The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-06-18

Miss Laura" resumed the young man,
twill you permit me to conduct you to
my mother? She will be very happy to
see you again.
II should like to very much, but think
it more fitting to await for my Aunt her
self to present me to Madame de Boissy. y
Il hope, Miss, that so far as we are con-
cerned you will not stand on ceremony
and that we shall renew our intimacy Of
other days."
s'Tell Madame de Boissy that my first
visit shall be to her, but am much be-
lated to-day"
A flash of displeasure shown in Franz S
looks he bowed in silence to allow the
young girl to pass.
Laura saluted him graciously and went
towards the entrance of the park pres
emily she stopped.
Franz rejoined her.
"You are perplexed which way to take
to return to the Rosters :"
Eyes, l lost my way in coming hither.
do you wish that l guide you to the
little gate that connects the two proper
ties, you will be nearer your home"
II shall be much obliged
"Will you spend the summer in our
country 20 asked the young man.
"Alas yes
Franz burst out laughing.
''See, how fattering to the people in
whose midst you are going to live. You
are very much afraid, are you not, of be-
ing bored among u.s."
"Oh no, 'said Laura with smile, but
AFTER all. it don t please you much, /
see. We must resign ourselves to enjoy
your presence in spite of yourself"
While the young people were walking up
the park and had reached a large English
garden, shadow arose along the ally of
chestnut trees that extended horizontally
before the dwelling as veil of foliage to
protect it from the rays of the sun.
There is my mother" said Franz,
Twill you go away without seeing her?''
ooh no. let us see whether she will
recognize me -
Hal Is HUI y TOUdUlcs
''You certainly recognized me, didn't
you %
The young man smiled.
Laura rushed toward her mothers
friend she stopped suddenly.
"Bless me - thought she, show changed
she is. When I left her she was still so
young, so beautiful now her hair is sill
vered. her color has become paler, but her
brown eyes are still as Iclear, as sweet /
should have recognized nothing but htr
look. y
Madame de Boissy looked with surprise
at the fair young girl who was corning to-
wards ner. That lovely sight awole in her
no memory. How could she recognize in
that elegant woman the little girl whom
she had so often lulled to sleep on her
knees.
We preserve the recollection of people as
we knew them. We forget that years
have passed for them as well as for our
selves. Time is pitiless transformer
it withers without pity the roses of youth
and chills the ardor of that happy age.
Laura had not yet to complain of that
dangerous enemy she was at the thresh-
hold of life the graces of adolescence had
given place to the charm of youth she
regarded the future with calmness and
hope. Had you said to her, Laura, in
twenty years, your golden hair will be
mixed with silver threads, your fair color
will lose its lustre, your features their ex-
IRENE delicacy, she would have cast upon
you an incredulous look.
Madame de Boissy seemed to say to her
son, introduce to me now this stranger.
my mother said the young man, Il
thought would not have to name to you
so old an acquaintance.
"Have you then completely forgotten
me, . cried the young girl.
Laura why didn't you speak sooner ~
Madame de Boissy locked her in her
arms.
Dear child, l am happy to see you
again. You have found your way to my
dwelling. thank you,
II don't wish to claim for myself a
merit l don't Deserve" replied Laura,
'.chance led me here this morning"
mo NATTER resumed Madame de
Boissy, II am none the less pleased at this
meeting my house will always be yours.
Don It forget it, if you have need of advice
or comforting. No where will you find a
heart more devoted to you than that of
your mothers friend.'
Laura carried with her from this first
interview feeling happiness it no
longer appeared to her that her sojourn in
thescountry must Of necessity be gloomy.
In returning to the 'Rosiers," her
thoughts went back to the years of child
hood, and the memory of Franz appeared
to her full of charm. He had been the
companion of her plays, her protector and
at the same time complaisant friend. OF
a vivacious and, withal, a passionate dis
position, he lent himself to Laura's whims
and showed for her deep affection.
To-day he was a noble and handsome
young man. He seemed not to have forgot
ten the friend of his childhood and had
welcomed her with old time confidence.
CASTOR de Tillac was walking on the
terrace of the mansion. He came to meet
his cousin as soon as he saw her.
'.You are wearing the livery of spring
time, Laura, but it is wrong for you to b.
bedecked with these beautiful flowers
You eclipse them with your own lowell
ness
The young girl shrugged slightly he
; shoulders and went to wish her aunt goot
morning.
i ssHow fresh and pretty you are salt
Madame de Tillac embracing her neice.
"The echoes of the Valley must hay
told her that before We did, = added Gas
!, | ton