Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/204

Rh would like to have her tell him stories? She knew he would! But just then she recollected that he could not understand her stories, and this was a sad reflection. She sighed, and took up her French Reader.

The next morning, long before the ladies could possibly arrive, all was in readiness at the château. Bertrand, in his best clothes, was in the hall to receive them, and when they had shaken hands, he asked if they would like to go over the house. The ladies were very willing, and the old Antoine, who acted as butler, proudly escorted them from room to room. Ellie was awe-struck at the long, shadowy apartments, the dark tapestries and carvings, the air of gloom and silence and desertion. Mrs. Vaughn for her part, felt the tears in her eyes as she thought of the feeble little heir to all this grandeur.

"Has your young master been ill long?" she asked Antoine.