The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-08-14

only some friends of my own age Your
visit Is perfect godscnd, and hopo you
will mako it long one"
thought the old lady's severe gray Dyes
rested with pleasure on my little ward
Dinner was ready. We had just time to
change our travelling suits. When Eliane
reappcarcd in her simple white gown, she
looked quccnly beautiful. Reno met hor
ut the door with some compliment which
did not seem to displcasc her.
Covers were laid for five. We were only
four, however and the place opposite our
hostess remained vacant. Nobody seemed
70 notice 1T, and dinner was served.
The cuisine was good. Tho wines were
cholcc. The service might have been bet
ter. The little servant who waited ON us
seemed novice ut his task. He broke a
plate, and his mistress gave him O severe
look
just then another guest entered-a man
of about 30, tall and with strong face
Saluting us, he took the empty place OPP
positc Nine. dc Pen Valloet
MY elder son. Marquis Horace do Pen
Valloet," sho snid, presenting him, add
Ing, 'Lato, as usual"
You know why, mother" no answered
coldly.
could not take my eyes Off tho new
conner. Where had met himf His voice
awokc some disagroeable memory, yet I
could not place him.
Inc conversation became livelicr. I I'M
dcrstood that the marquis had lived in In
dia and asked whether it was SO.
II have travelled great dccl," no an
sworcd laconically
Too much" added his mothor.
Arc not the eastern climates rather
trying to Europeans9" I asked, not know
Ing exactly what to say.
He shook his head. II never was bet
ter than when travelling. Only I spent
my fortune-a thing my mother cannot
forget"
Your fortune and part of minc, :"
added tho mnrquise rather bitterly
We turned the conversation, and when
dinner was over feared the long evening
yet to como.
Nine. do Pen Vnlloct proposed game
OF bcziquo to me, while Reno sat down to
the piano, and with u pretty tenor voice
sang German and Breton songs.
AT last came the time for retiring. I
signalcd to Elianc, who was in languid
conversation with the elder Pen Valloet
whilc the younger was still warbling away
"Wcll;" said when we were alone
She stiflcd yawn. Let us go to bed.
am tired to death"
NOG ptlOTc you nave COiu mo your I'M
preston of the two candidates."
"Thc younger is handsome; he has n
pretty vocd and dresses we'll. That is all
know SO far"
"And tho othcr?"
She laughed 1.-THE othcrp WHY, he
hasn't II cent He doesn't count ms a
match, guardic, dear"
True. always thought you were
sensible girl
Next morning it was late when avokc
had hardly finished my toilet before
Elianc, fresh and bright rs tho morning,
knocked for admittancc.
What! Up alrcady?"
'Alrcady Why, I have had q long
walk through tho dewy woods 1t was
exquisite
"Alonc?'
"Oh, no. mado sure of an escort last
night
'Ahl hal So things arc working9"
"Splcndidly, my dear guardian. Open
your ears. I have decided to marry"--
Handsome Rcnc?" said I, rubbing my
hands
mo. l am going to marry the coach
man who drove so well yesterday. AS
soon ;ls placed my hand in his knew he
was q man woman could trust. But
here no is to tell you that you arc not
dreaming"
Sho opened the door, and Horace de
Pen Valloct entered
'Myself'' he said, smiling at my aston
ishmcnt MY story is not long, but
rather unusual. 1 wanted to be n soldier.
My mother objected. l obcycd her, but
tho spirit of adventure possessed me. AS
soon as 1 was of ago started on trip
around the world. My mother told you
that spent my fortune and part of hers.
1 dare say committed my share of follics.
When my means were exhausted, I re-
turned home The fatted calf was not
killed in my honor. On the contrary,
had to put up with rcproachcs, complaints
and taunts. What was 1 to do? Incapa-
bic of earning my living, cxaspcratcd ut
hearing myself rcproached for eating the
bread of idleness, 1 offered to take the
place of my mothers coachman, who had
died. loved horscs-and you know can
drive"
II still feel it," said l. shaking myself.
when 1 offered my services to my
mother, 1 was half joking but she accept
ed In earnest, so became the coachman.
1 take care of my animals, and when it is
necessary put on the livery. At night
resume my dress suit, my title and my
rights as elder son. And this might have
gone on forever but for the coming of this
nberating fairy. my charming flancec,
who, L think, understands me-and will
try to love mo little. ''-Translatod From
the French For Argonaut.
The Order of Peg Nicholson.
How many candidates for examination