The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1889-07-12
GISELE'S CAPRICE.

The salon was lighted by single lamp
which shed soft radiance throughout
tho room. 1t 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 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
advantage of showing pretty teeth and
two charming little dimples in her rosy
checks. Her eyes were very handsome.
but their glance was somewhat impe--
rious. She was dressed in robe of a
soft. white. clinging material that set off
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 Nine. de Balny's income was
barely sufficient to support herself and
her daughter she managed to crafty
Gisele's 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 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 a
woman can have-to be loved for her
beauty, which was Gisele's only DOVER
Robert had every qualification to be de-
sired in lover. He was 25 years DID,
handsome, manly and very wealthy.
While Nine. 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 Nine. de Balny, welcoming the
guest. This is, indeed. an agreeable
surprise"
When the others had welcomed him.
turning to Robert, Langle said:
Il knew that would find you here.
and that is why called so late, wishing
to have you present to second PROPOSE
ton which desire to make to these la
dies"
"Ah! tell us. What is itr" exclaimed
Gisele.
"My mothers cottage at Saint Cloud
has just been put in order for the sum-
mer." replied Langle. 1--WE are going tc
drive there tomorrow morning, and she
desires that you will accompany us. We
shall leave Paris in good season SO as tc
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 elms. We will dine al fresco
and then, if Mile. Gisele approves of the
plan, we will attend the fete of Saint
Cloud, at which, among other attrac
tons, will be the great lion tanner, the
illustrious Bidel, with his menagerie
That is the proposition have to offer.
"Bravo!" cried Gisele. "Your plan i
charming! charming! Is it not, RobertY
Robert agreed with Gisele that thei
friends plan was faultless. and it wa
adopted with enthusiasm.
Accordingly, the following day fount
Nine. de Balny, her daughter and Rob
ert at Saint Cloud, as the guests of NJ
Langle and his mother. The day wa
spent in those delightful ways which
people escaping from the city in tn
early summer find for passing the tim
in the country. Gisele. however. was al
anticipation in regard to the approach
ing fete. and especially in regard to thu
lion tanner, Bidel, of whose exploits sht
had heard great deal. Immediatel,
after dinner. therefore, Gisele, Rober
and I.angle went to the fete, the eide
ladies prefcrring to remain at the cot
tage.
They first attended Bidel's perform
ance with his lions, which Gisele watched
with the liveliest interest AS the per
Torrance drew to close Gisele became
SO enthusiastic in regard to Bidel's brav
cry that Langle said, jokingly. that SIN
ought to marry lion tanner.
''Such is my intention" replied Gisele
"for am sure that Robert will not den,
the first request l have ever made O
him. Will you. Robert?" she added, turn
ing to him.
''Whatw exclaimed Robert. do 70,
wish me to enter the lions cage:"
Eyes Does that surprise your
"A little, confess"
"You ought to have as much courag
as vulgar tanner of animals" sal,
Gisele. who seemed to be put out by he1
lovers backwardness in boarding tn
lions to please her within.
But to do what you ask me to q,
would by no means be a proof of cour
age" answered Robert. sit would be
ridiculous act on my part. for would b
exposing myself for no purpose"
"You speak lightly of the prospect O
being devoured, said Langle laughing
Langle wished to laugh Gisele out o
her caprice. Gisele, on the other hand
did not really wish her lover to enter tn,
lions cage, but she wanted him to seen
ready to do even that for her.
Then you refuses" she asked Robert
with an air of disdain.
Langle. without giving Robert an op
portunitv tn reply said.
Certainly he refuses. for the condf
lions are not the same for him as foa
Bidei. who has been long accustomed t.
being among wild animals and has made
careful study Of their character"
You seem to take great interest IL
matter which does not concern you.
said Gisele. who was vexed by Langie'i
opposition
"But. replied Langle gravely. "wha
ron ask Robert tn do ia very Dangerous