Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1855-05-30

income, Euphrasie was loo rich to find,
IN Bonij. suitable match. No sultor
had dared to present himself, except
cousin, Pamphile Jovin by name, dolt
whom she had already refused, but who
persevered like good fellow, and al
ways returned to the charge.
Monsieur Lombard, in passing through
Montargis, had recollected that The late
Monsieur DutiolliS, his friend, had left
widow, and only daughter, and suffi-
ciently large fortune. He went to Bonij,
found Euphrasie to his liking, and made
his proposition, which was acc pied.
Jovin was enraged at the event. He
had counted upon his perseverance, and
upon the small opportunities that Mon
targis afforded but when he saw Paris
enter in competition, the poor fellow lost
all hope
The day before Leon was to arrive at
Bonij, Madame Dutollois was conversing
with her daughter upon her future du-
ties and rights. Euphrasie, who for an
hour had maintained a thoughtful 81
lence, suddenly interrupted her moth
er, and said -
" 1t seems to me that we have been
too hasty in accepting Monsieur Durand
upon the recommendation of his uncle %
Monsieur Lombard" replied Mad
anne Dutillois, sis incapable of deceiv-
ing us. Besides, my attorney has made
all necessary inquiries. l do not doubt
the six thousand livres income of Mon
sieur Durand; am convinced that he is
of good family, and that his habits are
good"
"Ah that is sufficient for you," said
Euphrasie-''yourrespons of moth
er is taken care of; yon will be comfort
ably settled with your daughter: but
this is not all that is to be considered for
me this gentleman must please me, and
| remarked that Monsieur Lombard,
while he extolled the character of his
nephew, avoided speakiBg Qf his person
al attractions"
The fact was, that Monsieur Lombard
had shown himself very cautious upon
this point, and that, too, fer very sim
pie reason it was that Monsieur Lom-
bard esteemed but one kind of beauty
among men. His beau ideal of man
was to be five feet ten inches in height,
shoulders well set, complexion clear, and
beard enormous Leon was far from
possessing these brilliant facultie ;; so that
Monsieur Lombard, fndin;! him out of
favor with nature, contended himself
saying, "I am sure you will not find
him disagreeable - This ambiguous
phrase had thrown Euphrasie into state
of doubt and sad perplexity.
"Ah, WE'LL" said Madame Dutillois,
"you are still perfectly free; there has
been no agreement signed. Ycu will
see Monsieur Durand TO morrow, and if
he does not suit you, we will dismiss
him. But I'll wager that he will please
you"
"That is it! Your confidence is your
strength, and that is why you say so
careIessly, I'VE will dismiss him. Do
you believe, then, that it will be so easy
to say to his face, You do not please
us we find you disagreable and ugly J
In fine, dear mother, when you shall be
placed in that situation, and it is neces-
sary to bestow such compliment, shall
see you so embarrassed, so troubled,
that, in pity, and to get you cut of your
dilemma, L will consent to marry him
Oh ! have it now happily, L have
thought of a way to arrange it adj.
"Ah F! pray, what is it?''
'This is it: tell Stephen to harness
the horses to the coupe. In three hours
we will be at Montargis we will get out
at the hotel where the diligence stops
I No one wifi know US, and We will sup a
the table d'hote, with the travellers. ]
shall see Monsieur Durand, and if he
does not please me, you will write hin
very polite note, which will make i
unnecessary 70 him TO come to Bonij
and will spare US troublesome explana'
ton. What think you of my plan? ?"
When Madame Dutillois and hel
daughter arrived at Muntargis, and des
cended at the hotel, it was nine o'clock
and supper was over. Failing, thus, t.
see Leon at the table d'Aote, EuphrasiC
interrogated the hostess, who replied t
her questions with much zeal.
Among the travellers from Paris, 10
day, you have one Monsieur Durand %
Yes, Mademoiselle, yes; a youn:
man who is about to marry in our neigh
borhood, Judging from his conversation
He said that he wished to go to Bonij
tomorrow, and Thomas is TO take hin
there in his cabriolet for five francs. l
is not worth but hrfe, but when one i
going to see his lady-love, he don't min'
a little extra expense The ladies ar
acquainted with Monsieur Durand ?
Shall tell him you are here ? He ha
not yet retired, for there is a light in hi