The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-08-30
THE YELLOW ROSES.

uN uttl OIu Al ICit A'''~
de Lorgerel. Aware OF her extreme
fondness for flowers, | took with me a
bunch of yellow roses, her especial Ia
vorites. On this evening, as on many
another, found her with an old gen
tleman who had about year before
come into that neighborhood to take
possession of an adjoining property,
left him by distant relative on condi-
ton he would change his name to that
of Descoudrais. Twas quite jealous OF
the intimacy that soon had sprung up
between him and my dear old friend.
On the evening in question they were
busy over game of ''tric-trac. - | en-
tered softly, so as not to disturb them,
and waited until the game was over to
present my roses. Nine dc Lorgcrel' )
face was frightened with genuine de-
light, but, to my establishment, Nj.
Descoudrais became most strangely alb
stracted and thoughtful.
Would you believe it, my friend, "
he said, at length, those flowers have
evoked, as if by enchantment, whole
epoch of my youth For few mo
ments was again ~ years Of age, and
in love with a woman, who, if living,
must now be fully 80 years old. | will
tell you the whole story, one that in
fuenced my whole after-lifc--cven now,
when old age has left me barely ener-
gy enough to play at tric-trac, the re-
membrance of my youthful love fills
me with emotion.
Over forty years ago, just after !
had left college, my father, without
consulting me, sought to obtain post
for me in a certain regiment quartered
in the little town of y. for which
place received orders TO depart at
once. This was distressing news for
more than one reason; ! had no special
love for the army, though that objec-
ton was no great one. as at that time
of my life, the mere sight of gay uni
form or the sound of martial music
sufiiced to fire my ambition into bccom-
ING Caesar or an Achilles. But, worst
Of all, | was in love, and dared not tell
my father, whose answer, knew,
would have been an order Fastening
my departure. Fortunately had an
uncle-and what an uncle! AT that
time he was as old as am now, though
still retaining all the vigor and fresh
ness of youth. He was the coniidant
OF our follios, loves, debts and aspira-
tons. | went to him:
Uncle, | am most unhappy"
Il bet twenty louis you are not!'
"Ah, uncle, do not jest-bcsides you
would lose your bet.
If lose, pay. Perhaps that might
help 10 console you.
NO; money has nothing to do with
my Indebtedness. Father has just ac-
cepted lieutenancy for me in the
regiment
"A misfortune, indeed! The uniform
is most becoming. and all the officers
are gentlemen.
But, uncle, don't wish to be SOL
der"
mot soldier! Are you a coward,
by chance?"
81 do not yet know, uncle; neverthe-
less, l know you are the only man that
might dare doubt my COURAGE
well, Cid, my boy. what is your OBJ
lection to the armyP"
II wish to marry"
NONSENSE
Nonsense or no nonsense, | am in
love-
"And you call that misfortunel l
would were in love myself. Who Is
sheP'
"Oh, uncle! an angelv'
''Of COURSE knew that before; they
always are angels. What ask is to
what name your angel answers when
they call her?"
Naomi"
'Humph! Naomi might be enough
for you; but would like to know to
what family this angel belongs?'
'She is Miss Amelot"
Indeed! Then she is truly an angel.
A tall, graceful brunette, with dark
eyes, soft as velvet. | approve your
choice"
And if you but knew her
81 do know her. Does she love youP"
81 do not know"
"Whatl not know! You are I'M
worthy of me. AT her house every
evening and yet not know if she loves
your
She does not even know of my
love"
'Pshaw! little you know about it.
She knew you loved her at least fifteen
minutes before you knew il Yourself"
What / do know, at all events, is
that | will die if she be not miner
"Oh, no! Softly, my boy. There are
many reasons why she should not DO
yours. Your father is far richer than
hers and would never consent to the
match"
I'm that case, uncle. l know what
will do"
NONSENSE Do nothing silly. Lis
ten 10 me. You can not marry at 90"
why notP"
because / do not wish it, and with
out me this marriage can never take
place"
.-Oh, dear uncle. l beg"
"If the girl loves you. and is willing
10 wait three years"
Three years!"
"Peace, or shall say four. II ali. :.