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Show The sweet, red lips of Fellcle checked further speech, as she flung her arms around the ladys neck, and kissing hex repeatedly, answered gaily: "Ah, yes, my father I understand, y lady mother; but mon pere away lu Paris, and will never know, for 1 sin sure you will not tell him. And It U so refreshing, so delightful to lie fete and wild just a little; I'm sure when 1 have half a dozen servants at my heels, as papa always; sends me forth, all niy pleasure is destroyed, and 1 have many a time envied one of our own peasant girls her unmolested freedom. Say, now, my darlingest of mammas, do you blame me. if I take advantage of my lathers absence, and send the troublesome attendants to their proper places?" The dancing, sparkling eyes peered roguishly into her face, and the countess smiled, even while she sighed. I suppose it la natural, said she, yielding, while she stroked back the glossy waves of hair from the fair forehead. Of course it Is, replied Felicie, gaily; "mon pere Is so-- so exceedingly particular. It la most tiresome. Where's the good of grandeur If it must torment Now that he can't you all the time? insist upon our going down to regular dinner In that huge dining hall, that looks ready to swallow two people like you and me, why not ring the bell and order a nice little repast for ua here? It would be so cosy, so home like, so extremely delightful." smiled still more The countess brightly, and stretched out her hand toward the bell. Kellcie flew to reach it, and after the necessary orders had been given, she threw off her mantle, playfully Bested the countess again In the easy chair, and drew a cushion of emerald velvet to her feet. Now, mamma, for one of our cosy talks what shall it be about?" Your absence, tonight, ma chere. What detained yon so long, my child?" Felicie shrugged the white shoulders gleaming so prettily through the lace cape of her low bodice of violet silk. Ah, mamma, that will be too dismal a topic. Wait till they have brought Tell me something more candles. about your girlhood; what you thought, bow you felt when you were so older than your giddy daughter." The delicately penciled eyebrows of the countess contracted, and a weary look of pain flickered a moment over, her face. She took up the fairy hands crossed over her knee and kissed them softly. I must say as you do, my love, it is too dismal for that, while the roon la I have received a so dimly lighted. letter from your father during your absence. He is to leave Paris In anothet week, and he thinks the young Marquis de Berrl will accompany him on his return hither, and bids me prepare you for It." Felicie started, and a flood of crimson rushed to her face. Oh, mamma, exclaimed she, and then covering her face with her hands she burst Into tears and sobbed 1 CHAPTER I. E quickly, Lady Kellcie, and 1 will show to you ilia ap0.M parition. You shall aee for yourself if old Jeanuot has Invented a foolish tale to acare the silly peasant people. And my old eyes have not cheated me nor been bewitched by an evil epell the figure passed not ten minutes ago. It always returns this way so you can see It for yourself. So said the worthy servitor of the Languedoc family. Jeannot Lazln, in a solemn and suppressed voice, aH he motioned for his young mistress to follow him into the low shrubbery which skirted the meadow, ere the denae woods took por session of the ground. The youthful Lady Kellcie, with a smile of arch merriment on her bright young face, followed him fearlessly pausing a moment, howevr, to cast an admiring glance at the acene ahe was leaving behind her. Well worthy, Indeed, thia parting attention, was the charming bit of landscape, Just now coqueting with the mistiness of approaching evening. A prolonged, undulating slope of with terraces turfed edged imooihly straight Untw of poplars, like deep green fringes, and crowned at the summit with the cluster of turreted roofs f ming Languedoc chateau, whose tall, quaintly ahaped chimneys rose far up against the gold flushed blue of the yiouds, seeming to reach the alender thread of light which the young new moon hung out, as sign of her advent. At the right was the thickly woven, andulating canopy of grand old trees, forming the Little Forest of which the lainguedoca were so proud and chary and far on to the left you caught where the the glitter of wavea, In the reveled Mediterranean sun of beams Inst golden shine, and the bright reflection showed