The Bessemer indicator., 1893-01-21
A CONFESSION.


Senior II village just below the town
OF Avaranches, in Normandy.
AS 1t rang Mario Lesage finished
milking the last COW in tho farmyard
close by the church; she rose at the
sound. and put hor stool under her
arm. while Jean Tissot who was
Standing by her side. mechanically
doned his cap and there was silence
for II minute between them.
The previous conversation had APP
parcntly been very animated for
Mnrie's checks were flushed, and her
bright eyes sparkled like diamonds
under her dark brows while Jean
looked on tho verge of despair as he
ga ed distractedly on Marie's pretty
profile End charming llttle figure. in
It's neut gray dross and white apron.
Marie was a farmers daughter. and
did not wear the ugly loose black
juckets and unbecoming round fiat
caps redeemed from ugliness by their
Gireamers OF the Avranches peasants
No Mario was coquette. and wore
short petticoats because she had
small feet; It tight bodice because
she had charming figure; red rose
in her black hair because it CON
tr;lstcd we'll with her raven plaits;
and n whito muslin ichu over her
gray dresa because it showed to ud-
vantage her clenr olive skin.
The angelus bell ceased. and Jean
renewed his conversation.
Marie meant it. II you won't
marry me l will go to sea-"
Iann waa ycrv handsnuo. l,o n nd
golden hyir and long golden nous
tachc, blue eyes and u compile ion
bronzed by exposure to sea and sun;
he was goodly to look at in his
knitted blue jersey.
'Ah! ah! Jean. you all say that.
Pierre said it aud jacques and
Robert Tell me some news-I am
used to that old tale. .lf you do not
marry me, / will go to sea- :" Knocked
Marie.
.Ihey said it and do it. | say
it, and by our Lady I'll go this very
night If you don't promise to marry
me " said Jean. fiercely.
Marie turned n shade paler but sho
laughed as she answered:
We'll. Jean, believe sailors
life is very happy ono you can try
it,"
"A happy life! You pretend to be-
l;cve | can be hnppy without yonP
Why / would give ten years of my
life II 1 had only eleven to live to
hear you say you love me. aud you
know it"
Marie colored with delight; this
was the strain sho loved to hear; this
was the sweetest music to those
naughty little ears.
"If you didn't know it there might
be some hope for me Foo! that | am
TO tell yoh" continued Jean.
Il can't contradict you" laughed
Marie but the laugh was not so mer-
ny as she meant it to be- and the fin
gers that grasped the milking stool
trembled visibly.
'Irue! Coquette!'' muttered Jean
beneath his breath. We'll. alicu.
Marie Lesage. You may search all
France and you will never find man
to love tho very earth you tread on"
and his blue eyes nashel fire us he
spoke.
'Au revoir" said Marie lightly.
Not is not au revoir. Let us
understand each other for once. If
you please, II we part tonight it is
adieu forever. | shall go to Havre
and get berth on boarl somo ship.
going Heaven knows where and
never so long as l live Marie, do [
set foot in st. Senior again. If go
to the bottom all the better"
For meP interrupted Marie look
Ir,r 1,l ,,f 4, i,,,,, ,.I,&,, L.
For you?-Yes for you. For II
were dead perhaps you would come
to your senses; perhaps If were ly-
ing in my grave you would know
what know. now. In spite Of all
your scorn OF me. Marie l believe
nay l am sure you love me-, said
Jean.
Marie trembled and turned paler
but sho threw up her head haughtily
as she replied: Il like your conceit"
Il wish you liked me, said Jear
deiectedly.
Il dare say you think shall cry
my eyes out when you are gone to
sea. Well. go mon cher and wo
her lover an elaborate courtesy and
ran into tho house, leaving tho dis
consolate Jean to his own reflections
He turned on his heel ana gave
farewell glance at La Metairie. with
its thatched roof and dormer win
dows. its roses and its poplars. all OF
which he loved so well: he should
never SEQ them sgain; the swallows
woald come back again next spring
and build in the caves over Marie's
window. but he--he would nevoE
never come back
The church was empty and Jean
having lighted a candle and said
prayer at tho Lady altar went into
tho confessional and knelt there
knowing the priest would come and
ait as he always did Mt half past six.
Presently Jeans devo,ions were
disturbed by Il step he would have
recognized in Australia or Siberia as
Marie s; it advanced up the aisle 10
the Lady altar and there it stopped.
Jean rose from his knees and.
popping round the corner OF the re-
cess looked to see il ho was right
though he had not shadow of doubt
on tho subject Yes 1t was Mario,
She now wore a little stray hat trim
med with n wreath OF rose buds. and
she mad removed her apron. Est wore
II little shawl round her neck.
Her back was towards hiE. as she
knelt with hands and eyes raised to-
ward the statue OF our Lady; she was
evidently praying earnestly. Pros
entity stined sob reached Jeans
ears. then her shoulders began to
heave her head sank on to her handA
and she sobbed wildly for some .nip-
utes.
Il was right; she does love mo
after all; shall 60 and comfort horP
! dare not; she would sooru me as she
h,x dnna an nftan I'm n warn oniv