The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1872-02-17
Otter

"tto bup tLiuu iiiotdlU disappear
around corner. But it was an easy
task to keep up with her. [ did SO,
remaining just far enough in the rear
not to attract her attention or that of
other pedestrians.
/ beg you won't think the worse of
me for this impulsive pursuit. / had
no other end in view than to take one
good, long, satisfactory look into her
sweet face. And for this purpose I
followed her up and down various
streets, loitered while she did one or two
simple errands, and hurried on when
she appeared.
Once she fingered a moment to listen
to tn band. [ could partly see her
face now, and as she started up after a
little delay, | saw slow, thoughtful
smile break over it, as if she had said
to herself
All, Lima this won't Go for you
you have business on hand"
For business it must be, had decid-
cided. What else could bring cele-
brated prin0 donna out into the
streets alone by night
At last [ found myself delaying be-
fore large old fashioned house-old-
fashioned even for Brussels-a house
with low projecting caves and immense
dormer windows, brown and weather.
beaten, and swept by the branches of a
large linden tree, one of two double
rows which lined the street.
The basement story appeared to be a
shop of some sort-lights were burning
within, and small show of wares APP
peared in the window At the door
opening here, my young girl stopped
raped, more than once; and, at last,
after great deal CT preliminary rat
ting of bolts and bars, it swung open,
and revealed curious figure of q wo-
man in soiled coneisOle, with her
hair all hid away In a white handker-
them-more picturesque than becoming
to my mind"
$50 ate-late-always late Where
have you been ldling now, I wonder,
ungrateful." grumbled this figure, in a
petulant voice.
The tone which answered her was
mellow and sweet-just strain of in
dignation IN it, as was quite natural.
cit was not my fault, ma tonte.
there was much to dol came away
directly the pictures were mounted.
''Baen! Bien. come in then Is it
| you propose to keep me standing here
all night ? " and with that she extended
hand, and drew the girl IN with more
energy than gentleness. The door was
shut with violence, and ] was left alone
under the stars with my amazement and
doubt.
Had the printseller deceived me2 or
had [ made mistake?
| Here was just enough of excitement
and mystery to tighten the burthon of
e7anui which uncOnfessed, had really
been stealing over me.
| The next morning L accommodated the
shop. Old-fashioned as it was. the
place had an air of brisk, busy life,
that its neighbors did not share. Bette
-sOt-inbeciIe, is what the French
say of the Belgians e
AT last [ made up my mind to go in
A canary was singing in the window,
and a few pots of daises and migno-
nette lent grace to the small room.
And here was my woman of the co71ai-
sOfe, only she was in what was, for her
full dress-a trim black silk bodice,
laced in front, ~nd disclosing pretty
chemisette of real lace and muslin, a
brocaded silk gown Of ruby color.
ana dainty cap composed chiefly of
ribbon ends, set on her smooth shining
black hair. She was almost a hand
some woman, well colored, bright eyed
only there was a snap to her ewes.
and an edge to her voice, and certain
freshness in her smile. Thrift, Thrift,
was written all over her
| What would monsieur please to
want.
Monsieur did not know. Indeed,
madame had so many charming things,
it was most difficult to choose.
Madame smiled at this, seeming. a
customer.
Perhaps monsieur would look at
some collars
Monsieur was agreeable, and present
ly had made purchase Of as many as
would suffice for his present need-and
paid madame twice their value.
was tempted to this by low. sweet
voice, humming a tune In the back shoD
by tantalsing glimpse of the edge
Of muslin gown, and the shadow of
round ARA ON the wall
But | could not possibly suit myself
Will any tn!n9 else.
"Helene called madame. sharply.
bring hither the Valenciennes collars
you have just done, and the pretty bit
of point d'Alencon [ gave you this
morning-it should be made up by this
time"
A little stir, and there came from the
small dark room q vision Of youth and
beauty, bright enough to make sunshine
IN the most shady place.
Her great dark eyes looked up at me
IN sweet asking fashion that was be-
wildering. / collected my senses pre-
sently, and drawing forth my half-dozen
photographs, exhibited them.
MademoiseIle, permit me to ask
and you, madame-if you sat for these
pictures
A delicious blush rose all over the
satin white skin. She looked at madame.
who snapped her eyes, smiled and nod
ded.
II did, monsieur"
They pretend to be hkenesses of
Mademoiselle -; but, it seems, they
are not
ooh, no, monsieur But have sat
for her often-often. We look so much
alike, you see" with a lovely arch
SMILE
All, I see!" gathering them out.
" And Monsieur Bruyn is an impostor."
All, monsieur, cried the girl, Il
was sure it WAS not right. Only"
Pish you are only a girlln in
terrupted madame, angrily WHAT
Do you pretend to be wiser than Mr.
Bruyn, But, Monsieur, viii not Won
buy some OF these pretty collars ?" and
madame smiled ravishingly. and di.