Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1894-12-18

received us, ''has awaited your coming
with great Impotence, the curate's de-
scription of you and Mile. Eliane was SO
flattering. And then we lead such re-
tired life, have few calls, fewer neighbors,
only some friends of my own age. Your
visit is perfect godsend, and hope you
will make 1t long one"
thought the old lady's severe gray eyes
rested with pleasure on my little ward.
Dinner was ready. We had just time to
change our travelling suits. When Eliane
reappeared In her simple white gown, she
looked queenly beautiful. Rene met her
at the door with some compliment which
did not seem to displease her.
Covers were laid for FIVE We were only
four, however, and the place opposite our
hostess remained vacant. Nobody seemed
to notice it, and dinner was served.
The cuisine was good. The wines were
choice. The service might have been bet
ter. The little servant who waited on us
seemed novice at his task. He broke
plate, and his mistress gave him severe
look.
Just then another guest entered--a man
of about 80, tall and with strong face
Saluting us, he took the empty place OPP
posite Nine. de Pen-Valloet.
my elder son, Marquis Horace de Pen
valloet," she said, presenting him, add
ing, "Late, as usual"
You know why, mother" he answered
coldly.
could not take my eyes off the new
conner. Where had met him? His voice
awoke some disagreeable memory, yet
could not place him.
The conversation became livelicr. un-
derstood that the marquis had lived In In
dia and asked whether 1t was SO.
II have travelled great deal" he an
swered laconically.
'tToo much" added his mother.
Are not the eastern climates rather
trying to Europeansp" 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 mine,"
added the marquise rather bitterly.
We turned the conversation, and when
dinner was over feared the long evening
yet to come.
Mme dc Pen Valloet proposed game
of bezique to me, while Rene sat down to
the piano, and with pretty tenor voice
sang German and Breton songs.
At last came the time for retiring. I
signaled to Eliane, who was in languid
conversation with the elder Pen Valloet,
while the younger was still warbllng away.
''WellS' said when we were alone
She stifled yawn. "Let us go to bed.
am tired to DEATH"
mot before you have told me your i'm
preston of the two candidates.
1.-The younger is handsome he has q
pretty voice and dresses we'll. That is all
know so far"
''And the others"
She laughed. ''The other? Why, he
hasn't cent. He doesn't count as a
match, guardic, dear"
True, I always thought you were a
sensible girl"
Next morning 1t was late when awoke
l had hardly finished my toilet before
Eliane, fresh and bright as the morning,
knocked for admittance.
"Whatl Up alreadys"
ALREADY! Why, have had long
walk through the dewy woods. 1t was
exquisite"
"Alones''
"Oh, no. made sure of an escort last
night"
"Ahi ha! So things are workings"
"Splendidly, my dear guardian. Open
your ears. I have decided TO lnorry
Handsome Rcne?'' said l, rubbing my
hands.
"No. am going to marry the coach
man who drove so we'll yesterday. AS
soon as placed my hand in his knew he
was a man woman could trust. But
here he is to tell you that you are not
dreaming"
| She opened the door, and Horace de
Pen Valloct entered.
"Myselfl'' he said, smiling at my aston
ishment. "My story is not long, but
rather unusual. wanted to be soldier.
My mother objected. I obeyed her, but
the spirit Of adventure possessed me. AS
soon US / was of age started on a trip
| around the world. My mother told yol,
| that spent my fortune and part of hers.
| I dare say committed my share Of follies.
| When my means were exhausted, l re-
| turned home. The fatted calf was not
killed in my honor. On the contrary, I
had to put up with reproaches, complaints
and taunts. What was to do? Incapa-
BILE of earning my living, exasperated at
hearing myself reproached for eating the
bread of idleness, offered to take the
place of my mothers coachman, who had
died. Iloved horses-and you know 1can
drive"
II still feel It," said +, shaking myself.
.When I offered my services to my
mother, was half joking, but she accept.
cd in earnest, SO became the coachman.
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 OH forever but for the coming of this
liberating fairy, my charming fanceeo,
who, think, understands me-and Will
try to love me little. "-Translated From
| the French For Argonaut.