The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1893-09-18
THE SECOND PLACE
BY ESME STUART.



side by side in the doorway of Count
Balinski's large reception hall, in which
the guests were at this moment dancing
q lively mazourka. This evening the
brothers were, for a wonder, enjoying
the same scene, and both were admiring
the two bellies of Warsaw, Doris and
Marya Balinski. 1t was an open secret
in this year of 1856 that these two were
the most favored among the suitors of
the beautiful sisters.
"This evening shall decide my fate,
Felix" said the light hearted JOSH, "and
advise you to try your luck at the same
time"
II have every intention of doing so,"
answered Felix gravoly as his eyes fol-
lowed a soft cloud of white muslin which
periodically passed before him.
When the ball was over, Count Balm
ski went to seek his two daughters in
the small drawing room, where they
were eagerly talking of their partners
with their aunt, who had brought them
up. The old mans face wore slightly
troubled expression, though at the time
smile parted his lips as he looked at
the two girls whose beauty was the talk
of the town.
"Well children, 1 hope you have en-
joyed your ball." said the count. II
should prefer quieter life, for such
mad freaks always bring misfortune"
"And what misfortune makes you
smile, little father?' said Doris, linking
her hands around her fathers arm. at
can't be a very serious one."
;t,r -
wish to win you, Doris. How am to
decideP At present my Marya has but
one, but he, too, will take no refusal"
Marya's flush told plainly she knew
the name of her lover.
''As for you, Doris, Prince Aivazow-
sky, the Russian, declares"--
Doris suddenly drew herself up like
wave that rises before striking the rocky
shore. "Neverw she said as she clenched
her right hand. ~ am Polish noble
mans daughter. But what is the name
of the other lover, papaS"
'Felix Kaplinski says that you must
marry him." . ....
"And you answered, papaS"
"That no Balinski had ever done any
thing for must"
Doris laughed again-such a joyous,
ringing, soft laugh, which was terribly
infectious.
"Well, then, that is settled thing,
papa. | shall be the first Balinski who
does something for must In this case
shall be original"
"Indeed, papa, she must not marry
him." says Marya eagerly, though in her
sweet low tones. Papa, say no. Don't
| you see that she does not understand
him? Jozsi says that his brother does
not love Doris as much as'-
But Doris soon stopped her sisters
words with kisses.
"Hush, You dear, foolish thingl We
see how Jozsi easily turns you round his
little finger with his fine phrases. You
and papa both know very well that /
love Felix better than anybody in the
world, and neither of you will say no to
him. Besides, know you quite well,
papa. believe that both these lovers
are now waiting for us in the library,
and that you have already said yes
Speak the truth, cunning little father"
The old count laughed, and his sister
protested.
"Anyhow, Doris, expect you to say
mo- to Felix. 1t is quite true-he is too
| proud"
| "How badly you pretend, papa! Your
heart tells you | will marry no one but
Felix"
/ Ten minutes later Doris was alone
with Felix in the big library, for the inn
petuous Jozsi had disappeared with his
Ma1ya into the empty dancing room,
| l,n oil la1 l,nn1y +,,h 10
sister to talk over the inevitable double
wedding.
Doris lover held her two hands in his
and for few moments gazed at her in
silence. AT last he said:
| "Doris, you have come to say yes"
ayes" said Doris, almost under her
breath. Her lover had not even kissed
her, and she, this Doris who was admired
by so many, would, had she dared have
fallen at his feet.
| 'Do You know what your yes means,
Doris? Do you know that l love you
with love strong and powerful, such
as all the Kaplinsliis possess; that would
die for you without murmur; that ev-
cry hair of your head is sacred to me;
that | have never looked at another
woman since love for you entered into
my heart when was a mere lad? Do
you know that, Doris2 Tell me"
Eyes, Felix" she answered, II know
it,"
"Do you know, too, that your happi-
ness is precious to me, that you need
sunshine and that as my wife you shall
have it, even though am grave and 81
lent as all true Poles must be, but that
wish you to be happy in your own way5
shall love you only the more because
of your bright laughter You will never
have to fear my jealousy-a hateful word
between a man and his wife-because
the woman | love, Doris, could not be,
tray me. Do you undeitandY
"Oh, Folk, the woman who loves you
would not be false to you! havenever
loved but you ever since the day when
was girl, and you took my hand and
asked me if We're true woman. Felix,
it was enough. You have known my
heart was yours, though you have never
said word"
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