The Bottineau pioneer. (Bottineau, N.D.) 1885-1895, 1892-12-10

witnessed and one OF it's effects was to
paralyze his tongue. This
beating Of her foot was most tantal-
izing; if she would only stop it lie
might find something to say.
On her side jealousy and anger ragged
without opposition. He had given
his umbrella to awoman! Had prob
ably known her n long time-loved
her, perhaps-how they must haven
joyed themselves laughing at her sim
plicity while she patiently waited in
the church! But they never would
have another opportunity to ridicule
her. Her confidence was destroyed.
Only eight days of happiness and then
this! How bitter and wretched is
life! ..:
Jacques was slyly looking at her.
She was very pretty, this
able, childish wife, but the deepline be-
tween her brows rather awed him.
Where was the angel of sweetness
every one praised so? There, before
him, angered by her own suspicious,
foolishly Jealous. What a life he was
to lead henceforward!
In spite OF it all he could not help
smiling as he looked at her. She had
won him with her pretty face and his
heart asked nothing better than to
love her. A thousand recollections
crowded his brain, from that first
ceremonious interview when Jeanne
had been presented to him, hardly
realizing he vas her betrothed, to the
dav when he had tenderly kissed her
and she had given a feeble, frightened
cry. What q host Of sweet reminis-
cences! =
But this could not 90 or: he must
speak.
Jeanne, DEAR" he began, trying
his best to give his voice a tender
ring, care you angry
ANGRY? Not in the least" vs. she
raised two large eyes whose cold ex-
preston almost froze his intention.
"Please make room," she continued,
with q shudder; lyon keep the fire
from me; l am cold"
Jacques did not move, though ore
ly tempted to give up fire and room
to her sole use, so perplexed was he
by this last remark. But her foot
was still now-that gave him our
age.
Jeanne, listen, I pray you. Do
not look so cross; it hurts me. You
know l adore you'll"
"You adore too many, my dear,
and are adorned as well, as it would
seem-not by ME, however," straight
ening herself in her chair, and looking
sterner still.
He quietly approached took herdn
hand in his.
''Of what do I accuse you? I will
tell you. But don't think it matters
to me 10 what you do. That wom-
an to whom you gave the umbrella
you had known a long time-very like
ly you came here only that you might
meet her. Why did you not marry
her if you loved her? Why did you
take me awayfrom my own and make
me SO miserable? l never will forgive
you!"
She burst into tears. Jacques was
greatly affected at sight OF her grief,
which, though without real cause,
lone the less had brought her genuine
suffering.
"Jeanne, my little one be quiet.
You know l love you above all in this
world. II you had allowed me to ex-
plain, this cloud wouldno have come
between u.s."
"a cloud-you call it a cloud?"
eyes, nothing else, as I'll soon prove.
I was waiting for the rain to stop,
/ when--"
"Useless to invent any more l
will not believe one word ofyour story
about an old woman! Do you sup
pose | believe you would have given
and plain?"
"But she is a h%unchback. my dear,
a hunchback!!" he cried, in a burst Of
frankness almost comical to behold.
And in his heart he cursed the old
lady, the umbrella, his own untimely
kindness and everything which had
happened that afternoon to lead to
this scene. How was he to convince
her of his innocence unless the unlucky
umbrella was returned with some ex-
planatory note?
"Hunchback? Enthusiastically
it compIete?"
A discreet tap at the door inter-
rupted. Jacques hastily opened.
MADAME Ia marquise de Boirais
sends this letter and parcel. There is
an answer. The valet is waiting"
The innocent cause of all this an
noyance was presented, neatly
wrapped up in O large silk
silk handkerchief, and @ letter from
the marquis read:
"Accept the thanks I oweyou, Mon
sieur lie Baron, for the kind service
you rendered me this afternoon. But
for that | would have missed the
reunion of Jour Societe de Renaissance,
of which l have the honor to be presi-
dent. l would like to thank you per-
sonally, but | am too old to 90 out
at this hour. Will you and Nine. d'lly,
like the amiable couple l know you to
be, come to dine within e this evening?
I wish to congratulate your wife upon
having married true type OF galanter-
icfrancaise.
"MARQUISE DONA1RERlE DE
BOIRAIS."
Jackques hadAead the note aloud,
while giving himself the pleasure of a
few sidelong glances at his blushing
wife, who would not raise her eyes,
ever when he addressed her:
For your punishment" he said,
with an amused smile, you will write
our acceptance
Jeanne NUT cred some apology in a
very low voice; he picked her up
bodily from her chair, and excuses
and forgivness were blended in one
long. loving kiss
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