Arizona weekly enterprise., 1889-08-17
GISELE'S CAPRICE.

which shed soft radiance throughout the room. It was simply furnished, but was adorned with profusion of flowers and plants. Three persons were in the salon-Mme. de. Balny, Gisele, her daughter, and the latter's betrothed, Robert de Gillis, who was soon to be her husband.
 Gisele, who was in her eighteenth year, was very beautiful. She was natural blonde. Her smile had the double advantage of showing pretty teeth and two charming little dimples in her rosy cheeks. Her eyes were very handsome, but their glance was somewhat impe- rious. She was dressed in a robe of a soft, white, clinging material that set of | to advantage her girlish beauty.
 Gisele was an only daughter. She had | been reared by an indulgent mother, her father having died during her infancy. Although Mme de Balny's income was barely sufficient to support herself and her daughter she managed to gratify Giseles every whim, and her whims were many, for she was child of caprice.
 Many admirers paid suit to Gisele, but she smiled on none until Robert de Gillis threw himself and his fortune at her feet. In Robert Gisele found her supreme triumph, for by his unselfsh devotion he gave her the greatest satisfaction woman can have-to be loved for her beauty, which was Giseles only dover. Robert had every qualification to be de- sired in lover. He was 25 years old, handsome, manly and very wealthy.
 While Mime. de Balny was working at her embroidery and Robert and Gisele were holding tender conversation, the door of the salon was opened and Georges Langle was announced.
 "Good evening, my dear madame" said the new conner, as he entered, bow ing to the mistress of the house.
 "Ah, good evening, my dear Langle," said Mime. de Balny, welcoming the guest. ''This is, indeed, an agreeable surprise"
 When the others had welcomed him, turning to Robert, Langle said:
 "I knew that I would find you here, and that is why called so late, wishing to have you present to second a proposi- tion which desire to make to these la- dies"
 "Ah! tell us. What is it?" exclaimed Gisele.
 My mothers cottage at Saint Cloud has just been put in order for the sum- mer," replied Langle. "We are going to drive there tomorrow morning, and she desires that you will accompany us. We shall leave Paris in good season so as to avoid the heat of the day. Breakfast will await us on our arrival. We will spend the warm part of the day swing ing in our hammocks and gossiping un- der the elnns. We will dine al fresco, and then, if Mile. Gisele approves of the
 plan, we will attend the fete of Saint j Cloud, at which, among other attrao-
 tions, will be the great lion tanner, the
 illustrious Bidel, with his menagerie
 That is the proposition have to offer.
 "Bravor" cried Gisele. "Your plan is
 charmingl charming! Is it not, Robert?
 she added, turning to her lover.
 Robert agreed with Gisele that their
 friends plan was faultless, and it was
 adopted with enthusiasm.
 Accordingly, the following day found
 Mime. de Balny, her daughter and Rob.
 ert at Saint Cloud, as the guests of M
 
 spent in those delightful ways which
 people escaping from the city in the
 early summer find for passing the time
 in tue country. Gisele, however, was al
 anticipation in regard to the approach
 ing fete, and especially in regard to the
 lion tanner, Bidel, of whose exploits she
 had heard great deal Immediately after dinner, therefore, Gisele, Robert and Langle went to the fete, the eldel
 ladies preferring to remain at the cot tage.
 They first attended Biders perform ance with his lions, which Gisele watched
 with the iveliest interest. As the per. forlnance drew to close Gisele became so enthusiastic in regard to Bidels bray
 cry that Langle said, jokingly, that sbt ought to marry a lion tanner. ''Such is my intention" replied Gisele ''for am sure that Robert will not den. the first request I have ever made o him. Will you, Robert?" she added, turn
 ing to him.
 "What!' exclaimed Robert. Do yo1
 wish me to enter the lions cage?' , "Yes. Does that surprise you?' "A little, confess.
 :, "You ought to have as much courag s as a vulgar tanner of animals" sai t Gisele, who seemed to be put out by he lovers backwardness in boarding tn l lions to please her whim. e "But to do what you ask me to q ] would by no means be proof of coul n age," answered Robert. "It would be s ridiculous act on my part, for would b l. exposing myself for no purpose" f "You speak lightly of the prospect c r being devoured," said Langle laughing $ Langle wished to laugh Gisele out c > her caprice. Gisele, on the other hand d did not really wish her lover to enter tn > lions cage, but she wanted him to seer t ready to do even that for her. o "Then you refuseY she asked Robert y with an air of disdain.
 y Langle, without giving Robert an oI
 portunity to reply. said.
 Certainly he refuses, for the cond n tions are not the same for him as fc k Bidel, who has been long accustomed o. being among wild animals and has mad n a careful study of their character" 10 "You seem to take great interest 10 u AdLUGI WHICH uOto A1Ob COuCS1A you l. said Gisele, who was vexed by Langle D. opposition.
 le "But," replied Langle gravely, ".wh' m you ask Robert to do is very dangerou D. Besides, you forget that his moth' ,e adores him and that she will never fo e. give you if you make him expose hin nj self in this perilous manner" o. But Gisele insisted
 le "Very wen," said Robert coldly, e. will enter the cage, if Bidel will allo
 me to do so, as soon as the spectato
 have departed. do not wish to give " public exhibition of my courage" ~ m.S. added, with tinge of sarcasm in h
 tone.
 2, "Ahl knew you would consent!" e ba m claimed Gisele with apparent delight. m oo "I will arrange the matter at once