, 1889-06-29

Certainly he refuses, for the condi-
tions are not the same for him as for
Bidel, who has been long accustomed TO
being among wild animals and has made
a careful study Of their character"
you seem to take great interest In
a matter which does not concern you"
said Gisele, who was vexed by Langle's
opposition.
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 for
give you II you make him expose him
self in this perilous manner"
But Gisele insisted.
Every WELL" said Robert coldly, 81
will enter the cage. IL Bidel will allow
me to do so, a soon as the spectators
have departed / do o wish to give q
public exhibition of my courage" he
added, with IA tinge of sarcasm in his
tone.
"Ahi / knew you would consentr' ex-
claimed Gisele with apparent delight.
81 will arrange the matter at once"
said Robert
he went to Bidel, with whom he held
n short conversation, then returned, say
ing:
Tho lions will be fed ii a few minutes.
/ will enter the cage then with Bidel."
By this time the spectators had de-
parted. Robert, Langle and Gisele ap-
preached the cage. Presently the lion
tanner Joined them. He told Robert that
he was ready to feed the lions and invited
him into the cage
mo, Robert, do not CO." said Gisele.
II do not wish you to enter the cage. I
asked you to do so only because I wanted
you to seem ready to expose yourself to
any danger for my sake"
Pardon me, Gisele, for not ncceding
to this new caprice OF yours as to tho
first" replied Robert. 81 have resolved
to enter the cage and I shall do So"
Robert turned away from Gisele, and
II moment afterward he and the lion
tanner entered the cage. The lions, eight
in number, moved hither and thither,
obedient to the command of their mas
ter, but their large golden eyes showed
their a~stonishment at the presence of
this intruder who accompanied him.
Gisele and Langle looked on in silence
and in agony. Gisele, who was very
pale, was only prevented from giving
voice to her anguish by the fear of
aggravating her lovers peril. Her eyes,
which were big with fright, were fixed
on Robert. He, on the other hand, was
quite calm, Mt least in appearance. Like
Bidel, he was armed with a bar of ron
and a rawhide. He was thus doubly o
pared to repel the lions IL they came too
near him.
Robert was in the cage about five min
utes. Then he left it and rejoined Gisele,
who, radiant with joy, her hands ex-
tended, exclaimed:
"Oh, RobertI how l admire you how
p
Robert took one of Gisele's hands in
his, and, i~nterrupting her, said, In a calm
voice:
"Do not praise my exploit so much,
for the act which you applaud was per-
formed for my own sake rather than
yours If l am brave, as now you evil
IDENTIFY think me, 1 confess hat | am not
without fear that / shall not always be
able to accede TO your desires, and as 1t
would pain me to cross so charming a
woman, l renounce the honor OF being
your husband"
AS soon as they returned to tho cottage
the party started for Paris. When they
reached Gisele's home Robert babe her
good-by with a profound bow. On enter
ing tho house Gisele found the superb
bouquet which she was accustomed to
receive each day from Robert; it was the
last. Gisele has never married. Trans
lated for Tho Epoch from the French.