“Monsieur le Capitaine had been ill. Mademoiselle de St. Roques said that doubtless it would make him well, and would comfort greatly Madame votre mère, could they but hear of your welfare. Then I said to Mademoiselle that I would myself go to Bitche, and would in time bring word of Monsieur to Verdun. And she emptied her pocket of all the money that she had—cette bonne Demoiselle—and said I might have what more I wanted, so that only I could bring word of Monsieur.” “But Captain Ivor—what was wrong with him? Ill, you said.” Jean discreetly did not repeat all that Lucille had said. “Monsieur le Capitaine had fallen ill after his march from Valenciennes, and he was so troubled about Monsieur at Bitche, that it retarded his recovery, so Mademoiselle informed me. And I thought, if I might but compass Monsieur’s escape from that terrible Bitche, and could take word that he was gone to England, then Monsieur le Capitaine would have a light heart, and would grow strong once more.” “Jean, you’re the best fellow that ever was!” muttered Roy. “Won’t they be glad!” (_To be continued._) FOOTNOTES: [1] Fact. * * * * * [Illustration: A GROUP OF GALLICIAN EGGS.] EASTER EGGS. In many European countries the egg is a prominent feature in the observance of Easter. Many things indicate, however, that the Easter egg is older than that great Christian feast. It seems probable that the egg was dedicated to the goddess of Spring and played an important part in the heathen spring festivals. Even to-day all sorts of curious superstitions attach themselves to eggs laid on Maundy Thursday. They are supposed to protect those who eat them from all sorts of diseases, and it is firmly believed that if a shepherd buries the shells of one or more of these Maundy eggs in his pasture land, he will not lose a single sheep during the year following. It is no doubt owing to the strong belief in their power of conferring benefits that we send eggs to our friends at Easter. But long before the observance of Easter people wanted to improve upon the eggs as they came out of the nest, and proceeded to spend time and talent in colouring and beautifying their shells. Originally Easter eggs were coloured red, which to our forefathers was a symbol of the rising sun. Later, all possible colours were used for this purpose, and the eggs were adorned with coloured patterns, pictures and proverbs. [Illustration: GIRL ENGRAVING EGGS.] Here and there, especially in Austria, this custom still obtains, and in many of the villages and districts may be found skilled “Egg Painters,” who supply artistically-ornamented eggs at Easter.