Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1892-06-02


trade OF tn e
terrace, at the Hotel Beau-Kivage,
Gen va. Directly opposite, isolated
In its dazzling whiteness, standing
out against the horizon like gigan-
tic iceberg, Mont Blanc emerged from
the crowd of alpine rocks, proudly
spreading its snowy mass, which the
oblique rays os the setting sun made
II descent with myriads of small NOV
ing rainbows.
Over the lake companies of the ia
niliar swans circled round and about
The boats fastened to the quay. then
successively alighted on the water with
long slides and rapid wing-beats; the
gulls called to each other in hoarse
tones in last frolic before going to
rest on the waves. In the distance
were visible the great birds of prey,
who, after the day spent in the chase
were returning to the inviolate peaks of
The Valais mountains.
Fascinated by the majestic spectacle c
and the mysterious attraction of space,
dreamed of fantastic ride, wild
flight in balloon TO those heights
wcll-nigh inaccessible to human beings
| would have scared in immaterial
ether above the confusion of peaks and
rocks which from below appear gigantic,
aud are in proportion TO terrestrial i'm
mensity, so say the scientists, but as
the irregu|ariti on the skin of an
orange was far from Geneva and its
lake and know not when would have
returned to earth had not jacques
voice suddenly scattered my day
dreams.
why! Nine. de Latriville!" cried he,
"You know her?" asked |, mechani-
cally,in the tone of man who has Just
awakened, but does not wish to seem
to have slept.
Certainly, SO do you! You surely
remember Latriville, of our promotion;
he who was SO terribly wounded al
Langson?"
''Latriville, yes but did not know
that he had been wounded nor that he
was married"
"Ah!" and Jacques quickly left me
to greet the new arrivals.
Below the terrace, before the hotel
door, carriage laden with trunks and
packages had just stopped A valet de-
scended from the box, while at the car
riage door appeared man, tall, slen-
der, still young, whose distinguished
soldierly bearing was marred by some
thing uneasy, anxious. | recognized
my comrHde Latriville, but it seemed
to me that his look was dull, fixed, and
his wide open eyes were sightless. He
left the carriage with the help of his
servant, took the valet's arm, and went
toward the terrace unsteadily, his hands
stretched out before him, as though to
feel his way.
A second later, descended from the
carriage woman, young and remark
ably pretty, who, her hands filed with
parcels, sprang lightly down, touching
the earth with the lightness of poised
bird. She was tall, with well-rounded
figure. extremely delicate features,
heavy blonde hair knotted at the back
of her head, eyes nearly black and very
bright, soft red lips of a charming and
delicate outline Indifferent to the
hustle among the employees and serv-
ants of the hotel, caused by the dis
tinguished' arrivals her eyes followed
ncr husband while he mounted the
steps, and seemed to watch over him
with the solicitude of mother or of an
older sister. When Latriville reached
the top, she ascended in her turn, light
and graceful, and holding out her hand
to Jacques, who approached her, said;
"You what good luck!'
jacques bowed deeply over her hand
then gave Latriville the military EN-
brace, which cordial and affectionate
habit has not yet been dethroned among
the officers by the hackneyed hand
shake. | then also left the terrace to
welcome my old comrade, of whom
had the kindest memories, though since
| left Saint Ayr | had only seen him
from time to time. AS | held out my
hand to him he looked at me tXedly
without moving
How do you do, Latriville! Don't
Won remember me? Mayran, you know
Corporal Mayran of the Sixth" -
"Ah! Is it you, old friend! 1t s
rood to see YOU again! should have
guessed that it was you--to recognize
Won was impossible, am blind!"
"Oh! poor old fellow!' said |, pain
fully impressed.
..Yes, | left my eyes in Tonkin; 1t Is
rather difficult to get around, but th'
rest is good" added he with smile
"Then. | have an Antigone who makes
me forget that am not complete BN
the way, is my wife here, that may
introduce you?"
"Yes, dear" answered Nine. de Latrl
vile, in soft, gentle, firmly musica
voice. c..
MY dear Jeanne, tins Is oapt
Mavran, (perhaps commander now'
do not know one of my comrades a
saint Cvr. like our good jacques. An
NV friends! what happy inspiration
brought me here! We will live owe
.our old life together, and talk OF ole
times, will we not?' -, :,
was surprised and saddened oN
this gayety which seemed forced,
sorld not imagine that man stricKei
by such aterrible affiiction' condemned % m ca
Ssfore forty years of age, never TO SCI
ANYTHING more; neither marvellous m nd
90 & before which was in ecstasy JUS
Wv nor the faces of loved ones no
.no nD delicate beauty of this charmin'
woman, could be otherwise ,,.n .nai
M .shed under the weight of an incura
Sl@ despair. When we returned 70 : ,, .n' u;
2 ~, ~ ! after having accompanied La.ri
III. and bis wife to their g00@s ss'