Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1879-07-10

ly WOludl w uO Call DIlSuI6u nome
as well as ballroom. le-
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 ioked Elise, and
encouraged NJ. A de Villain. Every
body observed what high spirits NJ. 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 a little time, however, NJ. de
Belandi fancied that the young lover re-
turned from his visits to Maison Point
neuf rather too quiet and silent in mood,
though any allusion 20 the family only
made him warmly declare that the more
he saw of the lady the more he admired
her.
''Ihen pray hurry on the marriage,
my friend" returned NJ. de Betandi;
"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 gay time at the old
Maison PontDeuf; 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 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 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 am getting ILL.,"
replied M. 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 inHu-
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-loye 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:
az 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.
Meanwhile M. de Belandi arrived at
the sombre old house, AID, 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?" he 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.
81 don't think have done that" she
said in low voice and with downcast
eyes. 81 always told him that-the
truth, in fact. But he hoped | should
change. And you see every one has
taken it all for granted, and hurried
things on so very much. And then pa
pa and mamma seemed to wish for itso
much, and-you-a nd-and-"
"Of course thew did-of course we did,
and do; and I'll tell you what Elise, you
are throwing away a chance you will
never have again. There are not many
young men like him, l can tell you.
What can be your objection? Ism he
handsome, well-born, young, rich,
agreeable, and very fond of you? The
fact is, you are proud. Nothing will
suit you less than prince. But let me
tell you, as an old, privileged friend,
that it is one thing to join girl in her
walks, and pay compliments, and take
a chair by her in the gardens, and dance
with her, and SO on; but quite another
thing to ask her in marriage. Ever
since that Prince de-has been intro
duced to you have observed change.
Don't be offended, mon annie, | speak
for your good. 1t has made me so sor-
ry 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 it, and agree with
him that it is best to end it at once. He
says he shall return home, and is COM
ing to say adieu. Now, it rests with
yourself, Elise, if he really goes or not.
And-there he is, know his STEP"
Giving her an extra friendly hand
pressure, to make up for his rough
words, he left the place clear for a final
explanation, and hurried off for brisk
walk II @ felt the nenpSSitu for nninlr