The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1885-01-10

81 forbid you to mention his name, in
terrupted madame, with frown "He
has been the cause of the whole trouble
if, indeed, it be not rather you, incapable
that you are" she added, turning upon
Marthe in a rage.
"Blame me if you will, madame, an
swered Marthe submissively, ''only do not
break that poor lambs heart again'
"Leave the room, Marthe, instantly !"
Madane's tone enforced the command, and
the humble companion obeyed, aghast at
her own rashness. Indeed, it was only for
Felicie's sake that she would have dared
even to answer her mistress
Left alone, Madame Duvergne fell into
a fit of musing, with Marthe's words for
text, and soon reached her conclusion.
Felicie must not stagnate. Felicie wanted
rousing Accordingly, the girl was car
ried off down stairs to madame's own morn
ing room, on the opposite side of the house,
and established in large chair by the
window, which looked out over broad
sweep of park-lands to the wooden heights
that bounded the horizon. This view,
madame said, would be less monotonous
than those silly flower beds, with their
flicker of light and shadow, which, besides,
was bad for weak eyes. Then she settled
herself in one of her favorite straight
backed chairs and began to read to Felicie
from book of stilted "Meditations.
This was presently cut short by knock;
then, without any pause, the door was
flung open, and two names were announced
which made Madame Duvergne start to her
feet and level deadly look at the retreat
ing Marthe, who had gone away, leaving
Jules Lacroix and Felix de Varot bowling
on the threshold. Madame Duvergne post
poned her anger and prepared to control
the situation.
"This is an unexpected pleasure. gentle
men, she said coldly. "And as Mademoi-
selle Duvergne' (waving her hand vaguely
toward Felicie) ''is unequal to any society,
| will beg you to descend with me to the
salon"
But Jules was already beside Felicie,
greeting her with the old time warmth and
stilling her first nervous tremor by the fra
ternal kindness of his manner
tPardon me, madame" he said, ''but
you forgot that it is long time since |
have seen my little playmate. l cannot
believe that anything her brother Jules
could say would injure her. Will you not
speak for me, mademoiselle? p"
"Indeed, mamma, it will not harm me"
said Felicie, with more of the look and
tone of life than she had shown since her
illness.
Madame Duvergne glanced sharply
round, but resigned herself to the position
with the less difficulty that Monsieur de
Varot made no attempt to approach her
daughter.
II am come this morning, madame,
said Jules presently, 'to speak of delicate
matter, which nevertheless admits of no
delay. You will kindly pardon me for
entering upon it at once, and Mademoi-
selle Felicie, | am sure, will warn me if |
am fatiguing her." He gave the girl a
meaning look, under which her heart
bounded with hope she could not define,
then resumed, speaking Of his friend De
Varot and their long and close college in
timacy.
"And it was with your consent, Mon
sieur Lacroix,' put in Madame puvergne
dryly, "that your friend came and person
ated you? 1t was an honorable scheme,
truly
Jules flushed and cast an apprehensive
glance at De Varot, who, however, never
stirred from his fixed attitude.
Felicies clasped hands trembled on her
lap.
"Permit me to say, madame, answered
Jules, after moment, "that you use harsh
terms. There was no scheme, no intention
of any kind in the case. 1t is all the re-
suit of accident and certain personal re-
semblance. My friend had not been well,
and [ persuaded him to try our country air
with me; but at the last moment | was de-
tanned, and he went on in advance. He
saw mademoiselle by chance, their ac-
quaintance grew, at first as a jest, and then
''Then," suddenly interrupted De Varot,
rising, IL lacked courage to end the dream.
All, it is true, madame, can find no jus
tifcation for my conduct; seek none. |
only plead the bewilderment of my love for
Mademoiselle Duvergne-
"And of that one can judge by Its eff
fects," struck in Jules, deftly regaining
possession of the case. eff my friend has
done amiss, he has been punished. Only
| look at him. y
All eyes were turned upon De Varot,
who stood before them pale and worn. He
looked much older now than Jules-years
older, it seemed to Felicie, than when she
saw him first in the garden. Her eyes
filled with tears as she looked,
''He has wronged us, he says, continued
Jules. sAh, well, as for me, | have freely
forgiven him. Do not be more implacable,
madame, | entreat you. Surely he has
suffered enough already"
"This is all very fine, gentlemen" said
Madame Duvergne, after a pause, "but 1t
does not make landless engineer, without
prospects, any the filter match for my
daughter.
"Ah, madame, but he has prospects, :"
eagerly replied jules" excellent prospects
[ know this, for | have left nothing un-
tried in his interest. There is an uncle,
wealthy and childless, who would do much
for him in the event of good marriage.
And this would heal an old family feud,
besides"
"But finally, Monsieur Lacroix," ex-
claimed Madame Duvergne, turning angrily
upon him, ''I do not precisely comprehend
your own position in this matter. In your
extreme disinterestedness you appear to
overlook the engagement between my
daughter and yourself
Jules colored again and hesitated, then
answered boldly, "Pardon me, madame, |
do not overlook it; but how can | stand
between two lovers ?" And, then, what
would you have? myself-one cannot
rule the heart, Mademoiselle Felicie, he
cried impulsively, rising to his feet; "re-
ceive my deepest regrets; all unworthy as |
am, | am forced to decline the honor of
your alliance" And he made low bow,
which only half concealed the mischief In
his eyes
Felicie held out her hand to him with a
faint smile, while Madame Duvergne glared
at him angrily But, even as she looked,
her thoughts were rapidly running over
the points of the situation in its new phase.