the spires and roofa of Krejua like some cloud city, ready to vanish at a moment's warning. Ijidy Fellcle gave a glance smiled In Joyous, triumphant consciousness that the beautiful spot was her own proud heritage, and then stepped lightly and daintily along over the rough pathway by which Jeannot led her. T! e old man looked profoundly n-very much awed, and a little frightened, as he plunged into the deepening shade, every now and then pausing to allow the fairy footatepa of his companion to recover the advantage gained by his huge strides. He found a dry, mossy spot, half covered with drooping vines, and motioned ror Lady Kellcie to occupy it. It is here 1 have always stood, Lady Fellcle; you see that it commands a view of the opening path; he has always gone out past me," whispered Jeannot, with a stealthy glance at the designated pathway. The smile faded off from the girls face. Somehow the weird somberness of the wood, with old Jeannot's awestruck face beside her she could not retain her playfulness. She drew her mantle of violet silk closer over her head, and waited In alienee. Hark!" whispered Jeannot, unconsciously grasping her arm. pnr-jV- le solem- A dullhcavy sound, of regular blows, whether from mortal ax, shovel or pick, could hardly be determined, broke the stillness reigning around. The old man crossed himself reverently. I always hear it Just so," whispered while he is sure to te, "and in a little Appear." But ghosts don't work, Jeannot," said Lady Fellcle. "Why don't you get some of the men with you. and follow up the sounds till you find what makes them? Haven't 1 tried It alone? Holy Mary! I've searched and searched the woods over, and never a trace can I find of the gtound broken, or of a tree disturbed. had wild ldeaa at first I thdlight somebody was burying some guilty a murdered body, or a stolen treasure, and I meant old Jeannot houd have the glory of finding It all out 1 might as well have tried to guise a sunken ship from the sea. Oh, gow, my lady, it's all beyond mortal finding out that's my belief, and sure won't be so bold as to bring upon myself the evil one's vengeanee by pryIt was only ing Into hta doings. you reproved me, as an idle story teller, that I brought you here to see " for yourself He paused abruptly, shrank back un der the bushes, and frantically seised her hand, while he pointed to the open pathway beyond them. Lady Fellcle bent forward, not with-ca violent beating heart. It must be ' se-rr- et ee ut admitted. A tall, darkly dra.wrlcd figure, with shovel over hla shoulder, was stalking slowly along before her eyes. l So much was undeniable. Moreover, although one hand held the shovel, and the other swung idly by his side.though no lantern or torch was anywhere visible, a little rlrcle of bright light went wavering along with him, seeming to radiate from his very feet. Despite her best efforts, a cold chill crept over the girl, and she stood shivering until the mysterious figure vanished from sight. Jeaunot was muttering prayers, with vehement eagerness. Lady Fellcle made a desperate exertion, seeing the old man's terror, and exclaimed resolutely: Nonsense! It was a man, who Is rrowling around here for some evil purpose. I acknowledge you have convinced me, Jeanuot my good, old Jeannot that I was hasty in accusing you of trusting too much to your ImYou have certainly sen agination. the figure, but I opine it will pruve to be decidedly more tangible and natural than a ghost. You must briny others " with you and follow him Oh, my Lady Felicie, it la a ghost, or the evil one don't talk so scofling-l1 am afraid an evil spell will fall I was upon you as a punishment. going to tell you how I did follow how he turned him. and arid eye upon me his blazing threw up his hands, and little flanieB came dancing all around him, and he opened his mouth, and it thundered, and the very ground seemed to quake. Oh, I smelt the sulphur, and I saw '.he blue flames. Dont doubt it, Lady Fellcle I wouldn't come again for the king's scepter. I came now only to convince you. I am afraid some terrible thing Is to happen to ua, and that this la the Blgn. Holy Mary, have mercy! I will get the good prlcat to say prayers for us all. But come, we must return. My lady, the countess, will be angry with me for bringing you here, and Vlctoire will be tired of wailing where you stationed her." And looking around him shudder-lnglJeannot stepped forth Into the path. Lady Fellcle followed thoughtfully. It is very odd," murmured she; when my father returns from Paris, It must be thoroughly Investigated." Ah, yes; I shall be so glad when the count gets home. M. Pierre, the overseer, called me a foolish, old driveller, and bade me hold my tongue. The noble count might believe him, but you. Lady Fellcle, can assure him that I do not lie. I'm sure that I do not want to frighten all the people, as M. Pierre says I do; but this is a dreadful thing to keep to myself. "Don't talk now, Jeanhot, said LaHow dark it dy Felicie impatiently. has grown! I don't know what my mother would say. If she knew I came with you and without any other attendant. Pray, let us hurry." The old servant quickened his pace at these words, and the Indy kept step with him now. She gave a great sigh of relief when they reached the open ground. The sian were out. and the pale ailver crescent hod brightened Into gold. From the chateau flashed a ruddy gleam kindling from window to window. A light figure came bounding down the hill. Oh, my Lady Fellcle, have you come? Your mother has sent out twice for you. Have you aeen It? Hush, Vlctoire! keep discreet alienee if you wish my favor, and don't tease me with questions. 1 will go to my mother now." The pretty waiting maid dropped an humble courtesy, and followed demurely after her mistress, as the latter turned awlftly toward the chateau, but she was eagerly repeating tq herself: Lady Felicie has seen the ghost, I am sure or why does old Jeannot fling me such a triumphant glance! How brave these noble ladies can be! Nothing. I am sure, could have tempted me to go with Jeannot into the wood at this hour. She la so grave and still it la certain that she has seen somey. y, CHAPTER II. HE countess made no effort to check N her, only now and then bent down anc kissed the flushed forehead and wet y cheek. Felicie started to her feet and began pacing to and fro. It is so humili- ating!" exclaimes she, passionately; to be bartered and sold like a dumb animal, because rank and estates are matched; to have nc question asked concerning charactei and hearts. Oh, It is barbarous! The countess watched her with a perturbed and deeply sympathizing face. Does my father think I am a atone, or a butterfly that I have no feeling, no taste, no deep soul requirements? Oh, I have envied the peasants before, but never so much aa now. I could wish I had never been born! went on Fellcle, more and more bitterly, while the excitement grew upon her, her soft, dark eyes glittered fiercely, and two burning crimson spots gathered upon her cheeks. Her mother sighed deeply. thing." The girl heard it and turned ImpetuThe lady, however, did not gratify her curiosity. She passed hastily ously. Oh, mamma, mamma! across the broad hall when she reached my good, the chateau, and went directly to the true, tender mother aurely you will not be harsh with me, you will pity boudoir of the countess. She was a very fine looking woman, me! Oh, Implore my father to forego this Countess Languedoc tall and f'ls hated marriage. I know nothing stately, and dressed with suitable rich- of the marquis. I do not wish to know ness; but there was a sad expression In him. I abhor his very name. Say that her soft, deep eyes, which betrayed that I need not see him. her noble estate had not brought with I fear that I cannot promise yon it unmlxed happiness. any help, answered the countess, sadShe rose from the velvet lounge aa ly. her daughter entered, and exclaimed, Felicie turned away with girlish petulance. childishly: Felicie. Fellcle, where have you No one cares for my true hapginess, been? This wild rambling will not no one knows how to pity me." Yon know how deeply it answer. Fellcle!" said the countess, in a would displease the rount to know you tone of deep reproach and unutterable were away from the chateau grounds, sadness. And I have sent twice unattended. The ingenuous girl flung herself Infor you, and no one knew where you to her arms. Imploring pardoiwmldst not even were, Vlctoire. Your a flood of tears. father" (TO SB COXTIXUfWb l boh very different from the In fact, the young of some species resemble minute alligators la colMATTERS OF INTEREST TO general appearance, and are gaily almost upon feed ored. entirely They AGRICULTURISTS. oft bodied insects. Among other Insects thst feed upon plant lice, the Uluta A bool Coltl-Myoung of the Syrphus fly must be menof l ho II mud Yioltii Tboroof tioned here, in nearly every colony liortlp-:iur- o, worms or Vltliultnro and Florl- - of lice these