The herald., 1893-08-10
A VILLAGE KISS.

! SKIN was as White as the ne1d daisy anC
as brilliant as the corn poppy.
On market days Jacqueline mounted
her donkey, laden with fresh vegetables
the appetizing products of her mothers
kitchen garden. and went to sell then
in Blois When she appeared in the
square. every one welcomed her. Hel
eyes were SO innocent, her voice SO en-
gaging that every one was attracted by
her. Her carrots seemed better thar
her neighbors', her potatoes had not ths
least scar upon them, and her crisp let
tuce or crosses from the brook, looking
as fresh as herself, were quickly bought
and at the 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 he1
thoughts, she kept the young men atsuch
distance that they dared not even sc
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 SET
out for the village, when Blaisot, the
lover of Suzanne. approached her and
said
Il suppose you will soon see my af-
fianced."
''In an hour and aquarter from now"
answered the courteous fruit seller
And you will speak to her?"
"As am speaking to you"
"Oh, how happy you will 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 haughty,
and can do nothing to please her."
bah! 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 POE Which we
are often told, but which we never see.
"While waiting, will lyoHs Ddos me a
kluOlcoo, 1Ii f'. OtsC4utlllS!
What is il:'
Take commission for Miss Su-
zanne"
with much pleasure, M..'Blaisot. Is
it something to give her" Rs4
"It is indeed" said Blaisot, rubbing
his hands to give himself courage.
'-And is it heavy to carry?"
Light as a feather"
Then / win take it," said the i'm
prudent messenger.
Quick as a flash Blaisot leaned down
and kissed the pure white forehead of
Jacqueline
what are you doing?" cried the as
tonished girl.
Il have given you a commission"
THAT kiss?'
'It is for Suzanne. You will carry it
free of charge and not leave it to be call
ed for. You know the address" and he
disappeared. laughing, around turn in
the road
1t appeared as if the kiss of Blaisot
was heavier than he said. for .Jacqueline
remained pensive and serious all the way
W anu AcI dOlACJ CN Gn SCCAA4Cel w
share her melancholy.
On her arrival at Blois she took care
not to break her promise and ran quickly
to Suzannes house.
II have commission for your she
said.
"Ah! An embroidered bonnet-some
fresh nuts-a rosary blessed by the
priest?"
ut 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 refuse?"
Absolutely"
"You will not leave it upon my
handsr'
"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.
1t may cost you good deal before you
are through"
Jacqueline returned to the village in
state of great perplexity. It seemed as
if the kiss was visible upon her forehead,
like the mark of penitent in the church
She hurried as fast as she could, and as
soon as she reached home she fastened
to call upon Blaisot, to whom she related
her lack of success.
''Oh, she is in one of her proud fits. 1t
is all the same to me. | am rich. am
not i'll looking What is the old saying?
If find another girl that pleases me. ]
Will urop ouzanne like weight enat il
too heavy"
"But your kiss-what shall do with
itr'
Whatever you wishr'
''Ah! we'll, if had known
'But if you will please return it to
The charming girl advanced, then
quickly recoiled.