Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-02-06

down her neck and back, she made most
figure as she spedsdovn stairs,
out Of the house by q sidssdoor, and then
out across the lights and shadows, and In
among the irregular Ehrubberies of the
old garden
Noel was about two years her senior.
and there had, perhsps until recently.
been that familiarity between them which
comes oftwo young persons having grown
up together from their earliest childhood.
Indeed, Mr.. Marlows had pretended Q
recognition Of caste distinction which he
did not feel in speaking of the young
persons relative positions. and certain IL
is that Gwendoline had ever thought her
self quite a. good as Noel, in spite Of her
pennilessness.
She now heard his voice again, and
presently saw his head behind the cur
tanning vines Of little summer house,
near the southern wall; when she at once
ran toward him, calling out: Noel, Noeli
I have something very important I want
to say to you"
At the entrance to the summer house,
however, she stood suddenly still, sur
prised and confused.
There was lady seated in there with
Noel-a very beautiful lady, who retained
her self pos session thoroughly, though
the young man had suddenly risen, with
q confusion as great as Gwendoline's.
Pardon mel" said the latter, making q
movement to retire.
pray, do not go, now that you have
come" said the young mans companion,
in clear, rich voice, which, however,
was less fresh and sweet than the young
girls. Noel. mon ami, is this the charm
ing friend you have so often spoken to
me about? Why don't you introduce usf"
Quickly recovering from his confusion,
Noel introduced them. Then, for the first
time, did Adele Ronceyille and Gwendo-
line Alworth see and know each other.
There was at once exchanged the COM
prehensive, but hardly perceptibie, criti-
cism which invariably accompanies q
meeting Of two pretty women. and which
in this case, with the rich, handsome and
agreeable Noel Marlowe-unmarried and
favorite of demonstrating by, was
apt to be more eager and searching than
ordinarily.
Miss Alworth, on her part, saw an ex-
quisitely dressed, nobly proportioned,
and remarkably well-preseryed woman Of
about thirty-two, whom the masculine
Judgment would dshave stubbornly set down
as seven or eight years younger; blonde,
too, though with darker brown hair and
more passionate gray eyes than were
Gwendoline's own, and clear, soft
complexion, suggesting no trace of arti-
ficiality, with pretty naughty features,
whose full, somewhat petulant, lips were
apparently as temptingly fresh in their
ripeness as petted child's.
fap MaIarna PnpnoviI1a cha woo
nevertheless, o widow OF the world, and,
before speaking again, her keen survey,
more penetrating and comprehensive than
edge in the young girl youth and beauty
superior to her own, and one whom, under
certain lights Of comparison, she might
have reason to fear as rival.
Il am delighted to know you, Miss AL
worth, said Madame Ronceville, smiling
pleasantly, and making room on the seat
at her side, though Miss Alworth re.
mained standing. You have been
brought up with Noel, have you mott
Yes. How splendid such companion
ship must be. OF couse, am doubly
interested in you on his account, and We
must not fail to be warm friends in the
future. OF course, you must have heari
something of me before; Is it not so?"
at is So" said Gwendoline, Will,
Noel tried to appear at ease by making ,
rude bouquet Of jasmines and honey
suckles from the trellis-work on the op.
posite side. And confess to have hat
some curiosity concerning you, madame
since learning of your engagement to my
old playmate"
She said this with pretty blush
which might have meant either disap-
pointment on her own part or mere maid
emily coyness. Madame Ronceville prob
ably gave it the latter Interpretation, fo
she not only smiled again but alst
laughed pleasantly.
Confess, also, Miss Alworth, said she
that you do not find me as your curiosit,
or fancy had depicted me.
@Imust do SO to be truthful, replied
Gwendoline, simply. Il find you mucl
| younger,and prettier than / anticipated
and less Of a foreigner. You speak on
| language with even more purity thai
most English women of cultivation"
Madame Ronceville blushed with mo
mentary pleasure.
-Thank you, Miss Alworth," she said
laughing: As for my speech. it is easil
explained. Together with my brothe
Alphonse, I have passed most Of my lif
u mean my earliest girlhood lin tn
United States. where, / think, the pures
| English in the world is spoken. In
deed, but for my married name ! shoul
never be taken for French woman"
| She went ON chatting agreeably, bu
/ presently interrupted herself with o stal
to say: but, parbleui you came here t
say something important to Noel. Thos
were your words before you knew him
be not alone.
/ There was now suggestion OF jealou
| inquiry in her tone. Gwendoline hesi
tated. The gracious politeness an
beauty Of Madame Ronceville had, in
great measure, disarmed her of her pre-
conceived dislike of the betrothed of th
man who she herself had long secretl
loved.
| what came to see Noel about lis, in
deed, important, at least to me, sh
frankly admitted, after reflective paus,
1T relates to my father-in fact, to OF
future livelihood. And her lip slight
quivered.
| Noel looked up sympathetically.
Can it be possiblel" he exclaimed
adele, my dear, il you would not take
amiss -s
| He paused, looking pleadingly at h
betrothed.
| 4Why, you foolish fellowl 60 rigl
along with Miss Alworth," cried Adel
only leave me that bouquet you have ai
ranged 30 prettily. I shall merely expe
you back before Boncourt comes to tai
me into the august presence Of 20,
father and the lawyer.
| She spoke apparently with genuiI
impulsiveness, but as Gwendoline ar
Noel strolled away together, after mu