Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-06-13
Gales allo Skeifbes.
"a LITTLE GEESE.

denied that union in families 10 delightful
to witness; but Of even such good things
- these one may possibly have . little too
much. So. At least, thought young Hugh
Lestrange when his grandfather affection
atelv minated to him that the family OF
which he hal the honor to be the Oldest
bachelor representative. unanimously con-
sidered it bis plain and obvious duty to
marry his cousin Pauline. Hugh's father
had been dead some five years. and his
great-uncle's grandson, Pauline's father.
had fallen in the Franco-Prussian war; for
the branch Of the Lestrange family to
which she belonged was Of French nation
aliiy .and had but recently migrated across
the water. There had been family con-
clave. whereat it had been resolved and
carried, mem. con-. that The common inter-
es's, pecuniary and otherwise of the house
of Lestrange would be materially advanc-
ed by the matrimonial union of the two
young people. The result Of this impor-
tant conference being duly communicated
to Hugh by his grandfather. and tn Pauline
by her mother, It was confidently expected
that both cousins would regard the alliance
in the same light as their seniors, and en-
act their respective parts with willing
COHNuIICDGC. hnAIC1s ~ bNt ~ ooiibt
was concerned, there could be nothing
unusual or despotic to her in this parental
arrangement to her future for her French
education and surroundings had accustom-
ed her to the idea of family arbitration in
matrimonial affairs, and she was not, as
are English girls, familiar with the notion
of maidenly independence. She received
the news Of the proposed union with calm
ko~ IN, ha
called him. was not likely to prove an I'M
kind husband. and she was content to let
matters drift quietly to the desired con-
groom elect. Hugh Lestrange felt dis
tinct and deliberate injury had been done
him, and he resolved to resent it. But be-
ing young fellow OF amiable nature. hat
ing arguments and dreading open rupture,
he confined the expression of his dissatis
faction to few words of mild remon-
STRANGE, secretly determining the while so
to conduct his part Of the affair as to de-
MOI strate Enthusiastically alike to Pauline's
mother and to the young girl herself his
utter inability to enter into the spirit Of
the new character allotted to him.
1t was arranged that the necessary pro-
posal should be made. and the courtship
inaugurated at a certain country house to
which, during the hunting season, both
parties had been invited. Pauline had
but lately Quilted her school in Paris. Hugh
had not long left Oxford, and some years
had elapsed since their last meeting.
Under such circumstances this renewal Of
old ties with n new intent was regarded
by the family confederation as an event of
critical interest.
On the evening of the day which wit
messed the arriva! at Shireton Manor of
Madame Lesirange and her daughter.
Hugh was deputod to conduct Pauline to
dinner; and as the two cousins placed
themselves side by side at the table, many
inquiring and speculative glances were
turned toward them by those of the guests
who had been admitted to the secret. In
deed, they were couple any family
might have been proud to escort to the al
tar. The young man now in his twenty
fifth year. was tall, bearded. stalwart and
fair-faced; Pauline. thoroughly French in
feature and complexion, was vet not mean
of stature and though the national petu-
liant and impu.sive temperament showed
itself in the curves of her lips, the truth
full steadfastness of her brown ewes stood
sponsor for heart that was not empty of
English blood. What pity it was that
being 40 handsome couple. and carrying
with them the good wishes of all their
mutual relatives, and fine inheritance TO
boot. they could not find each other
charming! But Fate will have her way
Throughout the whole OF that critical din
ner. young Lestrange. medtating on his
wrongs, was unsocitble. monosyllabic and
unpleasant. Pauline. disposed at first to
accept with affability such aflectionate adj
vances as her cousin might make. when
she perceived that none were vouchsafed
assumed frosty reserve. and stood aloof
on her dignity. During two hours-fve
courses and dessert-the pair sat side by
side, prim. morose and mutually uncivil
and when the hostess rose. a thorough
msliking had been established. The in
cidents Of the remainder of the evening
confirmed the opinion each had formed of
the other. The ice froze harder and hard
er over the hearts of both, and before Pau
line retired for the night she disburdened
her mind to her mother in voluble French.
very much after the following fashion:
Mamma. 1t Is perfectly useless to tell
me to marry Hughes; he is altogether
odious and insupportable. As for him, he
hates me that you must all have seen
plainly enough. He hardly spoke two
words to me all dinner-time and directly
hs saw me go TO the piano. he went off TO
the smoking-room with Captain Lowell.
He thinks himself too good for me. no
doubt: you can see how abominably con-
ceited he is bv the contemptuous way in
which he looked at everybody. and by his
air of ill-bred reserve"
'.But. Pauline. dearest" pleaded Mad
anne Lestrange, deeply chagrined. sup
pose all this arises from shyness on his
part! Remember. his position Is rather a
difficult; one and a young man brought up
In English ways. rs he has been, NAV feel
more embarrassed than would French
man under similar circumstances"
'Awkwardness Is not charming" re-
turned Pauline; land q shy man is hard
IL better than . rude one. However, I
will give him another chance tomorrow
but il he is not nicer st breakfast and
luncheon than he has shown himself NJ
dinner, will hare nothing more to do
with him. lie is not he only husband to
be had in the world. suppose; and am
but Is after all, and just as good-looking
~ other girls. Goodnight. dear man.
ma" And with parting kiss and sat
isfied glance in the mirror. Pauline passed
light hearted to her chamber.