Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1892-10-22
A CONFESSION OF LOVE.

the picturesque little church Of st
Senior. a village just below the tow
of Avranches, in Normandy.
As it rang, Marie Lesage Finished
milking the last cow in the farmyart
close by the church; she rose at tn
sound, and put her milking stool un
der her arm, while Jean Tissot, VIII,
was standing by her side, mechani
cally dotted his cap, and there wa
silence for minute between them
The previous conversation had ap
parently been very animated, To-
Marie's cheeks were flushed, and he
bright eyes sparkled like diamond.
under her dark brows, while Jear
looked on the verge of despair as hi
gazed distractedly on Marie's pretty
profile and charming little figure, in
its reat gray dress and white apron.
Marie was the farmers daughter,
and did not wear the ugly, loose,
black jackets and unbecoming, round,
fat caps, redeemed from ugliness by
their StreamerS of the Avranches
peasant.
No, Marie was coquette, and wore
short petticoats because she had small
feet; tight bodice, because she had
a charming figure: red rose in her
black hair, because it contrasted well
with her raven plaitS; and a white
muslin fichu over her gray dress, be.
cause it showed to advantage her
clear, olive skin.
The angelus-bell ceased, and Jean
resumed his conversation.
"Marie. 1 meant it. If you won't
marry Inc, l will 60 to sea-
Jean was very handsome; he had
golden hair and long, golden mus
tache; blue eyes and complexion
bronzed by exposure to sea and sun;
he was goodly to look at in his knitted
blue jersey.
"Ah! ali! Jean, you all say that.
Pierre said it, and Jacques anC
Robert Tell me some news-I am
used to that old tale. If you do not
marry me, I will 60 to sea- Knocked
Marie.
''They said it, and Idoit say it,
and by our Lady I'll 60 this very
night if you don't promise to marry
me-" said Jean, fiercely.
Marie turned shade paler, but she
laughed as she answered.
swell, Jean. l believe a sailors life
is very happy one; you can try it. {"
"a happy life! You pretend to be-
lieve l can be happy without you?
Why, would give ten years of my
life, if l had only eleven to live,
to hear you say you love me, and
you know it."
Marie colored with delight; this
was the strain she loved to hear; this
was the sweetest music to those
naughty little ears.
eff you didn't know it, there might
be some hope for me. Fool that I
am to tell you," continued Jean.
II can't contradict you." laughed
Marie, but the laugh was not so merry
as she meant it to be, and the fingers
that grasped the milking-stool
trembled visibly.
'Cruel! Coquette! muttered Jean
beneath his breath swell, adieu,
Marie Lesage. Tou may search all
France and you will never find a man
to love you as 1 love the very earth
you tread on" and his blue eyes
flashed fire as he spoke.
eau revoir," said Marie, lightly.
'No-it is not au revoir. Let us
understand each other for once, if
you please. If we part tonight, it is
adieu forever. Ishall 90 to Havre
aud get a berth on board some ship,
going heaven knows where, and
never so long as live, Marie, do I
set foot in st. Senior again. II !
60 to the bottom, all the better"
"For me?" interrupted Marie. look
Ing archly at him under her long
lashes
"For you?-yes, for you. For if
were dead, perhaps you would come
TO your senses; perhaps il were "
ing in my grave you would know
what know now. In spite Of all
your scorn OF me, Marie, l believe.
nay. ] am sure you love me-" said
Jean.
Marie trembled and turned paler.
but she threw up her head haughtily
as she replied:
81 like your conceit."
II wish you liked me-" said Jean,
dejectedly.
II dare say you think shall cry
my eyes out when you are gone to
sea- Well, go on, mon cher, and we
shall see. Adieu," and Marie made
her lover an elaborate courtesy, and
ran into the house, leaving the dis.
consulate Jean to his own reflections.
They were not happy, those reflec'
tions. He meant all he had just said
TO Marie. He meant to go to sea,
since she refused to marry him. he
believed she loved him in spite Of that
refusal. He felt sure it was her love
Of ooouetry that made her refuse, but
he would not be trified with any
longer.
Marie had gone too far; he would
"a stil further, even q far as Havre.