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

been here and confessed everything-the
accidental meeting, and the manner in
which he profted by his resemblance to
Jules, which, however, would never deceive
child. And you would have me believe
that it is without your knowledge and en-
couragement that he comes here to make
an offer of marriage for you-yes, an offer
of marriage r
"Well, mamma?n said Felicie breath
lessly, as her mother paused.
ssWell, mamma You are in doubt as
to the result, eh, Mademoiselle Simplicity?
Well, he will not come here again on such
an errand, | promise you'
ssThen you refused him p said Felicie
family.
"Refused him?" repeated her mother,
stiffening, if possible, still more II do
not understand you, Felicie. Perhaps you
have forgotten that your hand is engaged
to Monsieur Lacroix."
"Oh, mamma r cried Felicie, finging
herself at her mothers feet in piteous ap-
peal nothing is settled yet. Do not be
cruel ]"
"Stand up, Felicie," said Madame Du-
vergne, coldly. II desire no more of
these theatrical hand-claspings and TRADES
against my cruelty. They are part of the
same silly romance which is at the bottom
of this whole affair. Stand up, then; do
you hear? I consent to overlook your
folly for this once, but | will have no more
of it. You know me, and know that I
hold to my purpose. At the proper time
| shall inform you Of my arrangements for
your marriage with Jules Lacroix. Until
then wish to hear nothing more on the
subject Now you can go"
Felicie moved slowly away without
speaking. Of what use to multiply words ?
She did indeed know her mother, and she
realized but too fully that Madame Du-
yergnes will was as rock, but which she
could never break. She felt that the fat
had gone forth, from which there was no
appeal; that hepceforward, unless death or
chance should interfere, she was as much
bound to Jules Lacroix as if the marriage
ceremony had been read over them
The days went by, each leaving Felicie
a little thinner and little paler. But she
had never been strong, and to the eyes that
saw her daily the change was not great.
Besides, Madame Duyergne was too much
occupied with other things to notice trans
parent hands and hollow eyes. She was
carrying forward her plans as calmly as if
Felieie's marriage did not mean a broken
heart and ruined life for the girl. She
intended on julie Lacroix's return to give
reception, at which the young people
should be formally betrothed. Felicie had
been duly informed of this in few cold
words by her mother, and had tacitly ac-
quiesced, submitting as matter of course
to the stronger will which all her life had
borne her down.
1t was not that Madame Duvergne meant
to be bad mother, She endeayoFed to
consult her daughters interests in all the
practical things Of existence, but unfor-
tunately her ideas were entirely out of har-
mony with Felicie's character. To be of
weight in the neighborhood, to have a
name for shrewdness and success, to make
good show in the eyes of the world
such were the objects of Madame Du-
vergne's regard. 1t vexed her that Felicie
was so different, that she was unambitious,
and would have found her delight in quiet
loving household ways Madame Du-
vergpe had forced her daughter into sub
mission, and yet she was impatient of the
work of her own hands. A spirited girl,
with something of the maternal temper,
would have been really more to the moth
er's liking, and would have found her, in
the main, easier to get on with.
Felicie's fate was terribly near. There
was little wanting now but the presence of
Jules Lacroix All arrangements to which
he was not indispensable had been made by
Madame Duvergne, who looked out for
everything. One morning she summoned
Felicie to try on her betrothal dress, in
which Marthe's skillful fingers had just set
the last stitch.
"Ah, madame" said the faithful COM
panion, lifting one Of Felicie's arms sadly,
as she adjusted the dress; "only see A
month ago one could not find the least
little bone in mademoiselles arm, and now
mon Dieu l'
s'Nonsense, Marthe," retorted Madame,
aagrily. "What would you have? The
child is little thin, perhaps, from the
heat, but that will soon pass. Her arms
are white enough, 1 hope" added the
mother, proudly; for Madame puvergne
was herself dark and somewhat swarthy.
Felicie's fairness came to her from the
other side of the house.
"Oh, as for that, mademoisele was al
ways as white as milk, answered Marthe,
with fond pride, which was so much more
motherly than the real mothers. "Now,
my little heart" she continued, "look at
yourself and see if Marthe has not done
her best for you"
Silently the girl raised her eyes and fixed
them on the long mirror that sent back her
reflection Slender, shadowy, motionless
white shape, she seemed a moonlight phan-
tom gone astray, alien to the warm day
light in which she stood. Marthe's eyes
filled with tears, and even the unimpressible
Madame Duvergne felt chill Of fore
boding.
oFelicie," she said sharply, "try, then,
to look little less than ghost Marthe,
bring me the rouge. / will not have her
stand there like the marble efigy off a
tomb"
Marthe obeyed, and madame was pre-
pairing to give touch of color to the white
face, when servant brought card to the
door.
"Ahl" exclaimed Madame Duvergne,
exultantly, after one glance, "no need OF
rouge for those cheeks now, | warrant.
Jules Lacroix is below-Felicie -"
For, the languor all gone, the girl had
started forward, her great dark eyes turn
ing desperately from face to face, then,
moving her arms blindly about, with
gasping cry she fell prone to the floor, a
heap of crushed white draperies.
They raised her up and laid her on
couch. One by one the simple restoratives
known to the household were tried and
failed, until presently Madame Duvergne,
who at first had been impatient of what
she considered mere weakness, was forced
to take more serious view of the situation.
The waiting visitor below was dismissed
and physician sent for.
When Dr. Menil arrived he looked very
} grave as he bent over the motionless figure.
Finally, after long examination, he raised
J himself up and prepared to speak.