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Show BEYOND 1F1& FDONHED .A. STORY OF EARLY ElS ML in the fur trade, anil the coiumissaire hits La Burro's ear just now. lie rode by yonder in the carriage a moment since, and you might think from his bows he was the governor. And this marriage? when does it take place V" "On monsieur's safe return from the great West." The smile came back to his face. "Xot so bail that, for 'tis a long journey, and might be delayed. I travel with him, you know, and we depart at daybreak. What else did Ibis Ohevet have to say?" "Only a threat that If ever you came near me again Ills finders would feel your throat, monsieur. He spoke of hate between himself and your father." The eyes upon mine lost their tolerant toler-ant smile, and grew darker, and I marked the fingers of his hand clinch. "That Tvus like enough, for my father was little averse to a quarrel, although he seldom made boast of it afterwards. And so this Hugo Chevet threatened me! I am not of the blood, mademoiselle, to take such things lightly. Yet wait why came you to me with such a tule? Have you no friends?" "None, monsieur," I answered gravely, grave-ly, and regretfully, "other than the nuns to whom I went to school, and they are useless in such a case." He "walked across the room, once, twice, his bead bent in thought, and I watched him, half frightened lest I had angered him. "Have I done very wrong, monsieur?" mon-sieur?" He stopped, his eyes on my face. He must have perceived my perplexity, perplex-ity, for he smiled again, and pressed my hand gently. "If so the angels must judge," he answered stoutly. "As for me, I am very glad you do me this honor. I but seek the best plan of service, mademoiselle, for I stand between you and this sacrifice with much pleasure. You shall not marry Cassion while I wear a sword." "But not violence, monsieur!" "Planning and scheming is not my way, nor am I good at It. A soldier of La Salle needs more to understand action, and the D'Artlgny breed has ever had faith in steel. I seek no quarrel, quar-rel, yet if occasion arise this messenger messen-ger of La Barre will find me quite ready. I know not what may occur. Mademoiselle; I merely pledge you my word of honor that Cassion will no longer seek your hand. The method you must trust to me." Our eyes met, and his were kind and smiling, with a confidence in their depths that strangely heartened me. Before Be-fore I realized the action I had given him my hand. "I do, monsieur, and question no more, though I pray for peace between you. Our time is up, sister?" "Yes, my child," she stood in the doorway, appearing like some saintly image. "The mother sent me." D'Artigny released my hand and bowed low. "I still rely upon your attendance at the ball?" he asked, lingering at the door. "Yes. monsieur." "And may bespeak a dance?" "I cannot say no, although it may cost you dear." He laughed gayly, his eyes bright with merriment. "Faith! most pleasures do I find; the world would be dull enough otherwise. Till then, mademoiselle, adieu." We heard his quick step ring on the stone of the passage, and Celeste smiled, her hand ou mine. "A lad of spirit that. The Sieur de la Salle picks his followers well, and knows Icyal hearts. The D'Artignys never fail." "You know of them, sister?" "I knew his father," she answered, half ashamed already of her impulse, "a gallant man. But come, the mother would have you visit her." CHAPTER IV. In the Palace of the Intendant. The huge palace of the intendant, between the bluff and the river, was ablaze with lights, and already crowded crowd-ed with guests at our arrival. I had seen nothing of Chevet since the morning, nor did he appear now; but Monsieur Cassion was prompt enough, and congratulated me on my appearance appear-ance with bows, and words of praise which made me flush with embarrassment. embarrass-ment. An officer met us, pointing out the way, and, after he had assisted us to descend from the chair, we advanced slowly over a carpet of clean straw toward the gayly lighted entrance. Soldiers lined the walls on either side, and overhead blazed a beacon suspended sus-pended on a chain. It was a scene rather grotesque and weird in the red glow, and I took Cassion's arm gladly, feeling just a little frightened by the strange surroundings. "Where is my L"ncle Chevet?" I asked, more as a relief, than because I cared, although I was glad of his absence because of D'Artigny. "In faith, I know not," he answered lightly. "I won him a card, hut he was scarce gracious about it. In some wme snop iiteiy with outers or nis kind." There were servants at the door and an officer, who scanned the cards of those in advance of us, yet passed Cassion. Cas-sion. with a glance at his face, and word of recognition. I observed him turn and stare after nie. for our eyes met, but. almost before I knew what had occurred, 1 found myself in a side room, with a maid helping to remove my wraps, and arrange my hair. I will not describe the scene in the great ballroom, for now, as I write, the brilliant