The Redwood gazette., 1893-10-19

purple fruit and tread Il out ia yonuer
barns, with many i laugh and jest. for
In those days when the century was still
but young such simple methods were
still practiced, and modern improve
ments were quite unknown in that quiet
village in the heart Of France.
The auberge itself was picturesque
old building, with high peaked roof and
quaint little dorlner windows lighting
the spacious roomy grenier, where the
winter store. of fruit was kept apples
and pears and nuts Of various kinds.
while from lines stretching from rafter
to rafter were hung bunches OF grapes.
each bunch snugly ensconced IN it's own
bag and carefully separated from its
neighbor.
And the kitchen kitchen but in name.
for no rough work was ever done there
how comfortable It was and how pictur.
esque, with its deep fireplace. where IN
winter time great logs blazed and
cracked, its roof hung with well
smoked hams and many bunch of
sweet and savcry herbs and pepper pods,
its rows of shining flagons and well pre-
served quaint old china and earthenware.
its polished .al,en tables and settles. the
vivid color cf;.s red tiled floor. In tie
corner by the fireplace was the picture
Of the Virgin. with a jug Of fresh flowers
on the little carved bracket beneath it.
for they We're pious. these simple people.
and the Virgin never was without her
little Offering.
Up stairs what piles OF soft wool mat
tresses, with store of snowy homespun
linen sheets and cozy blankets! Then the
best room, with its ar1noire glace. its
red damask covered chairs and sofa in
the style of the first empire, the tall
gilt framed mirror over the chimney, the
groups of wax and paper flowers under
glass shades. and on the wall facing the
window the portraits of M. Dumont and
his wife, taken when they were first mar
ried There was not girl in the COM
mune who did not envy the future mis-
tress Of that room, for Charles, the only
son of M. Dumont had made his choice,
and the pretty, blond. blue eyed Glenn
entine Germenil was to be the future
mistress Of Les Bons Amis
M. Germenil was a wealthy farmer
who lived at Brocard, on the borders OF
the forest of La Marche, some miles on
the other side of Simard. He was an old
friend and crony of M. Dumont- a warm
man. too-who could give his only daugh-
ter nice bit of money. The two old
men had long planned this marriage and
had watched with satisfaction the grow
ing affection between the young people,
and hardly q Sunday morning passed
that did not see the carriole of NJ. Gar
menil. with its owner driving and his
daughter beside him, arrive at Les Bons
Amis just as the bells began to ring for
the midday service. The carriole was
then put up, and the four set off together
to the church.
NJ Germenil pretended that he liked
better the preaching Of the good cure Of
Simard than that Of the cure of Brocard,
and that was why he came. But for all
that every one knew quite well that it
was but cunning device to give the
young folks an opportunity Of meeting
Charles was little shy, but at last
took courage and spoke as he and Glenn
entine walked home from church sideby
side under the tall poplars which bor-
dered the stream, while the elders fol-
lowed slowly at a discreet distance.
"Clementine!'
''Yes, Charles?"
A long pause, during which she gives
asidelong glance at him out of her blue
eyes, having pretty correct idea as to
what he is trying to say.
''Clementiner'
well, Charles, what is it? Why do
you repeat my name like that?"
Because Dear Clemen-
tine, may speak to your fatherg'
''Speak to my fatherl Why, of coursel"
she replies, perversely pretending to
misunderstood him. Il hope you don't
think wish to monopolize your
"You know what mean, Clementine.
when l ask you may speak to himr
Indeed, l don't. M. Charles. How
should I?'
II love you, Clementme, and want
you to let me ask your fathers consent
to our marriage. You know love you,
and that in my eyes there is no girl in all
Cno country 10 compare W you. IL you
refuse me, will never marry any one.
Say you love me little, Clementine, and
that you will be my wife!"
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