Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-07-09

Maison POntneuf was paid IN his COM
pany, his easy, genial manners and real
kindness helping to put every one at
ease, and to draw out the nervous and
somewhat over-agitated.
When it was over, they all agreed that
not a word too much had been said in
his praise. His manner was all that
could be desired; while it was evident
that he was very much in love. On the
other hand M. de VILLAIN poured out to
his kind host mis- contentm ent and salts
faction. There was no disappointment,
Elise was better than her picture; and
each time he saw her he found some
new perfection. Truly she was one Of
those women who bear close inspec-
| ton, and whose beauty unfolds gradual
| ly; a woman who can brighten home
as we'll as ballroom.
All the acquaintance and friends OF
| the Bornos were eager and profuse in
congratulations and inquiries. M. de
Belandi told every one that it was cap
ital thing; that there wac sure to be a
gay wedding; and he joked Elise, and
encouraged M. A de VILLAIN. Every
body observed what high spirits M. de
Belandi was in; and yet for all this he
caught himself signing as he thought OF
Elise going away. But he was not a
selfish man, and he felt that it was
quite time for his little friend to marry.
After little time, however, M. de
Belandi fancied that the young lover re-
turned from his visits to Maison POnt-
neuf rather too quiet and silent in mood,
though any allusion 70 the family only
made him warmly declare that the more
he saw Of the lady the more he admired
| her
"rhen 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 day"
But NJ. A. de VILLAIN only laughed.
1t WAS quite a gay time at the old
Maison Pontneuf; so many people
came to hear call about it," and
the father and mother were not at
all disinclined to tell the romantic story
over and over again, and receive the
congratulations Of their neighbors. But
when any one ventured to speak to
Elise herself, she drew up and said that
congratulations were premature. 1t
was true that the gentleman had done
her the honor of asking her hand, but
nothing was settled" which speech
caused great deal of surprise and talk.
And then, as time went by and remarks
were made on the evident gravity and
pale looks Of the sutton, people began
to speculate, and even a few bets were
made as to what was to be the ultimate
end Of it all. After the first greetings,
this question was asked by every one.
"Well, and what does Mile. Elise say
now" And NJ de Belandi, who knew
every one, grew excited and anxious
and warmly expressed his certainty
that all would come right.
"You are right and I am getting i'll,
replied NJ. A. de VILLAIN one day to his
host and friend. 81 cannot bear this
any longer, and [ have written home to
say shall return Immediately"
"And when is the marriage to take
placer"
Never! No, [ see plainly that she
does not care for meat least not as |
care for her. [ have struggled against
this conviction, and thought [ might
win her at last. But she says neither
yes Or no, and feel sure she is partly
led on by not liking to disappoint her
friends yourself first and foremost, for
it is easy to see you have a great influ.
ence over her. Even if she were to
say yes to day, I don't think should
wish it. 1 feel [ have not won her
heart, and it has always been my dream
and wish to marry for love-ioYe on
both sides. So thanking you over and
over again for your great kindness,
have decided to go and take my leave.
NJ. de Belandi was in his garden,
smoking his cigar, when this converse
ton took place; and he continued to
pace up and down between the orange
trees in silence. Then, suddenly turn
ing to the other, he said:
81 shall go at once to the Maison
Pontneuf, and you can follow me by
and BY"
NJ. A. de VILLAIN shook his head, for
was convinced that his friends we'll
meant interference would do no good,
and he remained thinking it all over,
trying to find the clew to Elise's feel
ings.
| nOauWullO N1. uO DOlGIlUl dlIlVou III
the sombre old house, and, rushing up
the steps quicker than usual, he thought
himself lucky in finding Elise and her
dog in the drawing-room.
She was at once aware that there was
something unusual in his face. and this
brought a bright and becoming color to
her cheeks.
Glow is this, EIise?" ne said, trying
to be angry. Il never suspected you Of
being a. coquette."
And then be went on, in a somewhat
excited manner, to upbraid her for keep
ing the poor young fellow in suspense
SO long.
II don't think have done that" she
said in a low voice and with downcast
eyes. 81 always told him that-the
truth, in fact. But he hoped 1 should
change. And you see every enc has
taken it al for granted, and hurried
things on SO very much. And then pa
pa and mamma seemed to wish for it sc
much, and -you-and and"
"Cf course they did-of course we did