The Fifth of October

is why human beings love her still. She stood the test like a Queen and a heroine--yet she was normal and womanly. It makes you feel as if every human woman might possibly have heroism, if the need came." She looked about at the quiet little old buildings among the trees. "Yes, indeed, people love Marie Antoinette after a hundred years. I think after a thousand they will love her the same."

Alixe's gaze came back to her new friend's face, and she saw with astonishment that the Frenchwoman's blue eyes were full of tears.

"Is it the truth?" the stranger asked, with a slight break across the words. "It would be pleasant to Marie Antoinette of France to know that. She cared most for that--for love--far more than for greatness. She would have been glad to have lived--to have died, even, I believe--if she might know what Mademoiselle has told me."

The girl was surprised at the emphasis which the newcomer appeared to lay on her words; yet she considered the emotional French nature, and it came t