The Arkansaw traveler., 1889-10-12

 . word on business"
 "Marie Mounet Marie Mounet l" chirped the old man. "Monsieur comes on business. Come here"
 "Coming !" cried shrill voice; and Mme. Mounet in the permanent black bonnet in which she ate, worked, lived and apparently slept, came in.
 "Ahl 1t is thee, Achlle," she said, "why did you not say sOa was serving the soup. have washed
 q have business to discuss" said Achille. "I am anxious to sec you" "Follow me, then"
 In the twinkling of an eye she led the way to the kitchen, put on her huge blue apron and proceeded with her culinary operations"
 "Well2" she said, for Achille stood silent, twirl- ing his hat.
 "The atmosphere is not conducive to sentiment" he began. "CieU what does the man mean7" Achille seated himself resignedly. "Maman," he said, "I will adopt your own mode, and speak with brutality. I want to be married without delay"
 "Bain," said Mme. Mounet AgIae will be free next Monday But why this haste2" "Let us be established" he said. "Liie Is short"
 "Thst Is true; Rosalie and Victorine arc both widows"
 Achille turned shade paler.
 "MamAn," he said, with emphasis; 1t is to my substitute alluded-the chances Of war"
 "But there Is no war just now" "No; but there are e thousand considerations. Should he be unhappily killed, unless a man has
  "I know, know. Ddnei you quite right; it would not be comfortable. We'll give notice at once. will tell Aglae."
 "Then may look on 1t as settled2"
 "Ddme, oui, why not? Rosalie and Victorinc were married In just such haste" "ParbLeui" But Achile got further, for the door opened and handsome little AglAe came in. She had short, rather square face, with large eyes and very thick eyebrows; her nose was short and she had determined little rounded chin, and very white teeth.
 "Aglae is made to get on as her sisters have done have fear," said Mme. Mounet; and with dexterous hand she turned out frizzling omelet rapidly served tureen full of white soup made of bread boiled into 6 thick gutinous paste set bot tie of very yellow cider on the table, and said to Achille who stood with air somewhat abashed by her constant allusions: "Come, fs, sit down and eat with us " DGnse! we shall soon be one family"
 Achille bowed and seated himself with grace, fastening 6 table napkin under his chin.
 "Aglae," he said, as she gave him a spoon, cit is on the subject of our marriage came to speak to your mother" "Yes," said Aglae cit should take place at once have small faith in your substitute"
 "HeinS' exclaimed Achille. "Why, ma mie'"
 "If he get away he will, the poor boy I think no time should be lost"
 "Thou art willing?"
 "Yes, yes," said Mme. Mounet, helping her hus- band to soup with a lavish hand "Her sisters have done we'll that she has every reason to hope"
 Achille felt as if he were choking but he pre- served ghastly kind of politeness. "I will speak to Monsieur le Cure this very afternoon" he began and with another attempt at sentiment-"Hast thou thy wedding gown in readi- ness, Aglae?" "Yes," she answered. "Black silk" alt is well to be prepared for everything" said Mime. Mounet. "Rosalie and Victorine were both married in black silk; they have proved most use- ful"
 "There draw the line," shouted Nj. Achille. "My wife shall not be married in black silk. go I-I fy-I purchase the gown myself Madame, your soup is excellent, your omelet Is perfection but-peste! 1t is the appetite that lacks A 6ien- | tot"