Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1874-09-09
MY COUSIN OLYMPIC.

I u.
my parents had requested me to do SO
before left home.
One fine afternoon / started out on
my voyage of discovery, and at last
reached my destination. l found the
house of my unknown aunt, and by the
concierge was told to mount the stairs.
three long flights, to the third story.
This l hastened to do, and the door was
opened by rather good looking woman
with piercing black eyes.
''Who do you want ?" she inquired.
"Mme. Thibaudier," 1 responded.
Il am that person" was the sharp re.
tort.
MADAM. 1 am your nephew. Adolphe
Guevin."
The womac looked at me as though ]
had fallen from the moon, and then ex.
tended her hand, saying
''My dear nephew, pray come in.
hope Isee you we'll"
"Quite well, L said, "and you, aunt p
$50, SO. How long have you been in
Paris 2"
"Only few days. 1 have come to
study law"
followed my aunt into the parlor.
1t was miserably lighted and in great
disorder. The most cheerful object
was young girl, who, in the midst of
the general confusion, was seated sew
ing.
"Olympe," said Nine. Thibaudier,
''here is your cousin, Monsieur Guevin. u
The girl Immediately arose and ex-
tended me her hand familiarly:
Good day, COUSIN" she said with a
pleasing smile of welcome.
"Olympe," continued the mother.
'tget better light, and carry in some
fresh wood for the fire; it is actually
freezing in this dull room. How is
your father ?" she continued, turning
to me. "Tell me, have you not a
brother? But first come nearer the
| fire."
l complied, answering each question.
Everything is in great disorder
here" she resumed. "The fact is, we
only receive on Thursdays, and, of
course, expected no one to-day"
Unjust ask pardon for my intrusion. u
| said. "Had l known"
"My dear fellow" she interrupted,
''you ara, of course, welcome at any
time. So You propose to study law.
Well, 1 happen to know some prominent
men at our bar, and will present you. y
thanked her cordially.
sYou will dine with us, will you
not ?" continued Nine. Thibaudier.
"Why, mamma, we have nothing for
dinner, exclaimed Olympic.
"Mynephewwill excuse all ceremony.
Go order fire and do not forget the
newspapers While we are gone you
can look over these books and a.oums,
Adolphe. With these words both dis
appeared.
At last, after considerable running to
and fro, was informed that dinner was
prepared, and Olympic waited upon us.
In course of conversation the topic
turned upon public amusements.
"Oh, do let US go to the theatre" eI-
claimed Olympic.
"What are they playing" ?" asked my
aunt.
At the Opera, Troyatore, l replied.
"Have you ever heard it p" ques-
toned Nine. Thibaudier.
81 was obliged to confess that 1 had
not, owing to my Arcadian life.
"Then to the opera We will go. Be
quick, Olympia, added my aunt. "Put
the desert on the table, and while this
is being done you, my dear fellow, can
run and engage carriage.
Oh. mamma, let us first eat the
cream" said Olympic.
! / seconded the suggertion, and the
cream was eaten to the satisfaction of
the party of three, and off L started in
quest of carriage.
On nv return | found the two ladies
arrayed in exquisite toilets. They were
scarcely recognizable. Olympic looked
as pretty as a picture, and her mother
was equally fine.
We had delightful evening, l was
charmed with the music, and much
pleased to find that my little companion
had won general attention-was, in fact,
the cynosure of all eyes.
After this propitious evening, L often
returned to my aunts, but seldom saw
Olympic alone. Among those who visited
the house was surprised to see GER
tain Monsieur Grumelot received with
every appearance of satisfaction. he
was a man of at least sixty years of age,
fat. bald headed, and short in stature.
[ determined, if possible, to obtain
some explanation respecting the pro-
nounced favor accorded him. The truth
became even apparent to myself. L had
| fallen in love with my cousin.
One day I found Olympic alone, and
after few Introductory remarks, i
said
"Answer me frankly, does the life you
lead render you happy ??
"What life do you allude to-? she
questioned.
.This hum-drum, monotonous ex'
istence, and perpetual round OF soirees,
where you meet so many uncongenlai
people and not one real friend.
cit is fatiguing and uninteresting,
but one must keep up a certain circle,
you know"
Gould you not find happiness else
where?"
who can tell p
"Suppose, for instance, 1 continued,
.'that one man in particular loved you,
and would devote his existence TO you,
would YOU not sacrifice these empty
pleasures for him
81 understand you" she said, laugh,
ipely, ga cottage with plenty OF bread
and milk, heart and a life OF love-
Why, how young you are, Adolphe =
Not as young as you may imagine
am older than yourself; L am twenty
one" Al,
Twenty -one," she repeated with a
smile.
"Yes," I said "tell me, can you mol
love me Just little, OlymPe?
"You Shall know later. Now, answer
mo how long will it be before you have
completed your studies?
"fhree years, at most, +! replied.
81 know you are not rich, SO let mt
aavise Won. Should You marry, try tt
find a girl with a dot. 1 could not wal
three years. Entire nous, 1 will tell 20!
7 am twenty-one myself. As have said
I cannot wait SO long, and yet, II
listened to my heart, it would prooaoi'