Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1858-06-04

that he had missed his way. Some infor-.
nation was indispensable. and to ask it,
he directed his steps towards house oi
modest appearance at which he had Just
stopped in his false path.
He crossed well cultivated kitchen
garden, and approaching the house he
heard fresh silvery voice utter these
words:
wait minute, I am coming
This voice made him tremble; he
thought he recognised that of Mademois-
ellie Armande. with whom, however. he
had conversed but little.
He approached softly and saw young
lady occupied with a very prosaio care.
She was feeding her chickens. Her
back was turned towards NJ. Rene. He
saw only her form, which was charming
in her calico dress. Her head disappear
ed under large hat of coarse straw
The hand which threw out the grain was
small and delicate, but brown by the sun.
Everything he saw reminded him Of
Armande. But how could he believe it
was she? The pearl of fine ladies in a
calico dress and peasants hat The
queen Of the watering place feeding hens!
When she had given out all the corn
which was in her apron. she turned and
passed near NJ. Rene without seeing him;
but he had plainly seen her. and it was
the charming face Of MAIDEN oiselle Ar
mande Drowned little like her hands.
He remained moment speechless.-
He then went into the house and found
Mademoiselle Armande employed in set.
Ting the household accounts with the
cook.
His surprise deprived him of speech.
and he had some trouble in explaining
the motive Of his sudden apparation.
'Joana will show you your road direct.
ly. unless you will rest yourself little,
while said Armande, pointing to the ad-
joining room, the door of which which
was open.
1t was little parlor in which NJ. Rene
found the father and mother of the young
lady. and the ambitious godmother who
had carried her to the waters. He asked
the aunt and niece il they did not recol-
Get him. The aunt answered that she
did not.
1T seems to me as if had seen you.
but cannot tell where or when, replied
the young lady.
NJ: Rene fell little saddened that
Mademoiselle Armande had preserved
only a vague and confused remembrance
of him. He reminded the ladies that he
had met them at the baths.
The young lady smiled as she glanced
at her country toilet. Her aunt sighed
as she thought of the failure of her hopes.
Before taking his leave. NJ. Rene inn
proved his position as neighbor to OBJ
tain permission to come again. He came
the next day aud found the queen of the
waters making preserves.
Every day he surprised her thus en-.
gagged in household cares. always simple,
natural. modest, happy. The metamor.
phose was complete, or rather the queen
for day turned for a moment from her
true vocation, had returned with Joy to
her own habits aud tastes.
You do not, then. regard the plea
sures Of last summer p asked NJ Rene.
Not at all l leave the regrets to my
good aunt. It was to please her that l
went with her to the waters
DO you return there next summer 2
No, indeed; once is enough; was
quite weary OF them
What do you say-was not the place
full Of enchantment to you? Were there
not new fetes when you displayed your
self in charms and ornaments, surround.
ed by homage and admiration 2
Il may appear very absurd to you, but
these fetes aud this great world fatigued
me. l was made to play. | felt ridicu.
lous in those dresses of which you speak,
and in those six weeks of forced elegance
| became disgusted with the toilet for the
rest of my life.'
Meantime you would not be sorry to
find again next winter the pleasures Of
Paris?'
We do not go to Paris this year; Pa
ris is too dear
What. do you resign yourself to the
existence one leads in a little provincial
city 2
4 have already passed one winter in
this little city, and enjoyed myself very
much here. A country girl and pea
SAINT: this is what am. and own il
frankly
But if husband should tako YOU to
Paris q
L should obey
And it this husband were-me.'
Armande blushed and cast down her
eyes. After moments silence, the mar
riageable young lady made, timidly, some
objections.
Perhaps said she. you think me
richer than l am
L know said NJ. Rene, that you
have very fne dowry.'
But no. | have only eighty thousand
francs
You have much more than that
How 2