The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1884-04-03
A French Love Story.

For myself, was simple, ana credu-
lous, and romantic. Happy times, that
never return. / loved her as one loves
but once-or twice-or thrice ut most.
My Amelia! -a
When pronounced that name there
were a grand concert in my heart and
a symphony on my lips. My Amelia!
met her first in car. Yes. she was
alone with me, and her pantomime of
delicious timidity made me risk some
phrases of insinuaGng politeness. By
the time other passengers arrived had
arrived at permission to call.
But why arouse these poignant men,
ories? My friends. pour me little OF
that absinthc.
l will spare you trifiing details. We
adored each other for three weeks. /
will tell you neither of her charms nor
of her goodness. The enumeration
would fill pages. Only among all those
attractions was one fatal gift which
fascinated. intoxicated, transported me
her hair! Such hair. All blonde di-
whites could give you but an insult
cient idea.
But why arouse these poignant men,
ories? My friends, pour me little of
that absinthe.
When one passed his hand over the
silken tresses there was the sensation
of satin combined with that of velvet,
with the addition of an electric thrill.
AS 10 the color, Delacroix, in his best
days, would have broken his pallet in
spite. The hairs of that dear head did
not cease to run in mine.
One day, after long hesitating to risk
such a bold request, l stammered:
dearest. IL am afraid you may be
offended at what DESIRE"
Offended? If can please you, you
know very well am ready to do as
you wish"
MY dearest, you have the hair of
the Sultan's favorite.' -
"You know detest compliments. :"
"rhat does not keep you from valu-
ing that head of hair. !"
''For your sake-to please you"
"For me-then you will not refuse
me"
"What?"
.'To let me cut off lock of it!''
But why arouse these poignant men,
cries? My friends, pour me little of
the Chambertin. | waited brcathlessly
for her answer. l trembled lest she
might refuse. ..
But she smiled lovingly upon me and
said: ''Behold. then. that sacrifice so
formidable! What boy, to believe l
love him too little to accord him such
slight proof of love. Yes, Mr.. Doubt
or, YOU shall have the lock, and what
is more, will take it myself and have
it made into monogram-our initials
intcrlaced."
30! thanks"
''Are you satisfied? Ingrate!'
Gam satisfied but when"
Tomorrow morning-not to take
down my hair at this moment-I will
cut the lock off with my own hand"
"Yes, darling-yes, my adored one
only tell the jeweler to hurry.
.'Be easy"
was radiant, My heart loaped for
ioy That night-it was the best ]
could dol sent Amelia pair of dia-
mond earrings.
But why arouse these poignant men,
cries? My friends, pour me little
absinthe.
Three days passed. A century! Each
morning hoped to find ut Amelia s
house the promised treasure At last.
the fourth day, rs entered:
''Sit down there, sir.
''Behold me obey, my beauty"
''Stoop over"
at is done.
81 make you Chevalier of Love and
pass around your neck the badge OF
my order"
My locket with the hair! 1t is ad
mirablei How the hair is interviewer
it is only your silky ringlets that would
be flexible enough for such curves. And
that shade, that / should recognize
among 100,000-what do say? There
do not exist two like that on the sur
face of the civilized globe!''
'"Tiien you are contentedp"
81 am in Paradiser'
That night had to make her some
return-I sent Amelia fine Indian
shawl.
But why arouse these poignant men,
ories? My friends, pour me Il little Of
that absinthe.
There are moments in life when one
does not understand why the heart
does not burst. | experienced such a
moment. l had gone home with my
precious love token. And-what had
increased its value hundredfold-she
had sworn to me that was the first
living being to whom she had given
such present was seated by the
fire alone, but not lonely, since the
locket recalled her. turned and re-
turned that talisman. / covered it
with burning kisses. l could not get
enough of that speechless contempla-
ton. A whole world of thoughts were
awakened by looking upon it. l re-
viewed the past from our meeting in
the car. L peeped into the future
fidelity for life-love unalterable.
But why arouse these poignant mem
cries? My friend, pour me little ab-
sinthe.
A few days later she was ill., A slight
indispositiOn, but love fears everything.
Without saying anything took the
precious locket and went to o clair
voyant.
MADAME, came to consult you
about the health of q person who is
dear to me-"
The clairvoyant took the locket, felt
OF it, and angrily exclaimed: you
amuse yourself. sir. That lock of hair
came from dealer in rabbit-skins. 1t
was in lot bought by an artist in hair,
who cut up those sort of things for the
love-tokens given by certain women"
1 muttered an oath and took flight
But why arouse these poignant mem
OriesP My friends, pour me plenty of
champagne. - .-...ssz-.x----