The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1893-07-24
A VILLAGE KISS.

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.
l ought not to forget to tell you that
Jaoqueline 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 at such
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.
out for the village, when Blaisot, the
lover of Suzanne, approached her and
said:
81 suppose you will soon see my af.
fanced."
I'm an hour and quarter from now,"
answered the courteous fruit seller.
And you will speak to herr"
GAS l am speaking to you"
"Oh, how happy you will ber'
"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 l were in your
place, ] would have no fear-no more
fear than Of the house wolf, Of which wo
are often told, but which we never see."
"While waiting, will you do me a
Kindness Mile. JacquelineI"
what is it?"
"Take commission for Miss Su-
zanne."
with much pleasure, NJ. Blaisot. Is
it something to give herr
1T Is indeed" said Blaisot, rubbing
his hands to give himself courage.
And is it heavy to carry;H
Light as n 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
Jacquelino.
What are You doing:' cried the as
tonishcd 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
tho road
II appeared as if the kiss of Blaisot
was heavier than he said, for Jacqueline
remained pensive and serious all the way
to Blois, and her donkey even seemed to
share her melancholy
On her arrival at Blois she took care
not to break her promise and ran quickly
to Suzanne's house.
Il have q commission for you!" she
said.
"Ahl An embroidered bonnet-some
fresh nuts-a rosary blessed by the
priest?"
ut is none of these things"
"Oh, hurry and tell me"
"lt is kiss from your bctrothed."
"Oh, from him! He is no longer my
betrothed."
All, we'll, take tho kiss all the same,
even if you are having another quarrel!
What, you refuse!' ...."
Absolutely
"You will not leave it upon my
hands:'
"You need not feel it Il burden
But ! do not wish tg keep kiss that
does not belong to me"
"That is your own affair. Yon should
not laal yourself with such merchandise.
1t may cost you good deal before you
are through"
Jaequeline returned to the village in
state of great peIploxity. 1t seemed as
if the kiss was visible upon her forehead,
like the mark Of a penitent in the church.
She hurried as fast as she could, and as
soon as she reached home she hastened
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?
II find another girl that pleases me,
will drop Suzanne like weight that Is
too heavy"
But your kiss-what shall do with
it,
Whatever YOU wish"
"Ah, we'll, if had iinown''-
"But if you will please return it to
The charming girl advanced, then
quickly recoiled.
The remedy was worse than tho dis
ease-the restitution more difficult than
the deposit.
THAT cannot be-" she said. at Is
only our husbands that we kiss"
"Ahl'' broke forth Blaisot. there are
coronets which crown heads not nearly
as pretty as yours. | have never seen
such pretty feet in any shoes. and you
have form and eyes 10 make harvester
dance wlIon lis days work is done"
And in his turn he began to sigh
Mnaa5Shil tiio pretty girl had reflected.
She -.yoil gossip. She aecorIingly
ran toll. house CT the good priest to
Gsk his saYica. Ho was not at home.