The National tribune., 1881-10-01


black cross-beams, was, however, but sad nest
fera newl Unmarried pair therefore Pere La Thiele
had promised, as a wedding gift, to build them
new house in the uplands-a house of brick and
slate, such are built in the city, the garden of
which was to be laid off with graveled walks,
and enclosed in an iron railing
There was much visiting from the farm to the
inn. In the evening, after the last guest had
taken his departure and the shutters were drawn,
then the four adjourned to Pere Simon's kitchen.
The two fathers-old soldiers-sat with the
brandy bottle between them, and told each other
stories always the same-of other days; and the
young people, within the shadow of the chimney
corner, also told each other story, which, too,
was always the same-yet theirs was tale as
old as the everlasting hills. But Raymond was
obliged to leave for the army. The evening pre-
vious to that appointed for the drawing of lots,
Jeanne had burned fine wax candle as pro-
pitiatory offering. AS result of this generous
sacrifice, her lover was conscripted for single
year only.
As may readily be supposed, there was sor-
rowful parting. Many were the kisses inter
changed; again and yet again was the farewell
uttered, only to be revoked with another kiss.
When the last adieu was finally whispered, Jeanne
cried and sobbed as though her heart would
break.
But girls tears are like rain storms-short of
duration in proportion to their violence. Jeanne
doubtless appreciated the fact that weeping
spoiled pretty eyes, and that work done with
sorrowful heart was but drudgery. Be that as il
may, at the close of the second day she
merry and blithe as Of yore. Again she sang as
a thrush in the Sunshine.
Explain who can why Jeanne, as good girl as
ever lived betrothed to fine young fellow, should
in a few short days have forgotten the companion
of her childhood to become enamored of stranger,
loving him madly, even unto death, for death only
can end her misery, poor creature Woman's
heart is so constituted they say. But this solu-
tion Of the enigma is not satisfactory to me, nor
is it to many others who, like myself, have found
this riddle insOluble.
Jules Delaporte was considered handsome by
those who admire his style For my part I do
not like these pomatumed coxcombs, whose white
hands are too nice for work. The first time that
Jeanne saw him, his patron, the city notary, had
sent him to Saint Georges to transact a sale for
the Marquis de b. She was bewitched by him.
What magic did he use? He merely seated him.
self in the inn, as you or I would have DONE and
emptied his glass without breathing syllable
saying simple Thanks, Mademoiselle" as she
handed him his change. And yet she stood at
the window watching him until he was hidden
from view; not even then did she vacate her
post, but for several minutes stood there dreamy
and distracted After short lapse of time he
came again, and it finally ended in his coming
envied Raymond now experienced the delight of
pitying him.
"And what about this fine Delaporte?" you
ask; "did he reciprocate Jeannes love?" 1t is !
my opinion that he valued beyond all else her
dot and her fathers broad acres, of whose actual
extent and value no one was more competent to
Judge than Delaporte himself, for Monsieur Pieli- |
not, his patron, was charged with the manage
ment of affairs at the inn. To one whose entire |
fortune consisted of good looks and a black |
moustache, a wife with such dot would indeed |
be boon. The first time that he broached the |
subject Of marriage, Pere Simon became red with |
anger. For whom did he take him? Never had |
Simon forfeited his word. And on the strength |
of this never" emphasized with a heavy blow |
of his fist on the counter Jules was elected |
lIc tiit tlIIlc Uclllg. me |
blow of his hand had set the glasses tumbling,
but it did not in the least shake Jeanne's resolu-
ton
A few days previous to this occurrence Ray
mond had sent from Rennes picture represent
ing himself in his character of artilleryman.
This photograph was indeed work of art The
stripes of his pantaloons and the facings of his |
coat were painted red and his big white -gloved
hands were crossed ON his sword Pale with
anger, she handed it to her father, saying:
"And it is this BOBBY you would have me
marry Very well; l will answer you, in your
own words, never, never never! "And she tore
the card into pieces, thus venting her rage.
She was threatened with an attack of illness,
and Simon yielded. This is the way with these
fathers.
One evening NJ. Pielinot entered the inn in
person. The notary spoke in a low tone, blink
ing his eyes behind his blue goggles; but as he
was taking his departure, behind the half-open
door, the strained ears caught these words:
"They must be married-do you understand?
I will leave him my office-do you understand"
NJ PielinOt's ado you understand?n was more
effective than the most eloquent appeal Pere
Simon understood, and so did Jeanne, who imme-
liately recovered her health and good spirits
When Raymond returned home, his term having
expired, all was in readiness for the wedding,
the day fiyed the muSic enoaped A ccene vaS