France -- History -- Revolution, 1789-1799 -- Fiction; Orphans -- Fiction; Sisters -- Fiction
There dawned happier days wherein justice bore sway, and little
gardens of flowers and love and happiness again sprang up and
flourished. Among these blooming gardens let us seek the refuge of
Count and Countess de Linieres after the Storm has abated and the
kinsfolk it has sundered are united. The sisters of our story are
their especial care, daughter and foster-daughter of the exquisite
chatelaine.
Young Maurice de Vaudrey is their pride. The old gentleman has
reconciled himself to the passing of the Ancient Regime, and through
his nephew's good office has made his peace with the State.
On a bright and beautiful day as Henriette is flitting about the
garden, the Doctor--none other than our old friend of La Force--comes
with a precious gift.
"The removal of the cataract has been successful," he says, presenting
Louise. "Is it not a joy that she can see?"
The girls intertwine arms and laugh happily. The parents approach.
Henriette and Louise embrace the Count, now their foster parent and
protector. Back of the Count limps the devoted Pierre, now fully
restored from his old hurt of the bayonet thrust. Pierre is to be the
Countess's especial care.
That lovely lady has received her daughter Louise within her arms, a
daughter who for the first time can look upon the mother of whose
loving care she was deprived for a score of years. In a few moments
Henriette summons her sister to her side as a young man, whom we
should all recognize, joins the little company.
"Allow me to present to your new eyes Monsieur Maurice de Vaudrey--"
then with a shy smile and a glance back and forth, Henriette adds:
"_Do you approve of him?_"
Recurs the memory of that almost forgotten incident in the Normandy
home--Henriette's promise to stay single till the blind sister should
win sight and approve the suitor. Louise is so happy that she decides
to tease. She is about to shake her small head and her lips to frame
"NO!" But in another moment she uses her new gift to inspect the
marvelous young man of whose perfections she had so often heard.
She looks at Maurice from top to toe; the shapely head covered with
luxuriant locks, the fine brown eyes, the Apollo features comely yet
sensitive, the elegant form, small hands and feet, the graceful and
chivalrous carriage--the MAN who is looking at her with a kindly
affectionate smile. Really, Henriette hadn't told her half enough! She
clasps her sister with one hand, Maurice with the other, cries:
"YES!"
We may leave our hero and heroine there--as Louise and the oldsters
presently left them--to taste the exquisite happiness of mutual love.
For Love is stronger than Death, and must prevail. And the kisses of
Maurice and Henriette blotted out all the wrack and nightmare of the
"Orphans of the Storm!"
THE END
EDGAR RICE BURROUGH'S NOVELS
May be had wherever books are sold. Ask for Grosset & Dunlap's list.
TARZAN THE UNTAMED
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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