The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-07-05

influence over neFs :ss ES6ii u ZIG HSsO "
say eyes to-day, I don't think i SHOULD
wish It. I feel l have not won her heari,
and It has always been my dream aud WISH
10 marry for love-loye on both sides. 80.
thanking you over and over again Tor you,
great kindness. have decided TO go and
take nv leave.''
M. de BeIandi was In his garden smoking
his cigar when this conversation TOOK place,
and he continued to pace up and down De-
tween the orange.trees In silence. Ihen,
suddenly turning to the other, he said;
ssI shalt 60 at once 10 the MASON Iont'
nauf, and you can follow me ny ana oy.
III. A. de VILLAIN shook bis head. LOT no
was convinced that his friend's Weii-meane
interference would do no good, and he re-
NAMED. thinking it all over, trying to hnd
the clew to EIise's feelings.
Meanwhile II. de BeIandi arrived at the
sognhre old house, and, rushing up the Steps
Quicker than usual, he thought himsel
lucky in finding Elise and her dog in the
drawing-roonl.
She was at once aware that there was
something unusual In his face, ana ibis
brought bright and becoming color TO her
aHow IS this, Eiise7" he said, trying to
be angry. "I never suspected you OF De-
ing coquette."
And then be went on, in a somewhat ex-
cited manner, to upbraid her Tor Keeping
the poor young fellow In suspense 80 long.
ii don't think have done that" sue
ea;d in low voice and with dOwncast eyes.
II always told him that-the truth, in TACT.
But be hoped should change. And you
gee every one has taken it all for granted,
and buried things Oh so very much. And
then pspa and mamma seemed to wish Tor
II 40 much, and-you- and-and-"
"Of course they did-of course we did,
and do; and I'll tell you what, Elise, you
are throwing away a chance you VIII never
have again. There are not many young
men like him, can tell you. What can be
YOUR objection? Isn't he handsome, well.
born, young, rich, agreeable, and very fond
of youf Thefact is, you are proud. Nothing
will suit you less than prince. But let me
tell you, as an old, privileged friend, that 1t
is one thing to join girl in her walks, ana
nav compliments, and take chair by her
in the gardens, and dance with ner, ana 50
On b1t quite another thing to ask her in
marriage. Ever since that Prince de -
has been introduced to you have observed
a change. Don't be offended, mon dnaie. l
speak for your good. 1t has made me so
sorry to see that poor young man so low
and cast down, and after each visit he gets
more and more so. Flesh and blood can't
stand II, and agree with him that it is best
TO end it at once. He says he shall return
home, and is coming to say adieu. Now, it
rests with yourself, Elise, il he really goes
or not. And-there he is. I know his
STEP"
Giving her an extra friendly haud-pres.
sure to make up for his rough words, be
left the place clear for final explanation,
and hurried off for brisk walk. He felt
the necessity for quick motion and fresh
air, for he was agitated.
He could not help being keenly interested
ia this affair. He liked the young man
much, and Elise was OF course quite pet
of his own. Poor girl, her lip had CULVER
ed when he spoke so bluntly; but how
pretty she was looking-such a graceful,
winning style OF beauty. lighting up the
gloomy, formal OLD room with her pretty,
gentle ways and womanly occupations!
Yes, he should miss her terribly, no doubt.
Rome was long way of, and be almost
wished that carte-dc-yisite had never caught
III. A. de Viliani's eye. After oil, why
should not Elise remain as she Isl Then be
checked these thoughts, and began to Won
der how it would be settled. BE turned
DaCk, IeelDR aUAlOuS duo uClf ouS, dnN ~
this time the interview must be ended.
II was so, and N. de Belaudi entered his
own villa in time to see his guest just few
stems in advance, and from bis attitude he
read that all was over. The tale was told
in few words, and the next day III. A. de
Villani set off on his journey home, trying
bis best to forget that carte-de-vslte. ...
There followed much commotion among
the friends OF the Bornos; nor did 1t end
there, for it became the general topic OF
conversation. M. de Belandi felt dull, hay
ing lost his guest, and then there was the
reaction and fatness consequent on the un-
usual excitement. Besides this, Elise was
never now seen in her old haunts; when
he went to the house she was not in the
drawiug-room. He feared she was annoyed
with him, aud purposely avoided him when
ever she could do 80. When meeting was
inevitable there was a greater reserve and
an uncertain manner, so different from the
old gentle pleaSautuess, that it made him
unhappy.
"I DON'T know what ais her." COM
planned the old father one day to M. dc Be-
landi. She pleased herself, or might have
done so. But she is no longer the same
girl. I was saying to her mother wished
YOU might call; for if any one can rouse
her or find out what is the matter it is your
self.
TO please the poor old gentleman NJ. de
Belandi went at once to find Elise in a
small boudoir where she sometimes sat.
He bad often been privileged to- enter this
room; and now, as his knock met with no
notice, lie pushed open the door without
scruple.
Elise had been crying; but as she turned
and saw him blush covered her face, and
she neryously tried to hide what looked like
a photograph which she had evidently been
looking at. .&s-.. =
"What, another photography" he ex-
claimed, trying to carry off the little awk-
wardness he felt by joke "Why, Elise,
,is il possible that there was a reason for
your failing to see the charms OF VILLAIN?
Have you, too, been caught by carte-de-
visite ?" ST.. :, ...ss,..,.-s. -.g ....,
To his surprise, instead OF meeting his
Joke with a smile or saucy retort, she bent
her head. striving to hide her tears, and the
hand which held the picture actually trem.
bled.
"My dear Elise, what is it, Your father
is quite unhappy about you. You are not
an undecided person; but is it possible that
you regret saying sNo'? A lady Is allowed
to change her mind"
Still her agitation seemed to increase. and
she could not keep down her sobs. Pres
entity she snafched her hand to her head,
stalnmering some unconnected words about
not being well. She forgot for the moment
the photograph, which was by this move
ment exposed to view. n. de Belandi's
astoniShment was great indeed to see by-a-
no-means tlattering full-length photograph
of-himselfl
He stood transiXed for few moments,
while a veil seemed to be suddenly raised