Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1893-09-30
A VILLAGE KISS.

"A 1AA1lOA 1A1bOs
Jacqueline was young country girl,
who was 10 years old last apple harvest,
and was veritable model of sincerity.
Every one who knew her loved her. Her
skin was as white as the field daisy and
as brilliant as the corn poppy.
On market days Jacqueline mounted
her donkey, laden with fresh vegetables,
the appetizing products of her mothers
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
Jacqueline had no lovers.
At the village festival she made the old
dance till they named her tho daughter Of
miracles. Protected by tho purity of her
thoughts, she kept the young men atsuch
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 tho
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.
One day Jacqueline was about to SET
out for the village, when Blaisot, the
lover Of Suzanne, approached her and
said:
II suppose you will soon see my of.
fanced."
"In an hour and q quarter from now"
answered the courteous fruit seller.
"And you will speak to herr"
"As am speaking to YOU"
ooh, how happy you will boz
"What prevents you from going and
having the same happiness?"
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 were in your
place, would have no fear-no more
fear than Of the house wolf, Of which we
are often told, but which we never see"
"While waiting, will you do me
kindness, Mile. Jacqueline"
"What is it"
"Take Il commission for Miss Su-
zanne."
"With much pleasure, M. Blaisot. Is
it something to give herr"
1T is indeed" said Blaisot, rubbing
his hands to give himself courage.
"And is it heavy to carryY
"Light as a feather"
"Then will take it," said the i'm
prudent messenger.
Quick as flash Blaisot leaned down
and kissed the pure white forehead of
Jacqueline.
"What are you doing?" cried the as
tonished girl.
II have given you commission"
"That kiss?
ut is for Suzanne. You will carry it
free of charge and not leave it to be call
cd for. You know the address," and he
disappeared. laughing, around turn in
the road.
1t 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.
II have q commission for you" she
said.
"Ah! An embroidered bonnet some
fresh nuts--a rosary blessed by the
priest9"
1T is none of these things"
"Oh, hurry and tell me-"
ut is a kiss from your betrothed."
"Oh, from him! He is no longer my
betrothed."
"Ah, we'll, take the Hiss all tho Same,
even IL you are having another quarrel!
What, you refusef"
Absolutely"
"You will not leave 1t upon my
handsw
"You need not feel it burden"
"But do not wish to keep kiss that
does not belong to me-"
"That is your own affair. You should
not load yourself with such merchandise.
1t may cost you good deal before you
are through"
Jacqueline returned to the village in
state Of great perplexity. It 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. It
Is all the same to me. I am rich. ! am
not Ill looking. What is the old saying9
II find another girl that pleases me, I