The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1881-08-12
Select Story.
A WOMAN'S HEART;
Or, the Doctors Duel.
BY GERALD HOLCROFT.
CHAPTER !.

The beautiful Mademoiselle de Limou
sin is as fair and as frail as lily. a
French blonde, whose deep blue eyes
darkened almost to purple by long lash
es, it goes without saying that she is the
belle of the ball. But she is something
more than that is almost siren with
that bewitching look which seems to
tlatter all who WOO her To say that the
beautiful world of Paris was at her feet
was scarcely to exaggerate. She spread
the intoxicating fever of love wherever
she went, and seemed to live upon
admiration.
And what. perhaps, heightened her
charm was the general belief that her
heart was affectcd-not by love, fair
reader, but by disease. The doctors were
generally exercised in mind upon her
How fond they are of studyng-simply
of course, in the interest of medical
science-the maladies OF young and
beautiful women, needs no comment.
Among the number were two young
gentlemen duly armed with powers to
90 forth and cure or kill. And one Of
these M. Thibaut, who sought distraction
from the monotony of sitting over a big
fire. and waiting for rings from the sur
gerry bell, was an invited guest of M. de
Lmousin. Deeply wounded by the fas-
cinations of Cclimene, he determined to
know the worst or best at the very earliest
opportunity,
II will not ask you to dance" he said,
bending over her. "You know well, il
| had my way, you should not dance at
all"
1T is ungallant to twit me with my
shortness of breath.
'Come with me. You know me bet
ter than that, and he led her through
the large hall, which was hung with
pictures, up massive stone staircase &c
dimly lighted landing bordered witt
choice but sickly smelling flowers
Placing her tenderly in a huge chair
he stood beside her, looking down at the
fair bosom, which heaved tumultuously
1t might have been the stairs,or predc
tion of what was coming These crises
in woman's life stamp her dissembler
For although she knows perfectly wei
that an offer is about to be made, she al
ways affects surprise.
| NJ Thibaut cleared his throat anC
| probably felt the awfulness of the posi-
ton. Celimene was the only daughter
of the principal partner in large bank
ing establishment. Prudence and low,
were, in Nj. Thibauts case, fortunately
hand in hand Before he allowed him
self to fall in love he had convinced him
self that Celimene was a prudent choice
and then he gave himself up to the fasci
nations of the charmer,
"You have noticed, you must have
noticed, dear Mile. de Limousin, the grea
interest take in your case"
eyes, suppose, in medical point o
view,I am interesting" replied Celimene
with an upturned look that nearly turned
the young doctors head.
| At the back of the landing two glas
doors gave on to a balcony, the lengtl
of the house. Thither after II long walls
with one of those partners who neve
will have enough of good thing, M
Eraste had retreated to cool himself il
the crisp night air and enjoy a Turkisl
cigarette. Throwing away the fag end
| he was about to return by the doors
which stood half open, when he say
Celimene and his hated rival, M. Thi
baut, whose backs were toward him.
81 am not speaking professional
now," NJ. Thibaut said. "Iet me dro
the doctor in the lover Celimene, wi
you be my wife :"
M. Eraste's first impulse was to rus
forward, defy his rival and carry off Gel
meme before his eyes--his second to sta
and listen. He, like M. Thibaut, was
doctor, and had decided to learn his fat
that night, but he had been forestalled.
What of that? Perhaps Thibar
would be refused, and then would com
his turn. ..
"But will you always love me--a
ways2
The kiss-that is the correct thin
upon these occasions the con
pact, and M. Eraste was as furious ;
the lovers were happy, Only one wor
escaped his lips
"Revengel"
He stole back silently to the balloon
to think, and in few moments retur
ed with settled determination on h
face, ....