The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1893-07-22

about my water colorS he saw at
Nine. Beray's. U paintin my spare
hours.) Altogether, what a charm
ing partner, and how short that set
of lancers seemed! But he asks for
another dance-a polka. Alter the
polka he asks me tor a quadrille l
begin to get afraid that his marked
attentions may compromise me.
But how am | to tell him so? Just
now when he was looking at me his
eyes were very soft and tender.
wonder if the dancers are begin
ming to notice what a conquest |
have made.
What an example for Violette,
though, if she should ever know
that | had in the slightest degree
encouraged this man! 1t is certainly
time to make him feel that his atten
tons have passed the limits of good
taste. Just at this moment he comes
up and asks me for schottische.
| am very tired, monsieur. | think
| will rest little, l answered firmly.
Then, if you permit me, mad
moi5c.le: | will keep you company.
Really this is assuming the pro-
portions of a persecution. | look at
him with naughty air and answer
not word. But it is no use. He
has already commenced the conver
sation. He talks about his child
hood, and of his life at college and OF
his prese t pupils. (My fine dancers
name is NJ. Artus, and he is a pro-
fessor at Condoret.)
1t takes the form of a regular auto
biography.
Jacques passes us at this moment,
and | stop him.
Jacques, my good friend, bring me
a sandwich; Pm getting hungry.
1t was not very polite. All the
worse. 1t is lesson tor Nj. Artus,
and in order to make it more COM
plete l waltz with Jacques directly
afterward.
How delicious it is to dance with
a really good dancer! As l look
around the room and see all those
poor mammas sitting like wall flo wers
in their chairs without single man
to talk to, l really pity them.
1t is too terrible.
How does NJ Artus take my rude,
ness? 1t seems he watches me sadly.
Not bit OF it. The moment the
waltz is over he comes up 10 me,
and without any bitterness in his
manner says. am delighted, mad
moiselle, to see that your tiredress
has left you.
1t is nevertheless fact that | am
getting weary. Indeed with the
help of Jacques and M. Artus have
scarcely missed dance.
Voyons! let me get into this wide
armed fauteuil and try to pull my
self together again and look the
situation in the face. | fear that
there must be something wrong with
my head. If not, how, then, is it
possible that the wise and serious
Pauline can be dancing here in a
cloud of silks and satins, like any
other frivolous little butterfly of
society? How can | be receiving
the homage OF this young savant ?
For there is no contradicting that
he has been paying me the most
marked attention the whole evening.
Just now, too, Violette passed me in
his arms, and l heard them mention
my name.
| am only a year or two older
than he is, and | look much younger.
| have such hair; such complexion
too!
A professor!
Well, a professor would do for
me. He would be serious, steady
and domestic.
What foolish ideas, to be sure
How treacherous these balls are
Dear me! Dear mel
Ha! here comes the very object
of these reflections. He seems tc
be strangely moved. Mademoiselle
ne begins in soft voice, should
like to speak to you My actor
may seem to you somewhat i'm
proper, but you are SO good anc
sweet that l know you will forgive
me. | have for a certain young
girl here very much affection anc
respect. | want to make her my
companion through life. Tell me
that l can find in you a helper. Oh
tell me that you will not turn me
away! (Here he takes my hand
| know that it is not to you that
should speak in the first place, bu
to your brother-in law, but you have
SO much influence i'll your family
you are so loved and respected,
wish to place my fate in your hands
My hand is still in his. am los
in dream of JOY. l beg of yol
Miss Pauline, to say yes, he con
tinued softly.
In slow, painful voice | answered
Monsieur, am indeed suprisede
your SO sudden request. "
think that you ought first t..
! to my brother-ln-law.