Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-10-26
THE VELVET HAT.

1t was bright October evening, and
gay bunting party were gathered around tn,
hospitabe board OF the Marquis de Marso
Vile. The table groaned beneath the gooC
cheer, 80 welcome to the hungry guests
WHOSE long ride in the clear, keen air haC
sharpened their appetites. But at length
the generous meal was over when, as they
arose from the table, the Count Enguerrar
de Sorges stepped to the dining room door
and made sign to servant wearing hi:
livery.
Raphael said he, in low voice, ''tht
horses at four O. clock, and see that you dc
not sleep too late
What infamous treason T. cried the
marquis, v no had surprised the secret order.
Gentlemen denounce you !"
Hush T. said Enguerran to his host,
with confused smile, taking his arm.
Not another word, if you would grieve
me"
My patience - cried the marquis, quick
ly, but you grieve me, Enguerran. Why
80 tomorrow? Now, come countermand
that disagreeabIe order, and pass it off as a
joke.
But must go, Ellie. l have promis
ed"
"Whom?' demanded the marquis, with
amerry expression of curiosity.
My wife -
The face Of the marquis expressed a sur
prise doIcful and profound that it called
a smile to the lip Of Elguerran.
'.Z5unds :" exclaimed The marquis, glan
ciug IL mis- friends, who had lighted their
cigars, already talked of going to bed at
nine clock, like true huutsmen as they
were. Il must go and give glance at the
eucampment, which l have had prepared
for those brave boys, aud if you will await
me moment in your chamber, which is
next to mine"
Wiling replied Enguerran, land |
Will try to make you appreciate my excuse.
1t must be good, said the marquis al.
most sadly then he added to himself as he
left the room: TO his wife He said so. .
\ half hour after the two friends were
seated before cheerful fire, in luxuriou.
arm-chairs, wrapped in their dressing gowns,
their feet in slippers, and smoking cigars
that the King of Spain might have envied.
Yes to my wife the Count de Sorge:
calmly repeated, for the third time, to the
iucrcdulous question of the marquis.
Permit me to say to you, remarked the
latter, an elegant young man, but, like 4
great many Of that age, little atheistica
upon the subject Of ccnjugal faith, per
hi, ME TO say that you almost led me tc
s0ppose-''
Well, what?"
Ny faith are you in love with youl
wiie2 There, it is out, and will not recall
IT,"
4 am, indeed" said Enguerran, gravely
Let me ask, my dear Ellie, what is there
strange in that?"
Il DO not know madame, the Countess d.
Sorge, my dear Enguerran, replied Mar
s0yille, with supreme politeness.
Il should be most happy to present yol
to her, my dear friend
Thank you, Rnguerran. l hope yo,
will very soon. But it seems to me that sh
Is very dear to you. considering that yor
have been married year
Two years, if you please
Two years And you are still"
In love with madame? Yes, my friend
Iagrce with you.
The deuce - cried the marquis. "Iol
talk as if it we're the most natural thing ii
the world. If we lived in the time of ia
rles, | should believe that this wonderful
woman possessed some talisman.'
May be she does" said de Sorges, wit
mysterious air
Good :" said de Marsoville, putting hi
cigar.
If sou are not sleepy, Ellie, | can sho'
you what an influence an apparently insig
niicant and triaing object may have upo
aman whole life.
What, for instance?"
\ velvet hat
A what ?" cried the marquis, who tho
he must be dreaming
4 velvet hat -
oh zounds No indeed, l have I
desire for sleep, cried the marquis. Con
this story begins well, but where in ii
world Is the analogy?"
Patience - said NJ. de Sorges, ''yC
shall hear. 1t is two years this winter SIN
], one morning, accompanied my cousl
the Baroness de Varignau, upon visit
her miiner During the thousand detai
OF ribbon, gauze, and lace, which are of
much importance to ladies, found mys'
little wearied, and, having nothing part
ular to take up my attention, my eyes wa
dered accidentally"