The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-10-07

they seemed to be very modest with their
fine bayonets- Decidedly, 1.-The ladies' must
exaggerate things. Almost Immediately a
little corporal, going down the street at a
good gait, stopped short at the sight of the
pretty girl, looked at her a minute and
then continued on his way without so much
as glancing as though ashamed
OF his first movement.
Annette. much startled, ran back into the
room. and Ii was not until five minutes
later that she had the courage to approach
the window. She had already noticed the
little corporal because he seemed always
to be alone. Only. ordinarily, he did not go
by so rapidly, and in a half-timid way he
seemed always to be looking for some
thing, but up TO that morning his eyes had
never rested or the kitchen. When 1.-The
ladies' returned Cecile declared that the
outlets were burned.
Later in the day the corporal returned,
walking more slowly this time. and. under
pretext of lighting a cigarette. stopped i'm
mediately in front Of the house. But Ann
cite, who was making a sauce under the in
The promenade was kept UP all week at
about $50 in the afternoon. but without
success. 1t happened that Annette saw him
several times, and dreamed about him.
The next Sunday and the hour for high
mass arrived; the three old ladies' depart
corporal appeared at the end of the street.
She Who "a s been P eee out: drew
prevent the corporal from seeing her
shadow. He smiled like a good child. gave
her a little look out of the corner Of his
CyCs bdl p1oOCd iN4iOu III " SUPP liz
was a patient boy, one of the school which
does not rush at things, and a word his
him. That parsonage had once said: THE
foot soldier should advance straight for
ward. but with sinuosity, such as the cork
screw" Excellent method for the present
case. Love and war resemble each other
in some points.
For another week the corporal was faith
full to his little plan. Annette could no
black circles around them. 1t was on Sun
dov Naturally thof thav axobn n~oI tHn;~
first words. The corporal stopped in front
of the window and pretended to light the
against the brick wall with no success
whatever, understand. He pretended to
have used all his matches and murmured:
smoking" at the same time casting an
inquiring glance at Annette; She hest
himself, apparently: Its annoying, very
annoying" and he made a pretense OF
searching q; his pockets; Annette n took pity
Here, Mr.. Soldier, if these can be Of
any service to you," and she handed him
"Ah, thank you. Mademoiselle, it is very
KIM t Of you beg to 9 10 fs,h the ..I Faenen no arm hsen
at X. some time. Mademoiselle?.
"A very agreeable town"
Il don't know, / go out so seldom"
"Ah. all, madame. what is her name.
your employer"
81 have three. They are the Misses Le-
"Oh. yes. The Misses Lecarnay; don't
they allow you tc go outg'
drew w. back eRs little by little little. a AFRAID that that the the
conversation would be too long. The
corporal understood that he might brighten
the worse, Mademoiselle. Well. I am in
an embarrassing position. To be able to
thank you for your kindness. / ought to
kn aan5 ySqr name"
"WeII then Mathematician Annetta oood-
know" He gave her a military salute, a
eyes. and left her. Annette felt her heart
heat fast He vas very polite. that soldier:
of the kitchen.
us this letter for you. Mademoiselle?'
Annette took the envelope and read it.:
A Mademoiselle.
Mademoiselle Annette,
Chez Mesdemoiselles Lecarnay,
Rue au Pain, A. Y.
Yes, sir" replied the girl.
She was very much astonished and turned
the letter over in her fingers, then opened
ii. The first few lines made her put the
paper briskly in her pocket; then without
she hustled about the kitchen, misplacing
the saucepans, fooling with the stove and
sweeping frantically.
1t was not until a quarter of an hour
later that she was calm. Then after re-
fleeing for an instant she went down to
was sure she would not be surprised. She
read the letter. This is what 1T contained:
s"Mademoiselle: My taste and my passion
oblige me TO confess to you something
which it is impossible to keep from you.
But before abandoning myself-shall i say
you'll begin by imploring you to hear me.
What shall 1 say after all; that you show
at a sentiment which you have caused to
be born. Emanating from you. it is surely
worthy of Offering to you: If it is burning
like my soul. 1t is pure like yours. 1t is
a crime to be able to appreciate your
charming face, your enchanting graces and
that touching candor which adds such an
inestimable price to such precious qualities?
All. say one word and my happiness will
be Of your making. But, before you speak,
the deepest despair. A refusal will leave
me to believe that you are offended. and
respect equsIs my love. All. I beseech you,
send just a little note of response, in your
own writing, to one who would give his
happiness to please you, and to call him.
self with as much love as there is sincerity.
your Casimir. Address: Casimir Barcil,
caporal a la premiere esconade de la
The young girl. much oppressed. put the
letter in the envelope and the whole in her
bosom; then she started from the shed.
running. Just at that moment Cecile called
to her, but, seeing where she came from,
said nothing. That evening the corporal
did not go by, nor the next evening.
TIL corporal waited patiently. At last,
at the end of four days, the postman
handed him an envelope; stained with two
ter of a few words.
Monsieur: / must admit that your court
ship both ~fatters and honors me-, but you
must speak to mamma. She is q servant
at the house Of Monsieur Y. notary at N.
/ salate you. GARIN."
Casimir went up Immediately to the SER
geant-major's room. and there, with the
aid of some documents adapted to all cir
cumstances. he penned the following let
ter:
Power Of heaven. ] had a soul for sor-
row; give me one for happiness. How
suffice the torrent of bliss which comes to
overflow my heart. Permit. all, permit me,
TO feel the happiness of hoping to be loved,
loved by her. Thorne of earth, how far
you seem below mel Condescend, beautiful
Annette. to let me know how you receive
this sincere declaration. No., do not write;
paper is not worthy of bearing your
precious thoughts. But be so good as to
allow me a little interview. Sunday. during
high mass, leave the door at the end of
the garden open. ] will go in by the alley,
so as not TO attract attention in the street.
Then l will speak to you of my future
prospects, for / am soon to leave the
army. And you will see at your feet one
who declares himself for life. your
Casimir.'
An hour later the letter was in the post
office. Unluckily, the postman, who knew
now where the letter belonged. simply put
1t in the letter box and rang twice. as was
his custom. 1t was Cf-Sa who went for