Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1866-01-17

luIcIoS VI tiIc CIVIL Oho VI al A-t "AeA
face at once of sweet and sad ex-
preston, appeared on the porch, and
came to meet Rodolphe eagerly, but
with much respect.
Maria became purple with shame,
and descended from the carriage after
moments hesitation.
Good day, my good Madame Geor-
ges, said Rodolphe; you see [ am
Ipunctual;' then turning to the coach
man, and putting some money in his
hands, he said, You can return to
Paris
The coachman, a little squat man,
with his hat pulled over his eyes, and
his face almost entirely concealed by
the fur collar of his coat, pocketed the
money, made no answer, but mounting
his seat whipped up his horses, and
soon disappeared down the green
lane
After so long drive, this dumb
coacinnan appears in a great hurry to
return at first thought Rodolphe.
Bah it is only two o'clock; no doubt
he wants to get back as soon as he
can, to make the most of the rest of
the day. so he attached no Importance
to his first observation. Maria ap-
preached with troubled and alarmed
air, and whispered to him, SO as not to
be heard by Madame Georges, My
God Monsieur Rodolphe, pardon me.
You have sent away the carriage-but
the Ogresse? alas [ must return to
her tonight, otherwise she will think
me thief; my clothes belong to her,
[ owe BE comforted, my child it
is for me to ask your pardon My
pardon, and for what?' For not
having told you sooner that you can
take off these miserable clothes for
others that Madame Georges will fur
nish you. She has some that will a.
bout suit you, and she will no doubt
lend them to you: thus, you see, she
already commences her part of aunt
Maria thought she was in a dream,
she looked alternately at Rodolphe
and Madame Georges, and could not
believe what she had heard.
How, said she, her voice trembling
with emotion, i shall return no more
to Paris ? | shall remain here? Mad
anne will allow it? Can it be possible +!
I'll o-+1a -, h., air IpoOl1- -
1t was this farm-you see it real
lied
No, no, it is too much-too much
happiness
One can never have too much hap
piness, Maria
'Ah for PHYS sake do not deceive
met would kill me-
My dear child, believe me, said Ro-
dolphe, in a voice always affectionate,
but with an accent of dignity, which
Maria had never yet heard. Yes,
you can from this day, if you wish,
pass with Madame Georges, that peace
full life, of which the picture just now
. 50 much enchanted you. Although
Mrs. Georges is not your aunt, yet she
will have for you, when you know her,
the most tender interest; you will
pass for her niece with the people of
the farm; this little deception will
render your situation more agreeable.
So | repeat once more, if it pleases
you, Maria, you can realize your
dream of this morning. As soon as
: you are dressed as a little country
: girl, he added, smiling, we will take
: you to see your future favorite, Mus
ette, the pretty white heifer who is
; waiting for her fine collar you have
+ promised her; then we will 90 and
5 take a glance at your friends, the
!, pigeons, and then to the dairy. We
e will afterward take walk over the
farm, hold to fulfil my promise
a Maria clasped her hands with force
!, surprise, joy, gratitude, and respect
were expressed on her beautiful face
e with her eyes bathed in tears, she
/ cried.
Mr.. Rodolphe, are you, then, an
? angel from heaven, that you do so
/ much good to the unfortunate without
t knowing them, and deliver them from
shame and misery?' MY poor child,
|. answered Rodolphe, with a smile ol
5 profound melancholy and ineffable
5 goodness, although young. | have ii
o my life already suffered much; that
: will explain to you my compassion fol
T those Who suffer. Maria 90 with
Madame Georges. Before leave,
must have some conversation with you
and | shall depart very happy, il
knowing that you are happy.
! Maria answered not a word, but she
|, approached Rodolphe, and bending
her knees, took his hand, which sh,
- carried respectfully to her lips, witt
~ ~ modesty and grace; then she followed
~ ~ Madame Georges, who appe ared tt
= = regard her with great interest.
N The End.
y
It mot To BE CONTINUED