The Somerset reporter., 1894-04-19
AUNT HERISSON.

| Two young men, mounted on NaluaDle
steeds burst into laughter as they left
the Vichy road TO take the one through
the forest.
| They certainly lacked generosity, but
grille the maid of Mile. de Saint
.Iuirs, made an odd figure, mounted on
the stiff old mare Leda riding behind
her mistress. Hersilhouette was that of
a warlike woman.
The young men rode past her into the
forest, laughing and joking.
| Mile de Saint uirs overheard their
silly banter She turned her horse
around and waited. She was handsome.
The ride, the brisk air and also the ill.,
dignation had beautitied her complexion
and given brillianoy to her blue eyes,
| Her nostlils palpitated like the heart OF
IA wounded bird. She bit her lip and
stood up in her stinup, all trembling
with anger.
The young men approached her lit
tie abashed. One of them opened his
mouth, but had not time tospeak before
Il young man rode up behind them and
gave their horses two vigorous cuts with
IA whip Being fine animals, they tore
down the road on IL gallop, resisting the
efforts of their chagrined riders to stop
| them.
Nov, cousin, said the young man,
saluting her, 'let us return. y And the
ride back to the chateau was happy
one, for George de Sernay and his eous-
| in Mile. de Saint-Juirs We're engaged,
and neither doubted that the little Incl
dent was ended, not knowing how much
sadness it would cause them.
The parents of the young cousin lived
in veritablc chateau, but like Cyrille
and Leda it had seen better days. The
gardens We're dilapidated, but the in
| terror of the castle was still very beau
| tiful. Nine de Saint ,Juirs had died
when her daughter Marcelle was years
| old Her sister Herisson had cared for
the child as though she had been her
own. Mile Herisson had never cared to
marry. She was very pious. She was
continually i'll Il discussion With NJ. de
| Saint Juirs because years before he
fought IA duel in the garden behind the
chateau. and she looked upon him as a
|
criminal.
When Mareelle was 20, her aunt tried
to induce her Hot TO marry put All M
hueiice was useless Narcotic, alter
overcoming Aunt Herisson numerous
| objections, was ai1ianced to her cousin,
GEORGE de Sernay, an allllaDle ana brave
young gentleman.
| The day after the ride George was
seated ut Il table III the CASINO oil slchy
When TWO young men approached MN
PARDON but were you not yesterday
on horseback Ill the forest'
Il was, monsieur.
we We're also my TREND ana l.
Ihat does not interest me-
But 1t interests us
well, you two converse about 1t
ana leave me III peace.
II am not mistaken, you were the
protector OF the stout servant
Whom you insulted You were the
impairment person VINO
| Il do not receive personal lessons,
monsieur
1t Is pity, sad George, tor you
| 49,. 'i''
on are an insolent person.
| George raised his arm, but controlled
himself ana si'ld between has teeth;
| Consider yourself challenged, mon
sieur
CARDS Were eAchahsed, the se'ollds
conferred, swords were chosen ana the
encounter To he the next DAY george
demanded mat 1t should not be made
public. lie spent the night III writing
to his parents and ms ilancce,
1t was ms ilrSt duel, and he was
| niue AFRAID. Inc next morning AT the
rendezvous ne found the places marked
on ana the referee holding the swords
| by the points, lie presented them To the
duellsts, and drawing back quickly sand,
Proceed gentlemen
George heard bird sing Joyously
near nm. Tic thought OF Narcotic and
advanced.
HIS adversary stood sui. held his
sword out straight and SIMPLY varied
OIL each blow George gave without any
George nearly laughed.
Halt, " said the referee. They took
| the first position again. Three times
they went through the little farce until
| George lost patience and resolved to