pageant is but a dim memory, confused and tantalizing. I recall the bright lights overhead, and along the walls, the festooned banners, the raised dais at one end. carpeted with skins of wild animals, whore the governor stood, the walls covered with arms and trophies of the chase, the guard of soldiers at each entrance, and the mass of people grouped about the room. Many a name reached my ears famous fa-mous in those days, but forgotten long since; and once or twice, as we slowly made our way through the throng, Cassion pointed out to nie some character char-acter of importance In the province, or paused to present me with formality formal-ity to certain officials whom he knew. It was thus we approached the dais, and awaited our turn to extend felicitations felici-tations to the governor. Just before us was Pu LTIut, whose name Cassion Cas-sion whispered in my ear, a tall, slender slen-der man, attired as a courier (lu hois, with loug fair hair sweeping his shoulders. shoul-ders. I had heard of him as a daring explorer, but there was no premonition that he would ever again come into my life, and I was more deeply interested inter-ested in the appearance of La Barre. He was a dark man, stern of face, and with strange, furtive eyes, concealed con-cealed behind long lashes and overhanging over-hanging brows. Yet be was most gracious gra-cious to Du L'Hut, and when he turned and perceived Monsieur Cassion next in line, smiled and extended his hand cordially. "Ah, Francois, and so you are here at last, and ever welcome. And this," he bowed low before me In excess of gallantry, "no doubt will be the Mademoiselle Made-moiselle la Chesnayne of whose charms I have heard so much of late. By my faith, Cassion, even your eloquence hath done small justice to the lady. Where, mademoiselle, have you hidden yourself, to remain unknown to us of Quebec ?" "I have lived with my uncle, Hugo Chevet." "Ah, yes; I recall the circumstances now a rough, yet loyal trader. He was with me once on the Ottawa and tonight?" "He accompanied me to the city, your excellency, but I have not seen him since." "Small need, with Francois at your beck and call," and he patted me playfully on the cheek. "I have already al-ready tested his faithfulness. Your father, mademoiselle?" "Captain Pierre la Chesnayne, sir." "Ah, yes; I knew him well; he fell on the Richelieu; a fine soldier." He turned toward Cassion, the expression of his face changed. "You depart tonight?" "At daybreak, sir." "That is well; see to It that no time is lost on the journey. I have It in my mind that De Baugls may need you, for, from all I hear Henri de Tonty is not an easy man to handle." "De Tonty?" "Ay! the lieutenant Sieur de la Salle left In charge at St. Louis; an Italian li ' if A&fl He Was a Dark Man, Stern of Face. they tell me, and loyal to his master. 'Tis like he may resist my orders, and De Baugis hath but a handful with which to uphold authority. I am not sure I approve of your selecting tills lad D'Artigny as a guide; he may plaj you false." "Small chance he'll have for any trick." ! Psychologists scientists of the H j human mind say that the big j emotions are born and dovel. I g oped in one's unconsciout mind l 1 and gradually are ushered Into I the conscious mind; for In. I 2 stance, that you may be In !ov g long before you aro actually (I H aware of the fact. What enoit g D'Artigny and Ade'e? il-j Lii iu.Vi ;. j.. r SYNOPSIS. I A-I'-le la, Ohesnayn.-, a h-l!e of New H'i;uii, Is (iniwiLf n uispu ;t tu i s at l;er un- I :Ie'n li'iuso. t'ussli.n, thu com mlssalre. rws enllMed hot- ITnHe 'h,-v,-l's ;il,l iifulnst I. a D'Artigny, I.a Salle's , 'rleri'l, (jIT'-rn Ills Hi-niffH a:- Khhh to l.'us-llon'H l.'us-llon'H puriy on the Journey fo the wilder- j iiesn. The unci,: Informs Ad -1-; thai ho ila.s boll1')' hod her. i 51 " (' 2 An orphaned girl of seventeen pledged dVjainst her will by a i; ; coarse male relative to marry a j; If man she loathes, needs a good and strong friend at this time " 5 more than anything else in the l world. To whom can she turn ii for friendship when she has but it -i ft two acquaintances? young ,. ; !' Sieur Rene d'Artigny, frontiers M E(j man and gentleman of France, fu 'i and Sister Celeste at the con- V: !' " 11 vent. How Adele met her prob- 13 ! lem is told In this installment. jplll)riliK..;nu iti);,,::,.-!...!.! :;.,:: m.r.TKiJh CHAPTER II. Continued. "Yea, monsieur." "Oh, you're sweet enough with words. I have heard you before, and found you a sly minx when my back was turned but this time it is not I alone who will watch your actions, I have pledged you a husband." I got to my feet, staring at him, the indignant words stifled in my throat, fto laughed coarsely, and resumed his meal. "A husband, monsieur? You have pledged me?" "Ay! why not? You are 17, and 'tis my place to see you well settled." "But I have no wish to marry, monsieur," mon-sieur," I protested. "There is no man for whom I care." lie shrugged his shoulders indifferently, indiffer-ently, and laughed. "Pooh! if I waited for that no doubt you would pick out some cockerel without as much as a spur to his heel. 