The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-01-24
PIERRE AUBERT.

There is one little corner of France which
] never visit without saying TO myself
"What happy lot it would be to stay here
forever!'
Nillerville on-the-sea lies on the coast OF
Normandy, between Honfeur and Trou-
vile. Behind the pretty village the rich
" wooded land slopes in gentle undula.
tons to the mouth of the Seine, which here
widens out and spreads in all its grandeur
to the far off horizon. At your feet are YER
dant meadows where great oxen Craze
raising their heads now and then, and
standing mOtionless as if listening TO the
voice of the pillows.
On the right is the river, narrowing as il
runs toward the promontory of Luille-
boeuf, and seeming TO bear in its drifting
haze the memory Of Paris, where il has
seen so much! Opposite is Havre, with its
masts, its lighthouses and its smoke; above
Hsvre is the lovely hill Of Ingonville, be-
decked with white houses half buried in
foliage On the left is the roadstead, then
the sea.
About ten years ago had the pleasure
of spending a month at Villerville. where
for the time being was a genuine rustic
and fisherman. My room had lime washed
-
most primitive furniture Imaginable, and
d few enGravings illuminated in indigo
and vermilion.
From my window there was beautiful
view Of the bay, and besides that saw
daily at low tide three or four hundred
fisher women merrily hunting for mussels,
while their husbands and brothers were
of cruising in small fishing smacks. The
latter returned home on Saturday even
ings, and the arrival of the peaceful fleet
made a scene full Of motion, color and
gayety.
Ny hostess, Cesarine Aubert, took no
part in these joyous gatherings. She was
a tall, lank woman, 40 years of age, harsh
tongued and sour tempered, ever ready for
a dispute, greedy for gain and watchful of
her own interests-a perfect virago. AS l,
however, paid well and in advance was a
hero, a god, to Cesarine. For me she
modulated her sharp voice. and always
came to meet me smiling grimly.
Strange to say, she had two charming
children, boy Of 13, and a girl almost a
year younger. They were of the usual
Normandy type, fair skinned and light
haired, and had large blue eyes with an
expression of angelic tenderness, not in the
least like their mothers. | was curious to
see what sort Of man their father was, and
on the Saturday after my arrival / sat by
the greet chimney with Cesarine awaiting
his return. The children had been watch
ing for him eagerly, and toward dusk they
pushed in, exclaiming breathlessly:
"Here be comes mother; we saw his boat
from the cliff. May we go and meet himg"
"What is the usey' replied the woman
sullenly. "Pierre's old enough to find his
way here without your assistance, and be-
sides, J want you to go into the garden,
both Of you, aud gather some salad for
supper. Do you hear me?"
At the sound of the last words the chill
dren ledlike frightened birds, and a few
minutes later Pierre Aubert came into the
house. He was about IS years old, short
and thick SCI with light brown hair cut
square over the forehead, but hanging in
two long curls upon his shoulders, and
among the locks could be seen two tiny
gold earrings shaped ike anchors. His
smile was thoughtful, his manner grave
even mournful. but the frank expression
in his blue eyes was very winning
Cesarine rose as he entered, but without
a word or smile OF greeting took down a
slate that hung on the wall, and with the
pencil in her hand asked abruptly:
"How much?'
The man drew a great leather purse from
the pocket of his pea jacket, reported the
result Of each days fishing and laid down
the amount received for his share of the
weeks work While he was speaking
Cesarine put down line of figures on the
slate, added them mp and carefully counted
. lo hn ha hpl
amount into a drawer, locked it and
pocketed the key, while the fisherman re-
turned his empty purse 20 his pocket APP
parently without regret.
"a good husband" | thought, and the
next minute the two children ran into the
room and threw their arr,s around his
neck
And a good father" added mentally;
but what was my establishment TO hear
one of the children saying:
$50 gl&d To see you. Uncle Pierre"
He sat down, took the boy and girl upon
his knees and caresSed them with such evil
dent affection that was touched. Could
it be possible that he was only uncle TO
these children and brother-in-aw to Cesa-
rine?
Gradually the bright fash of loving de-
Ngll W0lCn lne llllle ones welcome had
called TO his eyes faded away, and the
former look of hopeless sadness returned
He babe the children 20 and play upon the
beach. and then he took a spade from a
corner of the room and went out, saving
that lac was going TO work a little. | wss
so much interested in him that | followed
him at a short distance, and saw tina: he
went to the end of the village street. and
began digging in a small Enclosure where
some vegetables were growing. Suddenly,
however. he stood erect, and with his hands
resting upon the spade handle gazed in
teDtly At cottage near by. One Of the
windows was almost covered with the
leaves and blossoms Of climbing rose.
and upon the white curtain there appeared
the shadow of a woman's form. Motion
less as statue, Pierre stood with his gaze
liked upon that window until darkness
closed around and the stars came cut. and
then, with deep drawn sigh that seemed
10 come from broken heart, he shouldered
his spade and went home
The next evening as passed the church
the people were coming out. and / saw