The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1890-12-18
THE OLD CHIFFONIER.

My Louis XIV chiffonier is very hand
some and graceful piece of furniture. 1t
is inlaid and polished, with locks of bur-
nished copper, and always seems to be
smiling, as if its red and white mosa1cs
were merry rosy lips.
1t was given to me by my grandmoth-
or, who inherited it from her GRANDPA
Their, and verify believe that it once
stood in boudoir of the palace Of Marty.
Never was an innocent little piece of
furniture abused and rated so merciless-
ly as my chiffonier was when CHANGED
to think of it one day during my sojourn
at the Perseus in Greece. You will no
doubt ask why thrust my trembling
hand through my hair and cried out,
Miserable IDIOT" without stating
whether the epithet was applied to my
self or to my chiffonier Good heavens
the only wonder was that l left single
hair on my headl Judge for yourself.
had been SO fortunate some time
before as to be loved by the most charm
ing of women. | shall not attempt to
describe her. not even by the color of her
hair; it is sufficient to say that for two
years called her my angel" and
"bright image of my dreams" At the
end of that period allowed one of my
friends to say to me in speaking of her,
How could you be such u fool?" She
sent me back my letters, and neglected
to return hers, but put the whole lot
into drawer of my old chiffonier,
without thinking to turn the key.
That chiffonier was in my room; my
room was in my mothers chateau; my
mothers chateau was eight hundred
leagues away, in the middle of Pro-
vence, In setting off Unexpectedly on
diplomatic mission | had completely
forgotten to destroy those remains of an
attachment which had been delightful
as long as it lasted.
When accidentally called out the
memory Of those letters from some OBJ
scure corner of my brain, started up
in surprise and shame, for | knew that
my thoughtlessnessm might seriously COM
promise a woman who had done moth
ing to deserve such treatment at my
hands. felt that my conduct had been
unworthy of a gentleman, and in fine
frenzy rushed out of the house, in
quired for the first steamship bound for
Marseilles. took passage, and listening
to nothing but the voice Of my con-
science returned to France.
A week later arrived at the maternal
abode, and will spare you recital of
the CALCULATIONS, the "Whatl YOU
Georgel Whyi So soon" which greeted
me as soon as appeared. My mother
nearly stif1ed mo with her embrace, and
was sure that something dreadful had
happened to me, and had great diff
Guilty to reassure her. When she had
grown calm said in as Indifferent a
tone as possible:
will you have my valise sent to my
room. mother dear3"
Certainly, my son; you must be tired
out" she answered. Then summoning
servant. she said. Take my sons bag
gage to the blue room, Pierre"
you mean the green ROOM" added.
No. the blue room," persisted my
mother.
But the green room is my room"
at was yours once. George" she said
smilingly.
And whose is it now" asked in sur.
prise, and my mother pointed to the
door, saying merrily;
Here comes the present occupant"
"Gabrielle" cried. going to meet my
cousin, the loveliest and most charming
of girls. with abundant blonde hair, eyes
as blue az heaven, smile of childish
innocence and teeth like pearls. It WA.
she, of all persons, who was occupying
the green room, and who no doubt hai
ransacked the drawers and cupboards.
Unfortunate. thrice unfortunate mar
that vast
Gabrielle, gay, artless and confiding
though II trifie shy, gave me her hand
looking delicious as she said:
How do you do, Cousin Georger
My face must have betrayed my con
fusion as took her hand, and looked
searchingly for some sign of dissimula
ton in her soft eyes. Had she found thu
letters; had she read them2 To tell thu
truth Mrs. - had loved me ardently
and had been 80 imprudent as to expires
her sentiments in writing running tn,
gamut of obs and abs with plentiful ex
clamation points attached thereto. Ant
suppose little Gabrielle had read them
blushed at the thought.
But quite calmly she said, "How d
you do, Cousin George? That was all
and in my great palm lay soft. cool
maidenly little hand.
All. but what abyss is deeper than
woman's heart? rs the psalmist says
suppose she had read the lettersl TIL
only way to make sure was to go int
the room and look for them. Gabrielle
rooml What sweet melody In the words
yet | felt that dared not enter tina
sanctuary, although had known m,
cousin since she was a child.
"Come, George, and SEQ how prettil
! have arranged your ROOM she sal
suddenly.
Joy. bliss, ecstasy filled me as sh
spoke; was saved. Innocence had com
to the rescue OF depravity
Lightly and gracefully she ran up tn
staircasei what IA pretty figure she had
] followed her like culpnt, feeling a
most afraid 10 go, but yet must at a
hazards got my letters.
My former room was perfects> charm
Ing, decked out Ia blue and white. an
with 40 odor ol ciRars anywhere. I'll