living in America-or any place-with
you!"
"Are you sure that you will never
want to change your mind ?" Fabien
paused long enough to search Manon's
eyes for the answer he wanted, "be-
cause just ahead of us, perhaps a
days sails a new country and we
do not know what awaits us there. For
my part, | do not mind. There was
no future for us in France and your
very touch makes me happy and is
more priceless than gold"
"Then you shall be the richest man
in the world. love you with ten
derness that will last until DEATH"
"My dear!" Fabien covered her slim
hands with his own and continued,
fervently, "Manon, will you start this
new life of ours as my wife?'
With radiant face Manon turned to-
ward him, then as suddenly averted
her head, covering it with her hands.
Fabien lightly touched her shoulder
in alarm, not daring to speak. His
fears were allayed, however, as Ma
non slowly looked up with her beauti-
full eyes swimming in unshed tears
and said:
81 have dreamed of it--oh, so many
times-but never spoke-afraid |
would degrade you-that | was not
worthy of you"
Not worthy, my sweet one," re-
turned Fabien, ut is | who am not
worthy of you. Your sweetness and
your love have been haven of rest
and comfort to me-" Tenderly he
held her to him, her head against his
shoulder.
"Oh, no, Fabien. That is not true.
However, it is good of you to say it.
| know that have not merited the
almost incredible fidelity which you
have given me and even while low
ing you | have caused you many an
noyances that only your wonderful
love could forgive. But now it seems
that my very nature is altered. The
tears that you have so frequently seen
me shed were not tears of misfortune.
have wept unselfishly, from the
and compassion that | feel
for you; and shall never cease to
upbraid myself for all the sacrifices
and terrible things that you have en-
dured for me-"
"Manon, sweetheart, it has been
worth it. And now-when shall we
be married? Will you come with me
now to the captain? He can marry
us. He willard we shall be able
to land in this new country as we
Yes, Fabien darling anything you
say. | want to be truly your wife"
Manon was eager and thrilled at Fa-
bien's suggestion.
This new idea, this great adventure
.marriage-brought more wonderful
thoughts of joy and anticipation than
either of them had before experienced.
Guileless as two children they made
their way aft, hand in hand, to the
captains cabin.