The Russellville Democrat., 1889-06-27

in the country. Giisele. however, was all anticipation in regard to the ap- preaching fete. and especially in re- gard to the Iion-tamer, Bidel, of whose exploits she had heard a great deal Immediately after dinner, therefore, Gisele Robert and Lsngle went to the fete, the elder ladies preierring to re- main at the cottage
 They first attended Bidel's perform ance with his lions, which Gisele watch ed with the live.iest interest As the performance drew to a close Gisele be- came so enthusiastic in regard to Biders bravery that LangIe said jokingly, that she ought to marry lion-tamer.
 Such is my intention, replied Gi- selc, flor l am sure that Robert will not deny the first request l have ever made Of him. Will you, Robert?" she added, turning to him.
 "Whatr' exclaimed Robert. Do you wish mo to enter the lions cage?"
 Yes, Does that surprise you?'
 "A little, I confess
 "You ought to have as much courage as a vulgar tanner of anim als, said Gisele, who seemed to be put out by her lovers backwardness in boarding the lions 10 please her whim.
 But Co do what you ask me to do would by no means be a proof of cour- age, answered Robert 'lt would be a ridiculous act on my part, for Iwould be exposing myself for no purpose"
 You speak lightly of the prospect of being devoured, said Langle, laugh ing.
 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 rofuse?" she asked Robert with an air Of disdain.
 Laugie without giving Robert an op- portunity to reply. said:
 "Ce.tainly refuses, for the conditions are not the same for him as for Bidel. who has leen long accustomed to be- ing among wild animals and has made q careful study of their character,
 You seem to take great interest in a matter which does not concern you, 5 said Gisele, who was vexed by Langle's opposition.
 But" replied Lanele, 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 ex- pose himself in this perilous manner. "
 But Gisele insisted
 Very well, said Robert. coldly, 'I will enter the cage. fl Bidel will allow me to do so, as soon as the spectators have departed. l do not wish to give a public exhibition Of my courage" he added with a tinge of sarcasm in his tone.
 "Ah! I knew you would consent!' exclaimed Gisele with apparent de- light.
 'I will arrange the matter at once, | said Robert
 He went to Bidel, with whom he held a short conversation, then returned, saying;
 "The lions will De fed in a few min utes. will enter the cage with Bi- del"
 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.
 No, Robert, do not go" said Gisele. Il do not wish you to enter the cage l asked you to do so only because wanted you to seem ready to expose yourself to any danger for my sake"
 Pardon me, Gisele, for not acceding to this new caprice as to the first re. piled Robert. T have resolved to en. ter the cage and shall do so. ''
 Robert turned away from Gisele, and a moment afterward he and the lion- tanner entered the cage The lions, eight in number moved hither and thither, obedient to the command ol their master, but their large golden eyes showed their astonishment at the presence of this intruder who accompa- nied him.
 Gisele and Langle looked on in si- lence 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, at least iu ap- pearance Like Bidel, he was armed with bar of iron and a rawhide. He was thus doubly prepared to repel the lions if they came too near him.
 Robert was in the cage about five minutes. Then he left it and re- joined Gisele. who radiant with joy, her hands extended, exclaimed:
 "Oh, Robert how l admire you how l --''
 Robert took one Of Giseles hands in his. and. interrupting 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 am brave, as now you evi- dently think me, l confess that I am not without fear that I shall not al- ways be able 10 accede to your desires, and as it would pain me to cross SC charming a woman l renounce the honor of being your husband. "
 As soon as they returned to tho cot tage the party started for Paris. When they reached Gt5ele's home Robert bade her goodbye with a profound bow. On entering the house Gisele found the SUI perb bouquet which she was accustom- ed to receive each day from Robert; il was the last
 Gisele has never married The