'Tis my choice, not yours, for I know the world, aud the man you need. Monsieur Cassion has asked me to favor fa-vor him, and I think well of it." "Cassion! Surely you would not wed me to that creature?" He pushed back his chair, regarding me with scowling eyes. "And where is there a better? Sacre! do you think yourself a queen to choose? 'Tis rare luck you have such an offer. Monsieur Cassion is going to be a great man in tills New France; already he has the governor's ear, and a commission, with a tidy sum to his credit in Quebec. What more could any girl desire in a husband?" "But, monsieur, I do not love him; I do not trust the man." "Pah!" He burst into a laugh, rising ris-ing from the table. Before I could draw back be had gripped me by the arm. "Enough of that, young lady. He Is my choice, and that settles it. Love! who ever heard of love nowadays? now-adays? Ah, I see, you dream already of the young gallant D'Artigny. Well, little good that will do you. Why what Is he? a mere ragged adventurer, without a sou to his name, a prowling wolf of the forest, the follower of a discredited fur thief. But enough of tills; I have told you my will, and you obey. Tomorrow we go to Quebec to the governor's ball, and when Monsieur Mon-sieur Cassion returns from his mis- 112381 ,i7'"'fr U S W r "Sacre! Do You Think Yourself a Queen to Choose?" slon you will marry him you understand?" under-stand?" The tears were in my eyes, blotting out his threatening face, yet there was caught to do but answer. "Yes, monsieur." "And this D'Artigny; if the fell'v ever dares come near you again I'll crush his white throat between my hnuvrs." "'Ve. r:;oi:s;eur." y .i;l' r.i.nn then, and think over r'l I ;. - : i. V'i;i have never f-nuid 1 : :':.' ' "! v:i:t int." "Xo, monsieur." I drew my aria from his grasp, feeling feel-ing it tingle with pain where his fingers fin-gers had crushed the flesh, and crept up the narrow stairs, glad enough to get away and he alone. I had never loved Chevet, but he had taught me to fear him, for more than once had I experienced his brutality and physical physi-cal power. To him I was but a chattel, chat-tel, an Incumbrance. He had assumed charge of me because the law so ordained, or-dained, but I had found nothing in his nature on which I could rely for sympathy. I was his sister's child, yet no more to him than some Indian waif. More, he was honest about It. To his mind he did well by me in thus finding mo a husband. I sank on my knees, and hid my face, shuddering at the thought of the sacrifice demanded. Cassion! never before had the man appeared ap-peared so despicable. Yet what could I do? It was useless to appeal to Chil.et, and the governor, La Barre, womd give small heed to a girl objecting ob-jecting to one of bis henchmen. D'Artigny! The name was on my lips before I realized I had spoken it, and brought a throb of hope. I arose to my feet, and stared out of the window into the dark night. My pulses throbbed. If he cared; if I only knew he cared, I would fly with him anywhere, any-where, into the wilderness depths, to escape Cassion. But how could I reach him with my tale? There was but one opportunity the governor's ball. He would be there; he had said so, laughingly glancing glanc-ing toward me as he spoke the words, the flash of his eyes a challenge. But it would be difficult. Chevet, Cassion, not for a moment would they take eyes from me, and if I failed to treat him coldly an open quarrel must result. re-sult. Chevet would be glad of an excuse, and Cassion's jealousy would spur him on. Yet I must try, and, in truth, I trusted not so much in Monsieur Mon-sieur d'Artigny's Interest in me, as in his reckless love of adventure. 'Twould please him to play an audacious auda-cious trick on La Salle's enemies, and make Cassion the butt of laughter. CHAPTER IM. I Appeal for Aid. It had been two years since I was at Quebec, and it was with new eyes of appreciation that I watched the great bristling cliffs as our boat glided glid-ed silently past the shore and headed In toward the landing. Cassion met us, attired so gayly in rich vestments that I scarcely recognized the man, whom I had always seen before in dull forest garb, yet I permitted him to take my hand and assist me gallantly gal-lantly to the shore. It was evidently a gala day, for flags and streamers were flying from every window of the lower town, and the narrow, crooked streets were filled with wanderers having no apparent business hut enjoyment. en-joyment. Never had I viewed so mot-ly mot-ly a throng, and I could but gaze about, with wide opened eyes on the strange passing figures. It was all of such interest I was glad enough to be finally rid of him, and be greeted so kindly by Sister Celeste. "Three years have changed you greatly, my child," she said gently, touching my cheeks with her soft hands; "but bright as your eyes are, it Is not all pleasure I see in them. ou must tell me of your life. The older man, I take it, was your uncle, Monsieur Chevet." "Yes," I answered, but hesitated to add more. "He Is much as I had pictured him, a bear of the woods." "He is rough," I protested, "for his life has been hard, yet has given me no reason to complain. 