The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-11-12
MANS PREJUDICE

AANh'ff"'A"N"
his maiden sister, Martynia, engaged
beantiful litre Frenchwoman, To the
souiro's great disgust, as he detested the
French unspeakably.
What possible fault can you find with
herr" pleaded Miss Martynia after Miss
St. Auguste had been in the house a
month.
shes French" was the squiro's re-
sponse.
Nor was Jocelyno -. Augusta slow to
perceive the squire's bent.
He does not Ike me, and whys' she
asked of Miss Martrnia.
My dear" said tho maiden lady,
"there's no accounting for a man ; freaks.
I'm only glad I'm not married 10 one.
But ono night just as the stars were
beginning 10 peep ont through the purple
glow above the syringa hedges, the squire
came in much perturbed in spirit.
"Who Is that fellow saw talking with
Miss 81. Auguste out in tho shrubberies'
didn't know she had any acquaintance
I'm the village"
oh" said Miss Martynia, who was
knitting IN the twilight, that's NJ. nu-
mont. an old Partisan friend--ora young
one rather-who happened TO be passing
through the village and discovered by the
merest accident that Jocolyne was at Tren-
holme Park"
"Hes humbug," said the squire dis
contentedly.
Why" demanded his sister.
"He twists his mustache when he talks,
and-and"--
And whstln
And / don't believe in these old young
friends. hope no ism Z going 60 remain
long in Trenholmc village" The squirc's
hopes were not destined TO be crowned
with success. Nj. CASTOR Dunont was
merely travelling, as he said, pour In
plaisir. He was in no haste. Tronholmo
was lovely spot, and Miss ST. Augustc,
the playmate OF bis childhood days, was
a very beautiful girl. So NJ. Dumont staid
on.
III tell you what, George" said Miss
Martynia one evening, with a nod OF in
effsble wisdom, "that M. Dumont is IN
love with Jocelyne."
Nonsense shouted the squire.
"But no is, though" " insisted Miss Mar
tynia. Il don't know whore your eyes
arc not TO have seen 1t before. Well, well,
/ suppose we shall have TO look out for an
other govcrncss one OF these days"
Mr.. Trombone made no answer, but he
tht lOllB Ih1'bA1 ~ Aho NaiNHft WV
fiery eye OF his cigar glowing through the
darkness.
''She would be n fool TO marry him"
he said suddenly aud abruptly.
'Why a foolf" questioned his sister.
"All the world knows what a French
husband is. /" tartly responded Mr.. Tren-
holme.
Il suppose they are as good as French
wives, hazarded Miss Martynia.
The squire got up and walked out of
the room.
1She must do as sba likes of course, "
he said TO himself, but / can't bear 10
think of her whole future being blighted
by union with that swarthy looking
foreigner--no, i can't. She's too pretty
and sweet and graceful. Poor little lonely
Jocelynel'
He started os Miss Auguste, confronted
him in tho shrubbery walk, her white
dress glimmcring through the dusk as an
elfs silver draperies might have done.
"Mlss ST. Angustel Who would have
thought of meeting you here" CALCULATED
the squire, somewhat astounded.
II hopo have not startled you, mon
sieuF, said Jocelyne in n low, tremulous
voice.
"No. But my child, you have been
crying"
PLEASE let me pass, Mr.. Trenholme,"
falterod Jocclyne
But i shall not let you pass, answer
ed the squire bluntly, until you tell me
what the matter is. Has that--that vii
lain Dumont dared to annoy you?'
And Mr.. Trenholme's blood seemed
turning 10 fire within his veins at the mere
idea.
mo, nothing of the sort" Jocelyne an.
swcrcd family.
"Then what is itp"
"He has asked mo to marry him, mon
sieur."
The rasoalp'
Indeed. Mr.. Trenholme. you are mis-
taken. Gaspard is good and kind. / have
known him Tor years. 1t was generous Of
him to offer n home and heart To poor,
dcsolats little me, only
And here Jocclyno stopped short, but
the squire made no movemenJ To let her
pass.
only WHAT" he persisted.
"Only, monsieur, could not love him
And you have refused himf"
"Yos, monsieur"
"The most sensible thing you ever did
In your life, ejaculated Mr.. rienholne in
a strangely relieved voice.
Why" Joociyne looked Cd. with soft,
inquiring eyes
Because i can't bear to think of your
marrying any ote but Because, my dear,
there the hest possible reason for your
refusing him"
what is lt'' Jocclyne asked hesitat-
inely.
Because, '-and Squire Trcnholme re.
lentlessly imprisoned both OF the cold,
trembling hands in his-'I want you &c
marry me. / lovo you, littlo Jocolyne,
and l never shall Let you go away from
Tronholme Park again. Doyou think you
can learn TO iovo me, Jccelync1"
There was a sparkle through the star.
light. 81 If a cascade of diamonds had glit.
tered over the French girls checks. Squire
Trenholme felt the hands thrill within
his clasp, and then she nestled close To his
side, like "A weary dove returning TO its
home
"Jocelyne"
"0h, Mr.. Trenholmei"
And then there was silence. They un