Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1867-09-28

the Bornos were eager and pTofuse In
congratulations and inquiries. nj. de
Belandi told every one that 1t was cap
itaI thing; that there was sure to be a
gay wedding; aud he loked Elise, and
encouraged M. A. VILLAIN. Everybody
observed what high spirits MI. de Be
landi was in; and yet for all this he
caught himself signing as he thought OF
Elise going away. But he was not
selfish man, and he felt that il was quite
time for his little friend TO marry.
After little time, however. nj. de
Belandi fancied that the young lover re-
tnrned from his visits to Maison Point
neuf rather too quiet and silent IN
mood; though any allusiOn to the family
only made him warmly declare that the
more he saw of the lady the more he
admired her.
"Then pray hurry on the marriage.
my friend, returned nj. de Belandi;
for il is very clear THAT the counting does
not suit you. You grow thinner and
paler every day.
But nj. A. de VILLAIN only laughed.
liz was quite gay time at the old
Maison Potneuf, SO many people came
70 hear call about it," and the father
and mother were not at all disinclined
10 tell the romantic story over again,
and receive the congratulations of their
neighbors. But when any one ven
tured TO speak to Elise herself, she
drew M and said congratulations
were premature; it was true that the
gentleman had done her the honor to
ask her hand, but nothing was settled;
which speech caused great deal of
surprise and talk. And then, as time
went on, aud remarks were made on
the evident gravity and pale looks oil
the suitOr, people began to speculate,
and even a few bets were made as 10
what would be the ultimate end OF 1t
all. After the first greetings, tins
question was asked by every one:-
well, and what does klademOlselle
Elise saw now?" or, "Has Mademoiselle
Elise said yes?" And nj. de Belandi.
who knew every one, grew excited and
anxious. and warmly expressed has GER
tainty that all wonld come right.
ssYou are all right, and l am getting
IN &" remarked nj. A. de VILLAIN one day
10 his host of friends, II cannot hear
this any longer, and i have written
home 60 say that shall return lmme-
diately."
"A1d when is the marriage to take
place."
"Neverl No, see plainly that she
does not care for me-at least not as
care for her. L have struggled against
this conviction, and thought l might
win her at last But she says neither
yes nor no, aud feel sure she IS partly
led on by not liking to disappOlnt her
friends-yourself first and foremost, for
it is easy to see that you have a great
influence over her. Even If she were
to say yes to-day, L don't think
should wish il. feel 1 have not won
her heart, and it has always been my
dream and wish to marry FOR love-lOve
on both sides. So, thanking you over
and over again for your great kindness,
/ have decided to go and take my
leave"
NJ. de Belandi was in bis garden,
smoking his cigar, when this converse
ton took place, and he continued to
pace up and down between the orange
trees in silence. Then suddenly turn
ing to the other he said:
II shall 90 at once to the Maison
Pontneuf and you can follow me by and
by"
NJ. A. de Villain shook his head, for
he was convinced that his friends we'll
meant interference would do no good,
and he remained thinking 1T all over,
trying to find some clue to Elise's feel
ings.
Meanwhile Nj. de Belandi arrived at
the sombre old house, and, rushing mp
the steps quicker than usual, he thought
himself lncky in finding Elise and her
dog in the drawing rooom.
She was at once aware that there was
something unusual in his face, and this
brought a bright and becoming color to
her cheeks.
"How is this, EIise?" he said, trying
TO be angry. Il never suspected you
of being cOquette.
And then he went on, in a somewhat
excited manner, to upbraid her for keep
ing the poor yonng fellow IN suspense
so long.
81 don't think that / have done that,
she said in a low voice, and with down
east eyes. 81 always told him that
the truth, in fact. But he hoped /
should change. Aud yOu see every
hurried things ON SO very much. And
then papa and mamma seemed to wish
for it so very much, nd-you-and--
and"
"Of course they did,-of course we
did, and do; and I'll tell you what,
Elise, that yon are throwing away "A
chance you will never have again.
There are not many young men like
him, can tell you. What can be your
objection? The fact Is, you are proud. |
Nothing will suit you less than prince. |
But let me tell you, as an old privileged |
friend, that it is one thing to JOIN a
young giIl in her walk, and pay COM
pliments, and take chair by her in
the gardens, and dance with her, and |
SO on; but quite another thing to ask |
her IN marriage. Ever since that
Prince de has been introduced To |
You 1 have observed change. Don't |
be offended, mon annie, / speak for
your good. 1t has made me sorry to |
see that poor young man so low and
cast down; and after each visit he gets
more and more SO. Flesh and blood
can't stand it, aud 1 agree with him
that it is best to end it at once. He
says be shall return home, and is com
ing to say adieu. Now it rests with
yourself, Elise. If he really goes or not.
And-there he is, / know his step"
Giving her an extra friendly hand
pressure, to make mp for his rough
words, he left the place clear for final
walk. he felt the necessity for quick
Il. A