Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-07-27

and taking knife from his pocket pro-
ceeded to trim his nails in leisurely
way. His hands were characteristic,
like everything else about him. They
were white and smooth, the hands of q
man who had never done manual labor,
with long, 1.-THE fingers that seemed
formed for card sharping and yet were
muscular enough to make one feel there
would be little chance for the man whose
throat was clutched in their grip of
steel.
"These people don't hurry themselves"
he observed presently. "Hola, there,
are you all asleep
Pierre appeared at the house door
grumbling to himself at being called to
attend to strangers at such time, but
when he saw the pair who waited his
appearance his disgust was great and
was not lessened by the air of easy con-
descension with which Remond beck
oned him to approach and desired him
to bring some refreshments.
Nothing else:" said Pierre.
"Well, think l could eat q Bit" said
Bertrand
"What! Are you hungry said his
friend.
Yes, am; aren't your Then turn
ing to Pierre he asked what he had got
in the house.
Whatever m'sieu desires" said
Pierre.
LET us hear the menu" said Renond.
Pierre went over list of dishes, to
each one of which they found some OBJ
lection, and finally ordered some bread
and cheese and pommes de terre a Thule,
with bottle of vim ordinairc
"If you would not mind, gentlemen"
said Pierre, "being served out here--we
are rather crowded in the house today.
In fact" he went on, with an air of much
importance. 1--WE are to have wedding
tomorrow, and today is the dinner du
contrat.'
$50 as you serve us at once, mon vicux,
we don't care where we eat said Re-
mond. and as Pierre dis" Il he con-
tinued: Il thought there as a festive
air about the place. " little di-
version will do take quite
YOU remarked Bertrand. Then
why don't you get married YOURSELF
"Oh that is an old story. was mar
ried long ago
"The devil you were! You have kept
it very close. And where is your wife,
Hang me if l know. Why, let me-
see. it must be more than 20 years since
l lost sight of her
And have you never heard of her
since:'
Never"
"Well, now, that's a pity. A woman
| is sometimes useful
Not that one. 1ou see, my friend,
she was one # those persons afflicted
with conscience and principles, which
found interfered with my plan of life,
&c." he went on, while cynical smile
deepened the cruel lines round his
mouth, finding myself one day in rather
tight place, made the only use | could
of her and left her to occupy it."
Pierre, having brought what they had
ordered placed it on the little table be-
fore them and then betook himself to
the gate to usher in the company who
began to arrive. All the principal peo-
pie of the village We're there. including
the good cure, who was always ready to
take part in the innocent pleasures of
his flock.
NJ. Dumont came out of the house to
meet his guests, followed by NJ. Germe-
nil, Clementine and Charles, the latter
of course being the center of interest.
Some Of the elder people preferred to
90 at once into the house; others re-
ntoh t1n Il
The violin players having arrived and
been installed by Pierre in a convenient
corner-with good supply of wine be-
side them-a country dance was soon III
full swing.
The strangers, having finished Their
frugal meal, sat watching the dancers
Presently, the country dance being fin.
ished, Remond remarked to his compan,
ion:
That's an uncommonly pretty CIR
with the black eyes. I'll ask her to waltz
with me-
What" said the other. You vii
venture"
"Bah." replied Remond. "She is not {
gendarme in disguise" and getting VI
he walked nonchalantly across the emp
ty space which divided him from the
young girl, and with hourishing bow
requested the honor of Waiting witt
her.
The girl hesitated a moment, but hi:
grand air impressed her. She felt SURF
he was not what he seemed-perhap'
, some one of noble birth who had me-
with misfortune-so she timidly consent
ed. One thing was sure-she had never
before had a partner who danced St
well. She was quite sorry when thu
, waltz was over, and leading her back t,
, her place he left her with most elegan
bow.
: He rejoined his companion. The,
lighted their pipes and sauntered off to
ward the other side of the house.
/ While the waltz was going on Charlie
aud Clementne had strolled down to tn