Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-07-24
GISELE'S CAPRICE.

room. IL was Simply IurulSuou, uub woo
adorned with a profusion of flowers and
plants. Three persons were in the salon
Nine. de Balny, Gisele, her daughter, and
the latter's betrothed, Robert de ellis, 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 advan-
tage of showing pretty teeth and two
charming little dimples in her rosy checks.
Her eyes were very handsome, but their
glance was somewhat imperious. She was
dressed in robe of soft, white, clinging
material that set off to advantage her girl
ish beauty.
Gisele was an only daughter. She had
been reared by an indulgent mother, her
father having died during her infancy. AL
though Nine. de Balny's income was bare
ly sufficient to support herself and her
daughter she managed to crafty Gisele's
every whim, aud her whims were many, for
she was a child of caprice.
Many admirers paid suit to GiSele. but
she smiled on none until Robert de ellis
threw himself and his fortune at her feet.
In Robert, Gisele found her supreme
triumph, for by his unselfish devotion he
gave her the greatest satisfaction woman
can have-to be loved for her beauty, which
was Gisele's only dover. Robert had every
qualification to be desired in a lover. He
was % years old, handsome, manly and
very wealthy.
While Nine. de Baby was working at her
embroidery and Robert ard Gisele were
holding tender conversation, the door of
the saion was opened and George Langle
was announced.
''Good evening, my dear madame said
the new conner, as he entered, bowling to
the mistress of the house.
"Ah, good evening, my dear Langle, "
said Nine. de Balny, welcoming the guest.
"This is, indeed, an agreeable surprise"
When the others had welcomed him, turn
ing to Robert, Langle said:
II knew that l would find you here, and
that is why called so late, wishing to have
you present to second proposition which
I desire to make to these ladies'"
"Ah! tell u.s. What is it?" exclaimed
Gisele.
my mothers cottage at Saint Cloud has
just been put in order for the summer
replied Langle "We are going to drive
there to morrow morning, and she desires
that you will accompany us. We shal
leave Paris in good season so as to avoiG
the heat of the day. Breakfast will avail
US on our arrival We will spend the warn
part of the day swinging in our hammock
and gossiping under the elms We will
dine al fresco, and then, if Mile. Gisele ap
proves Of the plan, we will attend the fet
of Saint Cloud, at which, among other at
fractions, will be the great lion tanner, tn
illustrious Bidel, with his menagerie
That is the proposition I have to offer.
"Bravol" cried Gisele. "Your plan
charming! charming! Is it not, Robert?
she added, turning to her lover.
Robert agreed with Gisele that thei
friends plan was faultless, and it wa
adopted with enthusiasm.
Accordingly, the following day foun
Nine. de Balny, her daughter and Robel
at Saint Cloud, as the guests Of M. Langl
and his mother. The day was spent i
those delightful ways which people escap
ing from the city in the early summer fin,
for passing the time in the country. Gisele
however, was all anticipation in regard f,
the approaching fete, and especially in re
gard to the lion tanner, Bidel, of whose ex
ploits she had heard great deal. Imme
diately after dinner, therefore, Gisele, Ro
bert aud Langle went to the fete, the eide
ladies preferring to remain at the cottage
They first attended BidePs performance
with his lions, which Gisele watched witt
the liveliest interest. AS the performanc
drew to close Gisele became SO enthusias
tic in regard to Bdel's bravery that Laugl
said, jokingly, that she ought to marry
lion tanner.
''Such is my inteEtion," replied Gisele
t'for am sure that Robert will not den,
the first request have ever made of him
Will you, Robert?" she added, turning t,
him.
"What!" exclaimed Robert. "Do you
wish me to enter the hons cage2"
Eyes. Does that surprise your"
t'A little, confess"
''You ought to have as much courage as
vulgar tanner of animals" said Gisele
who seemed to be put out by her lover,
backwardness in boarding the lions to
please her within.
'.But to do what you ask me to do would
by no means be proof of courage" an
act Oh my part, for l would BE- exposing
myself for no purpose"
"You speak lightly of the prospect of be
ing devoured," said Lapgle laughing.
Langle wished to laugh Gissle out of her
caprice. Gisee, on the other hand, did not
really wish her lover to enter the lions
cage, but she wanted him to seem ready to
do even that for her.
s.Then you refuse?" she asked Robert,
with an air of disdain.
Langle, without giving Robert an opport-
unity to reply, said:
Certainly he refuses, for the conditions
are not the same for him as for Bidel, who
has been long accustomed to being among
Wild animals and has made careful study
of their character
"fou seem 10 take great interest in a
matter which does not concern you," said
Gisele, who was vexed by Langle's opposi-
tion.
But" replied Langle gravely, "what
you ask Robert to do is very dangerous
Besides, you forget that his mother adores
Him and that she will never forgive you if
you make him expose himself in this peri
lLus manner"
Rnt Gisele insisted.
VERY WE'LL" said Robert coldly, 81 will
enter he cage, if Bdel will allow me to do
30. as soon as the spectators have departed.