The Press., 1892-06-09


 "You are surprised to sec me hcre."
 Monsieur Leroux, a quiet, sensible faced man, arrived just as the aunt and niece had begun breakfast. He was un usually bright and cheerful, Madelaine thought: and when his sister-in-law asked for few words with him, he smiled blandly as he followed her out of the room.
 "You will be ready to start very soon, I hope." he said to Madelaine. as he went out.
 The girl felt in dream; she supposed she should wake up when she reached Rouen, then she must tell her parents she could never marry Monsieur Dev. rient, and everything would be miser. able, unless, indeed, Aunt Virginie's re. monstrances touched her father. But she had small space to think in. There was Joseph carrying down her luggage before she had put on her cloak and hat: she had only time to gather one last rose as memory of her happy visit. to kiss and hug Aunt Virginie, who could hardly check her tears at parting; to bid adieu to the quaint old servants, and then she was on her way to the station at Yvetot, for in those days the old gray town beside the river had not been in. vaded by railway.
 Her father met with an acquaintance in the Yvetot diligence, who was also bound for Rouen, and Madelaine had v,1onfu 0f fi,oo fo,. h1,fnro ol, reached home.
 Monsieur Leroux lived in one of the new streets of Rouen, in comfortable but very unpicturesque house-a sad contrast, Madelaine thought, to her aunt's rose covered home. Her step mothers affectionate greeting, however, made the girl feel rather happier.
 She was in her room putting away the things she had unpacked and looking around at all her belongings, when tap came at the door of her room.
 It was Madame Leroux, and she looked, Madelaine thought, unusually serious. The girls hopeful nature was already struggling against her fears, and the worry she saw on her step- mothers usually serene face reused her cheerfulness. ..--;. ----fA WI hat IS it, iittle fnetAer2 I see-you want me at home again to keep up your spirits Has Josephine been putting chicory in the coffee? Has the canary got out of it's cage? Tell me what has happened: -s. s.-
 She kissed Madame Leroux as she spoke and put her arm around her.
 Madame Leroux returned her kisses and smiled at her. but it was poor ef- ort. s<s.
 Il am not vexed about anything dear child. Perhaps I look serious because sit down and listen to it, my darling. l am to say to you that your father. wishes you to look as we'll as possible ttfis even ing as some friends have been asked to dine with us. We thought it would be pleasanter for you to meet Monsieur Devrient for the first time among others but your father wishes you to be ready in advance. He will come down early too, as he wants few words with you before our guests arrivee
 Madelaine had changed color rapidly while Sno nSCeneu.
 "I do not understand, mother. What is the use of my seeing this gentleman? Surely you remember that said 1 did not want husband; and then you ad- vised me not to decide hastily, and l asked,to go to Caudebec. llave never said l was willing to marry Monsieur Devrient: l cannot. l will not. marry him.
 "Hush, dear child" Madame Leroux spoke soothingly: 'do not excite your self. You will soon get to like Mon- sieur Deyrient. You have been away more than week, and your father has taken yo1r silence for consent; if you meant him to decline this gentleman's offer you should have written at once.
 "My father is"- Madelaine began vehemently, then she looked angrily at Madame Leroux. "Why did not my father tell me all this before he brought refused to come with him"
 Madame Leroux rose from her chair
 ''I was afraid you would not be req sonable, Madelaine, and that was why looked serious. Have patience, dear child; you will think differently by ;n.! by. Why do you not trust your father with your happiness? He haz always been good to you. I am sure li, w.'r you have seen Monsieur Devrient you still say you cannot be happy with him your father will leave you free"
 "I will go and speak to my father at once," Madelaine said quickly. "l saw Monsieur Devrient the day I left home as he was going from the house; he is too old for me-"
 "That was the father of Monsieur Devrient. Be reasonable, Madelaine; you cannot see your father; he has gone out. We are to dine at five, remember; and now must go out to buy fruit and flowers. You will find that have had your white frock freshly trimmed for this evening""
 She went away without waiting for an answer, and MadeEaine was glad to be alone. She was too angry to be un, haDnv. her fathers treatment of har