The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1894-11-17
A PORCELAIN CUP.

One morning as was strolling through
the streets in the neighborhood of the OPP
sra stopped in front of shop OF curiosi
ties and antiques and ran my eye over the
different articles displayed in the window,
Of which the majority were old acquaint-
ances and sofiie of which had passed
through my own hands.
AS was about to pass on the door OF
the shop opened and who should come
out but my friend Octave Ducrozel, whom
had not seen for several months. The
moment he saw me he came forward, and
noticed that he seemed annoyed, and that
the hand he gave me trembled in a way I
had never known before.
What has happened?'' inquired Of
him. You look worried"
"Oh, these women, these women!" he
growled in voice that seemed addressed
to his own reflections rather than to me-
do not trust their promises; do not place
any confidence in their VOWS. It's enough
to make man blow his brains out -
I'm see that you don't do that, y said
quietly, passing my arm through his. II
shall stick to you like your own shadow. :"
If you only knew, continued the poor
fellow. And it is only five years ago. I
was in love, head over ears in love- I
loved with all the passion and intensity
of a first love. 1t was with a beautiful
young girl at Batignolles. She was stay.
ing with her mother, and in order to re-
main by her side as long as she lived she
had refused many offers of marriage
Louise Audry was as lovely as she was no.
BILE in her devotion to her mother.
You know how the heart loves to
adorn the object of it's affections with all
the graces and charms imaginable. / was
fortunate enough, too, to prove not dis
pleasing to Louise and before long we
had formed the delightful plan OF uniting
our destinies and getting married. = We
decided to wait two or three months be-
fore taking the final step.
Unexpected events, however, caused a
different disposal of cur plans. Compelled
to undertake long journey, of which the
termination seemed doubtful, found my
self obliged to postpone the wedding until
my return. When we said goodby, Louise
gave me a faithful promise to wait for me
as long as events might make necessary.
"As token of my tender affection
begged her acceptance Of an extremely
beautiful porcelain goblet that had been
left to me by my grandmother, and which
cherished as the apple of my eye
Louise was delighted to possess an article
that would constantly remind her of me
and promised me chat whatever might
happen she would not suffer it to leave
her possession.
'tThose were her last words. Shortly
after they fell from her beautiful red lips
started on my journey.
-Four years passed, as you know, be-
fore returned to France. During that
time was in the center of Africa con-
Quoting explorations and practically ex-
lied from the world, receiving no news
and able to send none
ssAs soon as arrived in Paris hurried
to see Louise, to whom had autographed
from Marseilles. Alas, what cruel de-
ception was in store for me!
1.-THE house she used to live in had been
torn down and removed by the construc
tion of a new street. No one knew where
Mime. Audry and her daughter had gone
to live, and all my efforts to trace them
were Intellectual and vain.
stSeveral months have gone by since
then, without bringing any news to change
the unhappy state of affairs. - ~
YsssaThis morning, while looking through
phO oAoPo w llIo DlIUH0dy pIOoChu 1OI
my sister, went by chance into the shop
where you have just met me-
~ examined first the numberless trim.
kets displayed in the showcases the an
Gent jewelry, the enamels, worries, china
sets, miniatures and masterpieces of the
arts of the gold and silversmiths. Then
the salesman placed in my hands some
dainty figures in Saxon china and called
my attention to several graceful vases,
japanese bronzcs and dainty articles Of
crockery ware
While searching thus for something
that would make present little out OF
the ordinary run walked up and down
the shop in front of tho showcases and lei
no corner escape my attention. In this
way found myself at length in front OF
tall case with closed glass windows, be
side which young girl was sitting with
some embroidery work in her hands.
And In this glass case, just about the
height OF my eyes, what should | see
standing on shelf behind the shining
glass pane but the old porcelain goblet
had given to Louise! Yes the very same
1t was, tho exquisite piece of Sevres that
mad such deep significance for me and
with which SO many tender memories and
associations were linked
AT first I was inclined to doubt my
eyes, but on looking closer it was no Ion.
ger possible, for knew every detail of il
by heart, and recognized them all be,
yond the possibility Of being mistaken.
There was a wreath of flowers so fine
~ and deiicately worked in with threads
OF gold and silver forming crown work
IN which alternated tremendously
superb rose cluster, with leaves and buds
and bunch of dainty little flowers, red
ana blue l could not mistake it. There,
too' was the artistic mounting that knew
so well, with the three bronze supports
representing the heads of animals peering
forth out of dense foliage and chiseled by
6he hand of o master.
MY surprise speedily gave place to IN
n ml as you may well understand.
ms treasure of my heart in shop! This
gem mixed with so many family tradi-
.ions ana representing the faithfulness OF
my nrst love, exposed to the public eye OF
''ie cnanoe and ordinary buyer!
IN spite Of her solemn oath she had
soio the goblet and forgotten me, who
gave IL TO her Oh, woman, woman, wom-
an, an and always the same yeu are the
reorganization of INCONSISTENCY and the lie!