National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1871-07-14
"You do not entertain very high opn

To make himself more popular, VIII auVlsc
him. and think he will listen TO me-"
II detest popular man. But if you
wish to advise NJ. Dechamps, tell him as his
chateau il surrounded by many poor, to
throw open his garden, to them once a
week. provide dinner, and make il gala
day besides this, he could relieve the
wants of many. 1t is for charitable pur-
pose that ! an stealing sketch OF this
chateau. intend to make painting OF
it, and to sell il, expecting that the pro-
ceeds will make comfortable family OF
six. Were rich would not do this but,
alas, my means are not great but | do
more than your employer with all his
wealth, and was determined he should in
some way do something"
''lle may object TO this public sale of his
private property"
Il expect him to object, and | hope his
objections will be great
And why so p
because shall tell him that the only
means by which he can prevent the pubic
sale is to buy the picture himself, and be-
lieye ne, slall name high price Tor II.
~ very clever idea bat lear You will
fail
And wherefore p
because NJ Dechamps will be forced
into nothing
"lle will not refuse the request Of a
lady ~
That is different thing replied VI.
Dechamps, blushing at the thou"tt OF his
own gallantry.
"Then that is precisely they y in which
| shall make my request, and | am conf
dent OF success. Now must go, and !
trust you will not betray me, or if you do,
you shall share in the purchase
II give you my word, shall say moth
ing, and as proof of my sincerity will, II
YOU wish it, let you see the interior OF the
chateau. NJ. Dechamps will be tomorrow
where he is to-day you will see no one
but me, aid shall feel proud to conduct
SO estinabe a lady through the chateau"
delightful. III find NJ. Dechamps half
a polite when | see him as his steward. !
shall become his champion, and begin to
think that envy has painted him worse
than he is. What time shall come to-
morrow p
"Your own convenience must decide
that
''Ihen would suggest the morning
everything is so bright and enjoyable in
the morning. Will eleven be too e;rly ~
Not at ALL"
"Tsen | shall be here at that hour, Ii
i, but just that YOU should know who |
am. My husband was NJ. Paul Jelrolt,
brother to the Marquis of G; he was,
M you have heard, of course, killed in a
duel which originated in fancied insult
to me. 1t is Just two years ago, and ever
world can call my own the pretty little
villa, scarcely mile from here. You will, !
Of course, tell NJ. Dcchamps Of my visit
you may also tell him who am--as do
not care to cater to his vanity by having
hlm suppose was some poor creature Who |
viewed his elegance as something new to
me-"
"All shall be as you wish, madame"
"iou are most kind, monsieur, and |
appreciate your civility Bon jour
NJ Dechamps raised his hat, the little
widow gave bewitchng bow and galloped
out of sight, leaving the bachelor bewil- |
dered but fully sensible to her charms, and
thoroughly ashamed of himself, not as she |
knew him. but as he was.
The following morning was, if anything,
brighter than the preceding one, and the
little widow prettier and happier. She
had paid great attention to her appearance,
though she wore the same habit; il was
turned over in front, and displayed spot
less chemisette finished off at the neck by
Il jaunty green bow; her hair was in light, |
graceful rlnglets, all of which had the effect |
of making her look still more childish, still |
more piquant.
Any difficulty Nine. Jerrolt had antici-
pated III finding the steward was removed |
by seeing that individual standing actually |
at the gates. Yes. it was an actual fact,
VI. Dechamps had arisen at nine, and with
out ringing his bell, SO that the chateau .
still maintained its morning tranquility, /
and so well trained were the servants that
had the bell not sounded for a week, no
one would have ventured to intrude upon
NJ. Dechamps, who, after rising, went
through his chateau to ascertain If all
looked as it should to receive visitor.
Precisely at eleven he was waiting at the
gates, and precisely two minutes after that
hour the little widow arrived.
"Are you here to receive me, or to tell
me | must not enter 7" was Nine. Jer-
rolt's greeting.
81 am here to conduct you through both
grounds and chateau by permission-nay,
| may say request of Nj. Dcchamps, who
expressed himself as honored by your Civ
ing his chateau moments consideration"
An hours ride, side by side, brought
them to the chateau, and there the admi-
a+;n,, of NaIama Jnrrolf lnew M hounds
nor did the admiration of NJ. Dechamls for
hls far, bewitching visitor.
One. two and three hours had passed,
and still both fingered to examine and re-
examine the wondrous paintings, the rare
books. the antique furniture, ard, in fact,
everything that fell within reach of their
eyes.
By this time Nine. Jsrrolt siguifed her
wish to depart. NJ. Declamps assisted
her to her horse, mounted his own and
rode to the gate with her little or no con-
yersation passed between them. At part
ing Nine. Jerrolt, without knowing why,
held her hand out. NJ. Dechamps took it,
knowing full well why be did so.
He watched the widow out Of sight and
then on the wings Of delight and hunger
be flew back to the chateau, rang his bell,
set his household In motion, and, late as 1t !
was. sat down TO bis breakfast. The valet
wondered, the cook grlmbled, the butler
,vas Indifferent, and the coachman imra-
tient NJ Dechamps was intensely happy,
and from that day be never lost the sensa-
tion.