St. Paul daily globe., 1884-10-12
A TIMELY RESCUE.

HOuIOlSe, TreIeU OF the HlLle NOTlndu W" IL VI
Virentan, lounged back in his arbor. the
very picture of full-blown content. A cup
of black coffee was on the table before him
add he has just lighted an unimpeachable
cigar.
But mere bodily comforts had not rendered
the worthy Prefet so radiant; he had received
very agreeable news that morning. NJ. lie
Comte de la Croiserie, one OF the most dis
tinguished residents in the neighborhood,
had asked the hand of Nile. Melanie Pom
toise in marriage. The event was so fiatter-
ing, so unexpected, that the happy parents
could scarcely contain themselves for joy,
and were eager to tell their daughter the hon
or that awaited her.
Nine. Pontoise soon appeared, followed by
pretty, fair-haired girl, who put her hand
caressingly on her fathers arm.
''Now, then, petit pere, what is it you have
to tell me! / see it is something nice. An
other invitation to England, perhapsT'
slight shade passed over the beaming
countenance of Nine. Pontoise. as she an
swered for her husband. ''No; you have been
too much in England already. Your last
visit filed your foolish little head with all
sorts of ideas"
''Wel, never mind" said the good-tem-
pered Prefet, fickering some cigar ashes off
the spherical surface of his white waistcoat
''this has nothing to do with England. On
the contrary, it is something tc keep you
here. How should you like to he countess!'
'Eot at all, papa. would rather stay
with you, plain Mademoiselle Pontoise.'
sEXpujy- bepD that lOnp enough ;, MT in
her mother; ''it is nigh time to change, NJ.
le Comte de la Croiserie has written to ask
for your hand in marriage, and your father
is deeply sensible Of the honor"
Melanie opened her eyes. ''Why, papa, is
republican! He laughs at titles!'
Nonsense, child!" said NJ. Pontoise {;
''what do you know about politics!n
But il was true nevertheless, and VI. Pom
toise could not deny it. Still it was all very
well to laugh at titles when you hadn't any
yourself, but NJ. Pontoise very naturally felt
it would be quito a different matter if he had
count for a son-in-law. So he answered
his only child rather testify, telling her that
she knew nothing about politics, and had
much better turn her attention to her toilet
for the evening.
Nine Pentoise took the hint at once, and
led the way back to the house, Melanie fol-
were safe in the seclusion of the girls bed
room Nine. Pontoise began to reason with
her daughter.
''What is the matter, ma file? What OBJ
lection have you to NJ. de la Croiserie. That
he is a widower. Bah! that is nothing.
That he is older than you! All! my child,
you viii know some day how well it is to have
husband of that age, possessed Of the most
admirable qualities. Why, he is everywhere
sought after; you will be the envy of the
neighborhood."
That was undoubtedly true; still, Melanie
did not look convinced.
tsBut | don't know him, mamma. ! have
only seen him twice"
s'What more would you have! Who ex-
poets you to know him! We have not YET
adopted the English habit of allowing young
girls TO form intimacies with men; but you
have heard of him. Every one is acquainted
with his good heart-his''--
son! yes, mamma,'' interrupted MelaniC
lmpatiently; II have heard his praises sung
till | am tired. Solo. duet or chorus, the re-
frain is always the same. He is so good he
is such kind fathcri"
'.You surely don object to the children,
Meaniei Three darlings, and only girls.
Remember you have already vexed your
father twice by refusing two very eligible offers
Do not disappoint him again by rejecting
NJ. de la CrOsere, the most eligible of all.
He is coming TO a little dinner Zen
fdmmille,' so that you may jndge Of one an
other. And now / leave you TO choose youl
dress, " and Nine, Pontoise hurried away.
Melanie stood by the window, gazing
dreariy out upon the view. Below in blind
ing sunshine was the stiff, trim little garden
in which her fathers soul delighted; a few
orchards iuterycncd between that and the
river Wire, and Immediately on the other
bank lay the grounds of the Chateau dc Ia
Croscrie. The trees were in full leaf, SC
that but little Of the house was visible: but
Melanie could see a small turret window,
which she knew was the counts dressing
room Her heart sank within her The
count vas fine match from a worldly point
Of view. II wac very ilattering that he should
wish to make her his wife, but she felt it.
would be impossible to love him. He was
so cold, so stiff Her mother said the bes
kind of love for a woman came after mar
ragc, but Mclanie shuddcred at the risk
Could it be that she had really imbibed fool
ish ideas during her visits to England! She
had dreamed there OF something very differ
ent Was marriage one of the things the,
manage better in France. Well, il was {,
be hoped so. Melanie sighed, and the tur
rets of her future home were blotted out by
mist OF binding tears.
Suddenly there came loud peal at tn,
door. Who could he ringing so violently
Had the count proved too ardent lover I,
wait till the evening. The idea was grotes
que; besides, he would never do anything 5,
incorrect.
While she was wondering her mothe
came rushing into the room holding car,
in her hand.
''llere is young Mr.. Paget come to Sc
your father. How provoking! Just as he ha
gone 70 the Prefecture. Do go down and Sc,
him. You can speak English, and you mus
tell him where to go''
Melainc stood transfixed The event whic
seemed SO commonplace to the mother
seemed a miracle to the girl Mr.
Paget was her fathers English partner;
was at his house that she had paid those Wis
Its of which Nine. Pontoise disapproved
His daughter Alice was her school-feliow an
friend; his son Tom was-weu, be was be
friend, too.
And TO think that he should appear to-da
dropped from the clouds, as it werel
Recovering herself, she ran quickly dow
stairs. tall, Sunburnt young man wa
standing in the mid lie Of the room. lookin
eagerly towards the door.
"Oh. Monsieur Tomr' she cried; ''est-i
posSib.e,i
''Why not;" he said, smiling; ..am 5
slteredi Bur, l say you musn I talk Frenel
you know. | eaa't understand word {
that"
Melaine laughed, but the tears 50 recent
repressed were very near the surface ''Pag
viii be very glad 10 see You, she said, Wit
her pretty accent
Mr.. Tom looked moderately elated at Il
assurance.
Il think YOU might say you were glad, 10,
Mile Mclaiue. for unless had .xpeeted
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