The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1893-07-19
A VILLAGE KISS.

"A h1LASAANt ~ f1AAhOkOe
Jacqueline was a young country girl,
who was 10 years old last apple harvest,
and was veritable model of sincerity.
Every one who knew her loved her. Her
skin was as white as the field daisy and
as brilliant as the corn poppy.
On market days Jacqueline mounted
her donkey, laden with fresh vegetables,
the appetizing products of her mother
kitchen garden, and went to sell them
in Blois. When she appeared in the
square, every one welcomed her. Her
eyes were SO innocent, her voice SO en-
gaging that every one was attracted by
her. Her carrots seemed better than
her neighbors', her potatoes had not the
least scar upon them, and her crisp let
tuce or crosses from tho brook, looking
as fresh as herself, were quickly bought
and atlthe highest price.
ought not to forget to tell You that
Jacqueline had no lovers.
At the village festival she made the old
dance till they named her the daughter of
miracles. Protected by the purity of her
thoughts, she kept the young mon atsuch
distance that they dared not even SO
much as press her finger tips in sign OF
friendship. Jacqueline had friend in
Blois who was going to marry one of the
village boys. Suzanne was her name, and
she was two years older than Jacqueline.
She was pretty. but coquettish; attract
i've, but capricious. She had made her
lover miserable by her changing and
fanciful moods.
One day Jacqueline was about to Sc:
out for tho village. when Blaisot, the
lover Of Suzanne, approached her and
said:
81 suppose you will soon see my af
fianced."
"In an hour and quarter from now,
answered the courteous fruit seller.
And you will speak to herr"
"As am speaking to YOU"
"Oh, how happy you win bel"
what prevents You from going and
having the same happiness?"
"She is gentle and kind to me some
times, and then she is cold and naughty,
and ! can do nothing to please her."
sBahl my friend, you are too good to
be worried like this. If / were in your
place, would have no fear-no more
fear than of the house wolf, of which we
are often told, but which we never see. ("
while waiting, will you do me a
kindness, Mile. Jacqueline?'
"What is it?"
"Take q commission for Miss SUI
zanne."
with much pleasure, M. Blaisot. Is
it something to give herr"
1T is indeed said Blaisot, rubbing
his hands to give himself courage.
"And is 1t heavy to carryY'
Light as u feather
Then will take it," said the inn
prudent messenger.
Quick as flash Blaisot leaned down
and kissed the pure white forehead Of
Jacqneline.
What are you doingi" cried tho as
tonished girl
II have given you q commission"
"That Hssf"s
at Is for Suzanne. You will carry it
free Of charge and not leave 1t to be call
ed for. You knowthe address" and he
disappeared, laughing. around tnrn in
the road, 500 Is fE
1t appeared as IL the kiss Of Blaisot
was heavier than he said. for Jacqueline
remained pensive and serious all the way
to Blois, and her donkey even seemed to
share her melancholy. ~ sfsrss
On her arrival at Blois she took care
not to break her promise and ran quickly
to Suzanne's house..
II have commission for your she
said.
"Ah An embroidered bonnet-some
fresh nuts--a rosary blessed by the
priest?"
at is none Of these things"
"Oh, hurry and tell me"
at is kiss from your betrothed."
"Oh, from him! He is no longer my
betrothed."
"Ah, well, take the kiss all the same,
even if you are having another QUARREL
What, you refusef"
"Absolutelyr'
"You will not leave it upon my
hands,"
"You need not feel it burden"
"But / do not wish to keep kiss that
does not belong to me-"
"That is your own affair. You should
not load yourself with such merchandise.
It may cost you good deal before you
are through"
Jacqueline returned to the village In o
state Of great perplexity. 1t seemed as
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