, 1889-06-29
GISELE'S CAPRICE.

The salon was lighted by a single lamp
which shed n soft radiance throughout
the room. II was simply furnished, but
was adorned with n 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 a
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 n 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 10 support herself and
her daughter she managed 70 crafty
Gisele's every whim, and 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 Giscle found her supreme
triumph, for by his unselhsh devotion he
gave her the greatest satisfaction n
woman can have-to be loved for her
beauty, which was Gisele's only dover.
Robert had every qualification to be de-
sired in n lover. He was % years old,
handsome, manly and very wealthy.
While Mime. de Balny was working at
her embroidery and Robert and Gisele
were holding n tender conversation, the
door of the salon was opened and Georges
Langle was announced.
Good evening, my dear madame"
said the new conner, rs he entered, bow
ing TO the mistress of the house.
"Ah, good evening, my dear Langle,"
said Nine. do Balny, welcoming the
guest. This is. indeed. an agreeable
surprise"
When the others had welcomed him,
turning to Robert, Langle said:
81 knew that would find you here,
and that is why | called so late, wishing
to have you present TO second n PROPOSE
ton which desHe to make to these la
dies"
"Ahi 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. 1--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 tho day. Breakfast
will await us on our arrival. We will
gnnn1 tho yrnrDN nnrt of fhn 1ar ,,rf-.
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 l have to offer.
"Bravol' cried Gisele. your plan is
charmingl charmingl Is it not, RobertY'
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
Nine. de Balny, her daughter and Rob
ert at Saint Cloud, as the guests of NJ.
Langle and his mother. Tho day was
spent in those delightful ways which
people escaping from the city in the
early summer find for passing the time
in the country. GiSele, however, was all
anticipation in regard to the approach
ing fete, and especially in regard to the
lion tanner, Bidel, of whose exploits she
had heard a great deal. Immediately
after dinner, therefore, Gisele, Robert
and Langle went to the fete, the elder
lnIina nrpfnrfin~ m ran,afp - a. -
tage.
They first attended Bidel's perform
ance with his lions, which Gisele watched
with the ~iveliest interest. As the per-
Torrance drew to a close Gisele became
so enthusiastic in regard to Bidel's brav-
cry hat Langle said, jokingly, that she
ought to marry a lion tanner.
such is my intention, a" replied Gisele,
"for l am sure that Robert will not DENY
the first request l have ever made of
him Will you, Roberty' she added, turn
ing to him.
What" exclaimed Robert. "Do you
wish me to enter the lions eager
"Yes. Does that surprise your"
"a little, l confess"
you ought to have as much courage
as n vulgar tanner of animals said
Gisele, who seemed to be put out by her
levers backwardness in boarding the
lions TO please her whim.
But to do what you ask me to do
would by no means be a proof of cour-
age answered Robert. at would be a
ridiculous act on my part, for l would be
exposing myself for no purpose"
You speak lightly of the prospect of
being %devoured," said Langle laughing.
Langle wished to laugh Gisele out of
her caprice. Gisele, 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.
Then you refuse?' she asked Robert,
with an air of disdain.
Iangle, without giving Robert an OPP
portunity TO reply. said: