The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-08-30

nOG caro- LOT JQ0 Souubs dLu bL0 young IAA6hoA
mans soul was overaowing with chiyalrous
pity. 70 sacrifice that warm-hearted Melanie to
such an iceberg-whata sha1nei he had not ex-
Pected to burst into such an exciting chapter OF
the family history; and once here, what could he
do2 He had always liked his sisters pretty
French friend, but he had no definite plan or
scheme in coming to see her. Now that he found
her again no longer a school girl but a beau
tiful woman, whose lfe-happiness was trembling
in the balance, his feelings were stirred and deep
ened He watchedher every movement; he took
note of every changing expression which fitted
across her face; he faneied he detected traces of
tears. and his heart went out to her. Nobody
but the two young people saw any pathos in the
situation. The parents answered their daughters
wistful glances with exultant smiles, and the
Count made a good dinner, serenely certain of
success.
When they went into the drawing-room, Tom
hoped to exchange a few words with Melanie I'M
observed, but he reckoned without Nine. Pom
toises watchful eyes. Fortune favored him,
however. The mother was suddenly called
away, and the Count and n. lie Prefet had gone
into the garden to discuss matters by the light of
a post-prandial cigar. Tom seized his opportun-
ity.
Your father has told me everything" he
said, in a low voice. # hope you will be happy"
'Ahi Monsieur Tom,n she sighed, with a pretty
appealing gesture of her hands and an earnest
look out of her great dark eyes, what can l
do"
IF you don't like him, there is still time.
When you are married it will be too late.p
Before Melainie had time to answer, Nine.
Pontoise returned and the young people sepa-
rated
will you not join the gentlemen now, Mon
sieur PagetF' she said meaningly. MY daugh-
ter will give US a song; but you can hear very
well in the garden
81 think I will take my leave, madame. L have
already trespassed too long upon your hospital
ity," and Tom departed. But all the way to his
hotel he was uneasy and doubling. What can |
dot How l wish / knew what she really wants!
1 What q f0ol 7 anil What aAnk NJ have ~ 4ror1h1a
that poor girls life2 What grand wonderful
eyes she has, with the pleading look of some
dumb animal in them! She doesn' like the
Frenehman-butI wonder if she likes me. /
wasn't a bit in love with her when / came-at
least / think not-but now! OH if / could only
speak to the girl The mother glaFes at me like
a dragon. Poor, pretty Melanie! Id give any
thing to know what she thinks of me-. I wonder
what a fellow onght to dor y :
The next morning rose clear and beautiful,
and NJ. de La Croiserie sent over a mounted mes
senger to beg the Prefet and his family to lunch
at the chateau. The worthy Prefet and his
wife were radiant, but Melanie, who had slept
badly, looked pale and worn.
The poor girl was desperate. She saw no
help, no escape. The CLEAN of hope which Tom
had brought had faded. No doubt he was now
on his way to Paris. Years would elapse before
they would meet again.
After the ceremonious lunch was over the
Count gave his hand to Melanie and led her into
| the old -fashioned garden.
INV 4 thAu uAG OAACA0 VI Q III ndA COluO
Oh, for the courage to make a stand!
M. de la Croiserie led her to a stone bench and
sat down beside her.
II wish to thank you, mademoiselle, he said,
gravely, for accepting my suit. l am older
than you; many think me ~austere, but / assure
you that you shall never regret the decision you
have made"
Melanie turned away her head. Those meas
ured tones seemed to freeze her. Yet Tom had
said, Think before you decide; when you are
married it will be too late.' So, summoning her
courage, she faltered:
you think too highly of me, Monsieur lie
Comte. l am deeply sensible of your fattering
preference, but | an not equal to the position.
The Count listened benignly. He thought it
all very proper and diffident, but he attached no
weight to it whatever.
when you are my wife," he said. bowling
low, you will have me always at your side to
guide and direct
Melanie gave him a frightened look, then
turned away again. Yes, it was true; that
man would be always at her side. What an APP
p~alling ideal
1T IS impossible for me to undertakes-
ALLOW me to assure you, mademoiselle, that
| consider nobody so worthy as yourself to fulfill
the duties of a mother towards my little girls.
Your discretion, your amiability, give me a
thousand guarantees for the future. But your.
parents will think abuse my privileges he
continued, witha wintry smile, as he assisted
her to rise from the bench. Then he conducted
her to M. and Nine. Pontoise, sitting expectant
a~ndsanxious in the drawingroom.
Monsieur lie Prefet,c said the Count, Il com
mend my future wife to your care"
Melanie said nothing, but her parents were
voIuble enough to make amends for her silence.
The Count led them through the grounds to the
river, where he had ordered a boat to be in readi-
ness to pull them across. III Pontoise went first,
his wife followed; Melanie, pale as death, came
third. Her dainty, high-heeled shoes, fit only
for a polished floor, failed her on the sloping
plank She slipped, and fell into the water.
The river was deep Nobody could swim. The
Count stood on the bank NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..
go, gon screamed Nine Pontoise, tell them
to stop the mill. She will be carried over itln
But he seemed petritied with terror.
N. Pontoise had thrown off his coat and was
life without saving his daughters. Nine. Pom
toise did nothing but shrek, but it was the best
thing she could do. It brought rescue. Tom
Paget had not gone to Paris; he was lowering
about, undecided, uneasy; he heard her screams,
and rushed up in q moment He saw at once
what had happened, and running a few yards
down the stream plungedin. He had calculated
well Melanie rose to the surface close to the
spot, and II was the work Of a few strong strokes
and she was safe again in the boat The next
thing was to rescue M. Pontoise.
His struggles had exhausted him and
driven the air from his lungs; his clothes,
heavy with the water, pulled him down, and
when Tom dragged him out Of the water he was
quite insensible. Fortunately he was near
home. Restoratives were procured and soon
he and Melanie were in each others arms, re-
1oicing in their safety.
Tom had no reason to complain that Nine. |
Pontoise glared at him like a dragon now. The
poor lady had no terms to express her gratitude.
There was no more question Of his continuing
his journey to Paris; the grateful parents would
not let him 60. Before they retired for the
night he had an opportunity Of learning Mechanics
wishes, and found they coincided entirely with
his o%n. With Tom by her side, Melanie feels
equal to rejecting a dozen counts; and it is not
likely the worthy project and his wife will refuse
their child to the man who saved her life