The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-08-17

aud do what / can for you I shall be just as
| happy and eat as much ragout as usual. You
will need all you can get, and you will not let
| Natalie sew any more, l suppose? And there
! is her old grandmother, too. Is that bargain
| Then prove it by accepting my share OF the log !;
| you know that | do not need it, and you will
| please me very much"
| Armand looked up at the other as he stood
! swinging back and forth with the oar. He
| could not say word, but grasped RDsaire's
| hand as in vice. The rest OF the journey was
made in silence. Armand was too much affected
| to chat, as, no doubt, was Rcsaire, who bcsmed
! placdly and blandly on his young companion,
| with look OF cheerful resignation, all his own,
| on his innocent countenauce.
Natalie Demarais was quite a local celebrity,
| as noted for her toilet aud temper as for her
| personal attractions. She was very poor, but
her sharp black eyes, ruddy checks and plump
| figure were anple compensation for pinched
| finances in the eyes of her less favored sisters
Natalie was in tho habit of Launching her.
self" ever and anon, sn the slightest prsyeca-
tion, much to the distress OF her law-abidiDg
grandmother who at the first danger signal,
would wall in her quavsring treble, Natalie,
for the love of the Good, don't launch thyself!"
But whom once it pleased Natalie to frown dis
approval, when once she had given utterance
to that ominous 1t appears" with outspread
hands, backward steps and sarcastic infection,
you might as well try to stop the st. Lawrence
wrath. The ciatter of Dishes flourish Of skirts,
iInpassioned eloquence, disdainful shifts, were
the inevitable outcome of these two words, as
were also the final founce and food of tears
that closed the debate.
Even Armand whom she loved devotedly.
did not escape these periodical whrlwinds of
rage. He liked hor none the less for that, for he
knew well that that was the worst of her; and
that apart from these explosions there was no
fault to be found with Natalie. He could tell
at glance when matters were running askew;
and to relieve the awkwsrdness of the situa-
ton would say softly: Launch thyself, my
flea; it is the time for it."
If he spoke at the critical moment the back
ward steps would be forthcoming. and "ths
flea" would emulate her namesake's Jerks,
hops and twists; but if he happened to pre-
cipitate matters by speaking eIe the critical
moment arrived she would begin with the tears
and work backwards: and the cessation of
hostilites was oniylto be effected by the prom
ise of glass necklace, pair of faring red
stockings. His right to signal tho relief of her
repressed emotions she didlnot dispute but she
maintained that the choice of the supreme mo-
ment should in justice be left to herself.
Rosaire Lafsmme was often the chief cause
of all outburst of this description for Natalie
in nowisc shared Armand's good opinion of
him, and had given him TO understand as much
than occasion. Her remarks to
Rossira whom he ventured to come within ear
shot. being characterized by brevity rather
than politeDes5. The great mans patience was
untiring; he bore with her as with a spoilt
child, parried her war mutterings, and cheer
fully hoped that she would understand" him
some day. He helped and Obliged Armand
whenever opportunity presented itself;
took his affairs under his own immediate super
vision, aud was as cDnaescendingly benevolent
as ever he could be- al :his conjoined with his
good-humored pertinacity in striving for her
good graces, invested hlfn. with an interest that
Natalie scorned to admit to herself in the first
instance; and finally reduced her to a state of
armed neutrality-to Armand's great delight.
He had greater faith in Rosaire's foresight
and knowledge of human nature than ever;
for had not that sage always heard, with ap-
parent increduity, Natalie's assertion that she
would always hate even his boots.
In spite of Rosaire's backing, Armand did
not get along very well; the shipping season
WAS over. and the booms closed he had not
succeeded in getting Winter employment in
any of the lumber camps. and in consequence
his spirits were as low as his resources-ior the
hope of marrying Natalie within a year had
been in vain. He thought longingly of the
=" High countries" as they called the United
States among themselves; bnt whence was the
money to come to take him there? He had
heard glowing accounts of them from such of
his associates as had gone thero in quest of
work. Something for every man to do,-and
then such fabulous wages! While here with |
every season there was less work in the booms
This was certainly reliable information; but
there were other attractions ian the prospect
than these, for one of his friends, who had de-
veioped sporting tendencies in his travels, as
sured him that by way of relaxation he chased |
dragons round the streets of Chicago, or stroled
to Phiiadeiph to shoot wolves in the woods! |
Whether he believed it all himself was an open
question; but be assured Armand that it was
much livier than Saint E. to reside in Ar |
mand, at any rate, was firmly convinced of the |
Nimrod's veracity, and his main desire was to |
make Natalie rich by going to Saint q Chi
cago."
In course of time this came to the ears of |
Rosaire LaHamme. who not only gave his ap. |
provaI, but likewise supplied his young protege |
with ennugh money to take him to his destina- |
tion, and to keep him from want till he secured |
employment. This broke down the last barriers |
between Rosaire and the fiery Natalie she WAS |
forced TO admit that lie was Indeed friend, |
aud felt she was monster of ingratitude for |
not liking him better.
So il happened that OH Christmas night Ar |
mand bado Natalie long good-by with |
hopeful heart; carrying with him her promise |
to be true and Rosaire's promise to take care |
of her and her grand till he returned, |
and the wedding took place.
Natalie had no heart for the New Years |
festivities, nor did she "lanch herself" for a |
long time. But she knew it was all for the |
best, and never lost spirit. Rosario came only |
when there was some odd turn to be done or |
service to be performed, except when he |
brought letter from Armand. Neither Nata- |
lie nor her grandmother could read SO Ar |
mand's letters were addressed to kind Rosaire. |
who took pleasure in interpreting bis sprawl |
ing caigraphy.
The year crept away, but Armand did not |
speak of returning az yet. He had drifted out |
West. and was succeeding beyond his hopes. |
He said. Furthermore. that he only needed a |
small capital to become as rich as Rosare, and |
then Natalie would never know the need of a |
dollar again.
Rossire said little on the subject at the time,
bnt about month afterwards he remarked, |
jestingly: You Will hats me more than ever |
now, Natalie for L sent Armand something |
that will keep him away a little longer"
And Natalie burst into q flood of tears and |
positively hugged bin
Things went on as usual in the little village. |
Many said that Natalie was very foolish girl |
to throw away her chances MS she did for |
Rosaro's unchanging Kindness did not pass |
unnOticed, and Natalie was the only one who |
did not know thatih he loved her STILL althoug oh |
he thought the secret was his own.
Suddenly Armand's lefters ceased. Rosaire |
at Natalie's request, wrote him letter after |
letter in the little smoke-darkened kitchen.
bat she never got an answer. Though months /
went by without bringing her line from him,
She navar Inet faith in her loyar .n1 ,uo,,t