Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1894-02-13
BRIER-BONNlI.


stile by the lodgs, n smile playing about
her Cupid bow mouth whereon the kiss OF
Captain Lurt of the Dragons was respon-
sible for the charming blush which framed
so sweet a smile.
Maribel's face, fixed on the dust clod Of
the receding dragon, was averted as long,
angular Brier- Bonnat shambled along the
hedged and tree arched highway. When
he reached the lodge gate. he deliberately
sat upon the fender rock and also watched
the increasing dust and listened to the
diminishing hoof beats.
"Why, Brier," exclaimed Maribel, turn
ing quickly to return to the lodge. "where
did you come fromt"
"From home, Maribel, and purpose TO
see ye," soberly replied the simple farmer
"Ive heard ye have been receiving atten-
tions from soldierf"
Maribel laughed merrily and blushed.
aye has guilty look, Maribel, and
fear what hear be true. But ye must not
encourage those chaps, Maribel, for ye
know ye are promised to me-"
AZ am promised to you, Brierf Why,
you must be madi And when, pray, gave
such a promisei"
alt was not ye, Maribel, as gave the
promise. 1t was yer father told me ye
should be mine"
"Look to my father, then, to fulfill the
promiser' exclaimed the quick tempered
Maribel, casting q glance where the dust
had risen, then turning and walking quick
ly up the avenue toward the lodge.
Brier Bonnat looked puzzledly after her,
but he neither called her back nor mani
tested chagrin. He dragged his corduroy
cap from his glossy, black head and twirled
IL in his hand, his eyes fixed on the turf
reflectively, until Herr Weize came along
homeward from the village.
"Whst do ye here, Brierf" called out
the jolly gamekeeper.
''Sit minute, Herr Weize," called out
Brier, Strengthening up. "Did ye not tell
me l should have Maribel for me wifef"
~ did. Whyi"
"An hour ago came up the road from
the place TO pass an hour with Maribel.
AS turned the bend OF the road beyond
saw the girl and a soldier
"Captain Lurtt"
"The same. stopped just beyond the
stile TO wait for them to separate. heard
the soldier ask Maribel to be his wife. She
gave him her promise, and, Herr Weize,
they sealed 1t with kiss. Now, Herr
Weize, never has Maribel honored me with
a kiss''--
"And ye saw this, Brierf"
"With me own eyes"
The sturdy, gray bearded gamekeeper
strobe up the graveled avenue toward his
lodge.
Brier shamble of down the road.
1t was stormy interview that took
place between the father and daughter.
a harl II vIa aA har
the dragoon. Her stern father swore she
should wed In her rank, and that his wish
was that she become the wife Of Brier Bon
nat The same blood flowed In their veins.
Their quarrel increased until the dark
browed parent, goaded by disobedience
and loves obstinacy, threw open his door
and bade his high spirited child leave his
sight forever.
"Yes, here was the very spot. Do you
remember, deari'
"As il 1t were yesterday. Come here,
Myrtle, want to show you something"
A tall, beautiful young woman ap-
preached the gray mustached, forid, port
ly man, upon whose arms leaned the gra-
cious, well preserved lady who made the
first remark and who was regarding an
old, broken down gate with peculiar In
terest.
"Myrtle," said the gentleman, cit was
at this very spot that mamma promised
to be mine"
He looked into the bright eyes Of his
daughter as he added:
Just here we sealed our troth with a
kiss.
Then he took the face Of the contented
looking lady in his gloved hands and said:
tf1nf haA GY.at
kiss, does shef"
The response was not in words.
"What were you then, papaf" asked the
girl
IA captain, my child"
"And you. mammal"
"a gamekeeper's motherless daughter,
Myrtle. This Is the first time have been
here since your grandfather drove me from
home because was in love with your ia
ther and declared would marry him or
no one"
"Where is grandpa, mammal"
dead, dear, years ago."
"And was the gamekeep herei"
"Yes. Yonder In the trees was our
lodge"
''Who Is the gamekeeper now, mammal"
"There Is none, my child. The estate
has been closed years since. Let us walk
up under the old trees, and I'll show you
where your mothers childhood 3 days were
passed."
In the doorway stood an old man.
The lady looked at him steadily for
moment and then gave little gasp. The
general lifted his hat in response to the
salutation of the beggarly looking fellow.
You live here, my good manp he asked.
The old man bowed his head.
The general tossed him piece of money
~ the party walked away.
The old man leaned against the door
frame and watched them until they left
the avenue by the gate.
The coin lay unheeded at his feet.
Tears stood in the heavy eyes Of Brier-
Bonnat as he huskily whispered
"Her father promised her to me. Chi