'Tis because the life is lonely that I grow old." "No doubt, aud the younger gallant? He is not of the forest school?" " 'Twas Monsieur Cassion, commis-saire commis-saire for the governor." "Ah! 'tis through him you have invitation in-vitation to the great ball," I bowed my head, wondering at the kind questioning in the sister's eyes. Could she have beard the truth? Perchance Per-chance she might tell me something of the man. "He has been selected by Monsieur Chevet as my husband," I explained doubtfully. "Know you aught of the man. sister?" Her hand closed gently on mine. "No, only that he has been chosen by La Barre to carry special message to the Chevalier de Baugis in the Illinois Illi-nois country. He hath an evil, sneering sneer-ing face, and an insolent manner, even as described to me by the Sieur d'Artigny." d'Ar-tigny." I caught my breath quickly, and my hand grasp tightened. "The Sieur d'Artigny!" I echoed, startled into revealing the truth. "He has been here? has talked with you?" "Surely, my dear girl. He was here with La Salle before his chief sailed for France, and yesterday he came again, aud questioned me." "Questioned you?" "Yes; be rought knowledge of you, and of why you were in the household of Chevet. I liked the young man, aud told him all I knew, of your father's death and the decree of the court, and of how Chevet compelled you to leave the convent. I felt him to be honest and true, and that his purpose was worthy." "Sister, you must hear me," I said. "I have no mother, no friend even to whom to appeal; I am just a girl all alone. I despise this man Cassion; I do not know why, but he seems to be like a snake, and I cannot bear his presence. I would rather die than marry him. I do not think Chevet trusts him. either, but he has some hold Her Hand Closed Gently on Mine. and compels him to sell me as though I was a slave in the market. I am to be .made to marry him. I pray you let me see this Sieur d'Artigny that I may tell him all, and beseech his aid." "But why D'Artigny, my girl? What is the boy to you?" "Nothing absolutely nothing," I confessed frankly. "We have scarcely spoken together, but he is a gallant of true heart; he will never refuse aid to a maid like me. It will be joy for him to outwit this enemy of La Salle. All I ask is that I be permitted to tell him my story." Celeste sat silent, her white hands clasped, her eyes on the stained glass window. It was so still I could hear my own quick breathing. At last she spoke, her voice still soft and kindly. "I have no power, child, but I will speak with the mother superior, and repeat to her all I have learned. It shall be as she wills. Wait here, and you may trust me to plead for you." She seemed to fade from the room, and I glanced about, seeing no change since I was there before the same bare walls and floor, the rude settee, the crucifix above the door, and the one partially open window, set deep In the stone wall. Soon I was dimly aware that someone some-one had entered the apartment. It was the mother superior, looking smaller than ever in the gloom, and behind her, framed in the narrow doorway, door-way, his eyes smiling as though in enjoyment of my confusion, stood D'Artigny. I climbed down from the bench, feeling my cheeks buru hotly, and made obesiance. The mother's soft hand rested on my hair, and there was silence, so deep I heard the pounding pound-ing of my heart. "Child," said the mother, her voice low but clear. "Rise that I may see your face. Ah! it has not so greatly changed in the years, save that the eyes hold knowledge of sorrow. Sister Sis-ter Celeste hath told me your story, and if it be sin for me to graut your request then must I abide the penance, for it is in my heart to do so. Until I send the sister yuii may speak alone with Monsieur d'Artigny." She drew slightly aside, and the young man bowed low, hat in hand, then stood erect, facing me, the light from the window ou his face. "At your command, mademoiselle," he said quietly. "The mother tells me you have need of my services. This Hugo Chevet he is a brute. I know Is his abuse beyond endurance?" "No, no," I hastened to explain. "In his way he is not unkind. The truth is he has lived so long in the woods alone, he scarcely speaks. He he would marry me to Monsieur Cassion." Never will I forget the look of sheer delight on his face as these words burst from me. His hand struck the bench, and he tossed back the long hair from his forehead, his eyes merry with enjoyment. "Ah, good! By all the saints, 'tis even as I hoped. Then have no fear of my sympathy, mademoiselle. Nothing Noth-ing could please :ne like a clash with that perfumed gallant. He doth persecute per-secute you with his wooing?" "He has not spoken, save to Chevet; yet it Is seemingly all arranged without with-out my being approached." "No doubt they are hand in glove |