Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1869-10-13
Selrfte0 3llIseeIlanp.

From the French of D'Hele ]

He liked neither the play, nor wine, nor
race horses, nor opera-girls. His ednca-
ton. however, was gained at Paris, and his
teacher was an able; but nature cannot be
changed
The natural disposition of D'Orville was
ripened by reading romance. Ffe there im-
bibed sentiments so contrary to the fash
ions the day, and he took so little care to
conceal them, that his best friends consid-
cred him a downright original.
"What pity! said one 'the fellow has
wit and good figure, but he will never
make anything"
And he had no desire to make ANYTHING
but his happiness. To succeed in that
there was but one way, to love and be loved;
but loved as in romance. An ambitious
marriage, or even marriage de conven-
ance, appeared to his eyes unbearable sla-
very.
NJ Rondon. D'Orville's uncle, morlrned
over the caprices of hi heir, and wished.
by all means, to marry him with Mad. de
Faventine, very rich young widow of dis
tinguished family; but D'Orville's repugn-
ance was insurmountable
s'Spare yourself, my dear uncle" said
he, needless care. / do not wish your
beautiful widow, and | declare that even
she is the last woman to whom Iwould give
my hand"
''But you have not seen herr'
Nor do | wish to see her. What Hav-
ing seen me in | know not what public
place, this woman decides, addresses You,
and demands me in marriage as she would
ask for piece of stuff at Buffault's What
love! What delicacyp'
''Bnt if you knew how beautiful she is,
and how lovelyr
''Indeed! Why not espouse her yonr-
col % I II n.
riage."
''Yes, but she would not consent I'm
fortunately she prefers twenty-five to fifty
years. II it were not for that, [ tell you,
boy, the affair would have been already
arranged and should have the double
pleasure of Furnishing you and of securing
my own happiness"
"And that of your friends"--
'D'Orville! D'OryiIe! Respect Ma
dame de Faventine, or we will quarrel at
once"
''As much respect as you please, my un-
Gle, but no marriage"
The good Rondon bit his lips, twisted
the tassei of his cane, and muttered be-
tween his teeth words of experience of au-
therity and of exheredation; but nothing
could conquer the obstinary Of his nephew
ID OrYille's refusal did not come solely
rom the romance system he had adopted.
He loved, or at least he believed he loved,
which Is the same thing. He had met at
the ball of the Opera n mask, whose wit
had appeared to him so delicate, so subtle,
SO opposite to commonplace, so much in
contrast with the insipid tattle that reigns
in these nocturnal feasts, that he believed
himselft the happiest man in the world in
obtaining a rendezvous for the next ball
The unknown appeared Il ere without
attendance even, always masked 10 the
teeth, but always amiable, spiritual. inter
estIng
These conversations were CT ntinued
while the carnival lasted, and although the
mask was constantly kept on (a bad sign,
according to the knowing ones,) the pret-
test foot and the most beautiful hand ar-
cured favorably for the rest. In the midst
of this intoxication, DOrvilles uncle pro-
posed to him the alliance with Madame de
Fayentine, and suffered a refusal, OF which
he was far from divining the true cause.
In the neantime, the season was passing
without DOrville's being able to learn the
name or the residence ofhis dear unknown;
and to instruct himself, there remained but
the last ball. He went there precisely at
midnight, determined to undertake every
thing, prayers, tears, and even espionage,
bat the unknown did not appear
Filled with grief and anger, D'Orville left
the ball and went home. Scarcely had he
entered his house, when he received visit
from his uncle. New propositions on the
part of the young widow, renewed reiec-
tions on the part of D'Orville.
"How odd is my lotr' said he to himself
ga woman who has never seen me has de-
termined to espouse me- and [ am deter
mined in loving woman whom / have nev-
| hat haua
combined to enrage me. the one by her 81
lence, the other by her opportunities.
Whether he had OWNED justly or not,
the two ladies continued the same course,
and poor D'Orvilie, after having vainly
waite d for news of his dear unknown during
three entire weeks, delivered himself from
the prosecutions OF his uncle by leaving
Paris He had communicated his project
to one of his friends, who secured him n
mansion two leagues from the city. There
he took refuge, without other company
than that of La Fleur, his valet de chambre.
One day as he was walking in the neigh
boring woods, he saw two young peasant
girls seated under tree. The propriety
and even elegance Of their village habit at
tracted at once his regards. One held
book, which she appeared to read with in
terest. The other, her elbows on her
knees, and her face resting on her hands,
was in the attitude of one who listens. The
whiteness of her hands reminded him fhis
unknownS
''Heavensr' cried he, ''if the face should
correspond.
The exclamation interrupted the read
ing
My sister, Babet! Getup. Somebody is
here"
Babet rises confused, and discovers such
beautiful and ingenious features that the
brush of Greuze alone could give an idea
of their grace.
What a discovery for romantic imagin-
ation So much beauty, and in a forest,
how irresistiblel DOrviIle had not even
the desire to resist.
Enchanted by an adventure so conform
able to his character, he yields without ef-
fort to his romantic inclination.
"Whoeyer you may be" said he to the
villagers, edo not be alarmed at my pres
ence | do not come to trouble your soil
tude, nor your innocent pleasures. but al
low me to share them, and be sure that |
will not abuse your confidence.
This speech was not brilliant, but it was
pronounced in a tone so timid that it had
effect; for in love timidity is always persu-
asive. Babet and her companion, ,reassured
little by little, consent to resume their places
on the grass, and the happy D'Oryillo obtains
permission to seat himself near them. lie
requests them to continue their reading;
but Nicole, the elder, prefers conversation.
D'OrVIlle learns from her that she is the
widow of the farmer of the land of which
her iriend is the owner; that she remains
fhere with her cousin Babet; that this poor
Babet, although nearly eighteen, had not
been able to find husband who suited her;
fiat in truth she was a little difficult to
please: that she would wish such an intend
FL as we read of in story books, but every
body cannot expect that good fortune
THAT shall be your fortune, babeb SAID
DOryiEle, in a low tone, III your heatt can
respond to mine.
Nicole was willing to continue con
versation which could not but he interest
ing since Babet was its subject, when The
shadows began to gather and warned them
10 retire, after promising to meet at the