little slug-lik- e larvae can be seen. They move about, Jiur. raising their heads high in the air, and striking here and there. Whenever an unlucky louse la touched it Is ECENTLY held aloft until Ita Juices have seized, appeared In the N. been sucked out, when Its empty skin Y. Sun what puris cast aside, and the worm seek ported to be a tele- others. gram from Atlanta, Bulletin 48, Maryland Experiment Ha., telling of a 8tation. wonderful cotton plant that bad been Michigan Fruit Growers Organic. introduced from The at Pentwater, equatorial Africa Mich., have taken the initiative step and was to revoluto protect their Interests In the way of tionize the eotlon handling fruits. A stock company has was a been organized with a capital of 5,000, growing Industry of the world. moat marvelous plant, towering to the the management to make contracts height of twenty feet and covered with with strictly reliable dealer in such a a mass of downy cotton balls. The man way as to protect the growers.. A dein Georgia that la growing It would sell tective service Is contemplated to ineeds aa low aa five cents apiece. The vestigate all complaints of unfair treatFarmers' Review sent the clipping to ment of shippers and cause for comthe Georgia Experiment station, and plaints by the commission dealers received a reply In the line It expected, against the farmers for any sharp or namely that the wonderful underhand practice on the part of the plant was merely a very ordinary cot- shipper. To make the work of the ton plant that was probably palmed company effective, farmers are being off on the present Georgia enthusiast organized Into local unions. The local by some local joker. Below we give the unions report the names of their memletter. Parenthetically we would cau- bers to the company and pay over a tion our readers against believing say fee of one dollar each. of the wonderful yarns that are con- membership The secretary of the local union ascerstantly appearing In the dally press tains the number of acres and condiabout new agricultural plants of great tion of tbe different kinds of fruit to value. The propagators are simply be shipped. All these facta will be re'rig the gullible city reporters to help corded by the company'! secretary, who advertise some worthless thing that will designate the markets to which they hope to make money out of by shipments should be made from each ales at fabulous prices. Tbe letter fol- local union, so that none shall go to lows: market. The coman Experiment, Ga., August. 28, 1887. is determined to secure the best pany Editor Farmers Review, Chicago, I1L prices possible for union members, who I have yours of the 26th this a. are to pay one dollar eaeh every three enclosing clipping from a Chicago pa- months to the company. In order to per. In reply to your letter I beg to aay continue its beneficiaries. Several that tbe article has simply a naked local unions have been organstrong basis in fact something to build upon. ized in Mason and Oceana counties. There is a gentleman named Jackson, Grower. wbo runs a small farm near Atlanta, Michigan Fruit and who la engaged In booming a Law and Crafting. African variety of cotton, etc., A peculiar case came up before a etd. After some difficulty 1 succeeded of Huron, OnL, la In getting a few seeds of the cotton, Judge In the county of a professional of undoubted purity, and have now in which the methods were under examination. Acprogress an elaborate, competitive test, grafter to a report of the trial it apIncluding 21 varieties of cotton, em- cording that Cooke of Clinton applied peared bracing moat of our popular, prolific to Murdock, a farmer near Brucefleld, varieties, seeds of which are easily ob- to to do. Murdock asked tainable at from 50 cents to 81.50 per his get grafting Cooke said 5 cents a graft terms; bushel. So far I note nothing peculiar to or 3 cents each, cash, and la the cotton. The plants have an up- takeinsure, chance, says Michigan your right habit of growth, and the fruit Farmer. Murdock said, go on; and la produced on short fruit spurs, each Cooke trees, putgrafted thirty-fou- r containing from two to five bolls. Usu- ting on, so he said, 3,400 grafts, at 3 ally there Is one or more long side cents each, $102. Murdock was stagbranches that proceed out from the gered, but paid $20 on account, and main stem near the ground. This then got some expert evidence, this habit, however, Is not so very remark- evidence being that from 600 to 800 able. In