Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1893-12-07
A VILLAGE KISS

odClucllH0 was d yOuuS COuuUIy Bilp
who was 16 years old last apple harvest,
and was a 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 mothers
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 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 her
thoughts, she kept the young men atsuch
a 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 set
out for the 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 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 naughty,
and can do nothing to please her."
bah! my friend, you are too good to
be worried like this. If were in your
place, l 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 commission for Miss Su.
zanne."
with much pleasure, M. Blaisot. Is
it something to give herr"
"It is indeed" said Blaisot, rubbing
his hands to give himself courage.
"And is it heavy to carry?"
"Light as feather"
"Then l will take it," said the i'm,
prudent messenger.
Quick as 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 il
free of charge and not leave it to be call
ed for. You know the address," and hi
disappeared. laughing, around turn il
the road
1t appeared as if the kiss of Blaiso
was heavier than he said. for Jacquelint
remained pensive and serious all the way
to Blois. and her donkey even seemed tt
share her melancholy.
On her arrival at Blois she took carr
not to break her promise and ran quickl,
to Suzanne's house.
II have a commission for your" sh'
said.
"Ah! An embroidered bonnet-som
fresh nuts--a rosary blessed by tn
priest?"
at is none of these things"
"Oh,, hurry and tell me-"
sit is kiss from your betrothed."
"Oh, from himl He is no longer m.
betrothed."
"Ah, well, take the kiss all the same
even if you are having another quarrel