American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1879-07-19

tnc Icttci VI cluc. ATtOls, SpedhiuS 81
highly of the young man, and even ap-
| pealing to himself to use his influence
in favor of the match, he threw himself
gallantly into the spirit of the adventure,
and took care to be at the diligence
Office to receive and welcome NJ. A. de
VILLAIN, whose first visit to the Maison
Pontneuf was paid in his company, his
easy, genial manners and real kindness
helping to put every one at ease, and to
draw out the nervous and somewhat
agitated lover.
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, NJ. de VILLAIN poured out to
his kind host his contentment 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 a close inspec-
ton, and whose beauty enfolds gradu-
ally; a woman who can brighten home
as well as a 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 a cap
ital thing; that there was 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
Elsie going away. But he was not a
selfish man, and he felt that it was quite
time for his little friend to marry.
After a little time, however, NJ. 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 illusion to the family
only made him warmly declare that the
more he saw of the lady the more he adj
mired her.
"Then pray hurry on the marriage,
my FRIEND" returned NJ. de Belandi /;
"for 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 q 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 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 set
tled;" which speech caused a great
deal of surprise and talk. And then, as
time went on 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 ques-
ton was asked by every one, "Well,
and what does Mile. Elise say nowP''
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 am getting i'll, ~
replied NJ. A. de VILLAIN one day to his
host and friend. 81 can not bear this
any longer, and have written home to
say l 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 l
care for her. l 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-yoursehf first and foremost, for
it is easy to see you have great infiu-
ence over her. Even if she were to say
yes to-day, don't think should wish
it. feel have not won her heart, and
it has always been my dream and wish
to marry for love-love on both sides.
So thanking you over and over again
for your great kindness, have decided
to go and take my leave"
M. 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:
al shall 60 at once to the Maison
Pontneuf, and you can follow me by and
by"
M. A. de VILLAIN shook his head, for
he was convinced that his friends well
meant interference would do no good,
and he remained thinking it all over,
trying to find the clew to Elise's feel.
ings.
Meanwhile NJ. de Belandi arrived at
the somber old house, and, rushing up
the steps quicker than usual, be 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.
"How is this, Elisep" he said, trying
to be angry. 81 never suspected you
of being coquette."
And then he went on, in a somewhat
excited manner, to upbraid her for keep
ing the poor young fellow in suspense
so long.
81 don't think l have done that"