fact It so happens that one grafts were all that should have been of the varieties planted In the comput In. He therefore, when sued, paid petitive test, and in rows adjacent to 85 more Into court, making 825 with this wonderful" cotton is very similar the sum previously paid Cooke, and to the latter, but not growing so tall. fought it out. At the trial an armful At the close of the season 1 will make of limbs from the orchard was brought an exhaustive report of the test, which Into court, and it was shown that grafts will be published in bulletin form. At hail been put In decaying and broken Is no lnd'cation that the limbs, and, in fact, everywhere a graft present there yield will be even equal to the average would stick, more for the purpose, as yield of the other 20 varieties. A few the judge said in dismissing the acbolls have already opened and show a tion, of running up a bill than for givtapis of fair length and fineness, but ing the best results in fruit The not comparable to Sea Island cotton. judge said that the 825 which Murdock There la now no possibility of any ma- had paid was enough, and dismissed larial Improvement In the conditions the action with costs. and promise of any of tbe varieties. In other words the crop Is practically Expenditures for Agriculture. Farm News: The following table, "made," and the final results will he practically the same (relatively) aa are compiled by the British government now indicated. Very truly. shows the sum total and the amount R. J. REDDING, per capita expended by various counDirector. tries for the advancement of agriculP.S. The claim that the variety of ture. While the United States heads cotton belongs to a different genio the list In amount spent, the sum per cannot, for a moment, be allowed. It capita is far below that of many lesser la not even of a new species, but sim- nations. Expenditures for agricultural ply a variety of Gossypium herbaccum, purposes: of local and very probably (domestic) Sum voted Rate pet origin. annually inhabitant Country. United Siatea ....2,0(10.000 8d Enemies of Ilunt I.lre. 1,870,000 France 12d Plant lice, like most Insects, have Hungary 1,700,000 23d certain natural enemies that tend to Austria 950,000 lOd keep them in check. Prominent among Prussia C80,u00 6d these are the parasitic and predaceous Italy . 320,000 3d Insects. The former are very minute Switzerland 150,000 12d creatures, resembling wasps, which Belgium 112,000 4d usually lay their eggs upon the lice. Denmark 108, U00 12d Into sma.l These eggs hatch maggots, Bavaria 92.000 fid which enter the bodies of the lien, . ... 65,000 8d Wurtentburg feed where they upon the body juices Holland 56,000 3d until they are full grown. They then be noticed In the above that will It transform to pupae within the body of their host, from which they finally England appropriates nothing. emerge by cutting a round hu!e through Stock. State Inspecting Nursery the body of the louse. Close examinaJohnson of Maryland, Entomologist tion of a colony of most any louse will says the Baltimore American, is inreveal several yellowish or brownish specting the nurseries of the State, 32 remains of Individuals which have In number, with over 5,000,000 trees, succumbed to parasitism. The preda- under the new law guarding against ceous Insects live by actually feeding diseases and Insects. About 2,900,000 upon the lice. The ladybirds or lady-bu- trees and vines have been Inspected, are, by far, the most important certificates given, and the work will factors In the destruction of plant lice, be completed about Oct. 1. On the as both the adults and young feed ravwhole, nursery slock is in prime condi- enously upon them. There Is a noilo tiuu. San Jcse scale was located In prevalent In some parts of the slate three nurseries, but believed to be comthat ladybirds, in some way or other, pletely destroyed. In two instances will about 3.000 fruit trees near produce plant lice. Natural laws by, Innot permit such a state of affn'n-s- . Like fested with the pest, were dug up and All trees In neighboring begets like In the Insect world Just as burned. persistently as it does In the hiphr blocks were treated with hydrocyanic animals. The progeny of a lndybird Is and as soon as dug. Opposition to this always a ladybird like the parent In- work, at first shown by some nursery of the how The ladybird, sect young men. Is now disappearing. Ex. FARM (AND GARDEN. ever, adult. oa s-- there fruit-grow- ed over-stock- ed ' gs ed er |
