Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-08-09
CLEARFIELD WEDNESDAY, AUGUST y, 1894.

Henrique, in passing through the garden, saw
her sitting in an arbor, at its foot, with her
eyes fixed musingly on the ground.
8. 1t is fine day, Mademoiselle Marie"
said he, approaching her.
She started, for she had not been aware of
his approach land murmered an affirmative. lie
laid down his pruning knife, and stepping into
the arbor, he sat down on rustic bench at
her side 1t was now his turn to look embar-
rassed.
Marie" said he, after pause, ssthere is
question L wish to ask, but hardly know how
to set about it. Will you promise not to be
offended 2''
ssI do not think you would ask any question
which would render it necessary"
9. Tell me then why for some days past you
have seemed to avoid me, and when in my
presence, have shown q reserve and constraInt
altogether different from the friendly famil-
iarity YOU used to evince. Have l offended
in any way Ifso, will gladly make repar-
alton, for value your regard and good opin-
ion highly"
:. There is nothing in which you have Of
Tended me'' said Marie in tremulous voice.
&c am glad of it, - said Henrique, his face
frightening, for it emboldens me to make still
another request. l love you, Marie,'' he adj
ded, impulsively. ssI love you most devoted
ly. You must have noticed it in my looks,
and every action. Do you remember the
evening when 1 sang by request song,
sc sKnow'st thou my love9' 1t was of my own
composition, as said. Did you not divine,
dear Marie, that it was of you [ was singing ~
Marie started with surprise, and a blush of
pleasure mantled her features.
ssWas it indeed of me that you were sing
ing / thought-that is, did not know
Marie did not finish the sentence. Henrique
perceived at glance, that herein lay the Sc
cret of her apparent cstrangement, but with
true delcacy he forbore to speak of it.
Nav hope,'' he asked timidly, s'that
am not wholly Indifferent to you? I am poor
it is true, but the recent legacy of relative
has given me the means of supporting you in
comfort
If YOU think me worth taking,'' said Ma
| rie, with engaging frankness, ssyou may have
me.''
When the engagement of Henrique, and
! nounced an excellent match. 1t was mooted
| question which was the more fortunate, the
| bridegroom or the bride.
| ssI shall never more believe in fortune tell
| ing" said Marie to Henrique day she
sat busily employed in preparations for her
approaching marriage.
Why not 2'' he asked.
So Because was the reply, sit was foretold
of me that should wed title, and become
mistress of fair estate"
g Was that the prediction % he asked in
surprise? Who told you 2''
| "a sybil who was passing through the vii
lage. But put no credit in it. told her if
ever it should come to pass l would provide
for her.
And are you sure that you do not regret
the non-fulillment of the prediction ?''
g Can you ask 20 said she reproachfully.
1t was the bridal morning. The sun shone
out with more than ordinary splendor, as if to
do honor to the occasion. Before the altar of
the village church stood reverently Henrique
| and Marie, and the white-haired priest pro-
nounced with trembling voice the word which
united them. The nuptial blessing was scarce
| Iv over when an old woman bent with infrmity
passed up the aisle and stood before the bride.
| 81 have come to claim your promise,'' said
| she.
1t was the old sooth sayer-
g Butt said Marie, sit was dependent ON
my marrying a title. You see l have not done
| so. You were wrong"
Rather'' said the old woman, raising her
voice, s.it is you who are wrong. Madame La
| Comtesse."
| ss What can she mean ?'' asked Marie, look
ing towards her husband with surprise.
ss She is right, Marie,'' said he gently. 'sIn
me behold not Henrique Armand simply, but
Count Henrique D'Armand, the possessor OF
much weRlth, but Of none more precious than
yourself. Listen, and viii explain all. Be-
| ing desirous of seeing country life in all It's
varieties, and minging in it without being
known, found my way to your pleasant viii
age The rest you know. VIII you forgive
me q;
| 1t is needless to say that pardon was accord
| ed. and that Marie graced the high station to
which she had been elevated. Her promise
to the sybil was fulfilled SO the letter. a.
A SUFrERER.-A. garrulous fop, who had
annoyed by his frivolous remarks his partner
in the ballroom, among other empty nothings,
asked whether s.she had ever had her ears
| pierced 2''
.No,'' was the reply; ssbut I've often had
them bored!''