The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1879-04-09


Truly she was one Of those women VI
bear close inspection, and whose bea
" untolds gradually; woman wi
can brighten home as well as a ba
room.
All the acquaintance and friends
the Bornos were eager and profuse
congratulations and inquiries. NJ. {
Belandl told every one that it was
capital thing; that there was sure to I
gay wedding: and he ioked Elise an
Encouraged NJ 4. de VILLAIN. Ever,
body observed what high spirits VI.
Belandi was in; and vet for all this h
caught himself signing as he thought {
Elsie going away. But he was not
selfish man, and he felt that it was quit
time for his little friend to marry.
After little time, however. NJ. d
belandI tancied that the young lover re
turned from his visits to Maison Point
| neut rather too quiet and silent in mood
though any allusion to the family onI1
made him warmly declare that the NOR,
| he saw Of the lady the more he admired
her
Then pray hurry on the marriage
my friend, returned NJ de Belandi
: tor It Is very clear that counting does
not suit you. You grow thinner and paler
every dav."
1t was quite gay time at the old
Maison Pontneuf, so many people
came to hear ''all about it," and the
father and mother were not at all dis
inclined to tell the romantic story over
and over again, and receive the congrat-
ulations of their neighbors. But when
any one ventured to speak to Elise her
self, she drew up, and said, THAT con
gratulations were premature. 1t was
true that the gentleman had done her
the honor Of asking her hand, but moth
ing was settled; which speech caused a
great deal Of surprise and talk. And
then as time went on, and remarks We're
made on the evident gravity and the
pale looks Of the sutton, people began to
speculate; and even a few bets were
made as to what would be the ultimate
end of it all After the first greetings,
this question was asked by every one
sWell, and what does Mademoiselle
Elise say now" or "has Mademoiselle
Elise said yes?" And NJ. de Belandi
who knew every one, grew excited and
anxious, and warmly expressed his GER
taintv that all would come right.
"You are all right, and | am getting
i'll, remarked NJ A de VILLAIN one day
to his host and friend. Il cannot beal
this any longer; and have written home
to say | shall return Immediately"
And when is the marriage to take
place.
Never! No, see plainly that she
does not care for meat least not as
care for her. [ have struggled agains
this conviction, and thought | might
win her at last But she says neither
yes nor no, and | feel sure she is part
" led on by not liking to disappoint hel
friends-vourself first and foremost, fol
it is easy to see that you have a great
influence over her Even if she were
to say yes to-day, | don't think
should wish it. feel | have not wor
her heart and it has always been my
dream and wish to marry for love-lovt
on both sides. So thanking you over
and over again for your great kindness
I have decided to go and take my
leave"
NJ. de Belandi was in his garden
smoking his cigar, when this converse
tson took place; and he continued t.
pace up and down between the orange
trees in silence. Then, suddenly turn
ing to the other, he said:
II shall 90 at once to the MaisOr
Pontneuf, and you can follow me by anC
by"
NJ. A. de VILLAIN shook his head, fo
he was convinced that his friends well
meant interference would do no good
and he remained thinking it all over
striving to find the clue to Elise's feel
ings.
Meanwhile, NJ. de Belandi arrived a
the sombre old house, and rushing VI
the steps quicker than usual, he though
himself lucky in finding Elise and he
dog in the drawing room.
She was at once aware that there wa
something unusual in his face, and thi
brought bright and becoming color t,
her cheeks.
q How is this, Elise?" he said, trying
to be angry. q never suspected you
of being a coquette.
And then he went ON in a somewha
excited manner, to upbraid her for keep
ing the poor young fellow in suspense 8
long.
q don't think / have done that" sh
said, in a low voice, and with downcas
eyes. 81 always told him that-th
truth, in fact. But he hoped l shout,
change. And you see every one ha
taken it all for granted, and hurrie,
things on so very much. And papa AM
mamma seemed to wish for it SO much
you-and-and-"
"Of course they did-ofcourse We did
and do; and II tell you what, Elise, yol
are throwing away a chance you vii
never have again. There are not man,
young men like him, | can tell you
What can be your objection? Isn't h
handsome, well-born, young, rich agree
able, and very fond of you? The fact i
you are proud. Nothing will suit vol
! less than Prince. But let me tell YOU
as an old privileged friend, that it is on
thing to join girl in walks, and pa
compliments, and take chair by her i
the gardens, and dance with her, and 5
on but quite another thing to ask he
in marriage. Ever since that Prime
De-has been introduced to you [ hav
observed change. Don't be offended
mon annie. speak for your good.
has made me sorry to see that poo
young man so low and cast down an
after each visit he gets more so. Flies
and blood can't stand it, and agre
with him that it is best to end tat once
He says he shall return home, and
coming to say adieu. Now it rests wit
| yourself Elise, if he really goes or no
And-there he is, know his step"
Giving her an extra friendly hanc
pressure, to make up for his roug
words, he left the place clear for
final explanation, and hurried off for
brisk walk He felt the necessity fl
quick motion and fresh air, for he We
agitated.
/ He could not helm heinz kaanlr int