The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-03-18
AN OLD MAID.

line Majolin happened to be an old maid
They all admitted that she was charm
ing. Her head was bound with heavy
braids of glossy hair, and her beautiful
black eyes were full of pathetic gentle
ness. She lodged in the fourth story of
a tenement on the Rue Boursault alone
with her blind mother, whom she attend
ed constantly. These ladies received no
company, but although they sought to
attract no attention at any time who
ever met them could not help feeling in
terested in them and that some sad mys-
terry surrounded their seclusion.
The family of Majolin was 80 years
ago ono of the richest and most influen-
tial in the province. Unhappily M. Ma
JOHN was n gambler. He engaged in all
sorts of speculations in order to recover
the money which lie had lost in play.
When he saw ruin staring him in the
face, he killed himself. Mime. Maiolin
was doubly stricken by the loss of for
tune and tho violent death of her hus-
band, whom, although he had caused her
much suffering, she still loved dearly.
And. alas, her misfortunes did not end
here Her eldest son had inherited the
unfortunate failing of his father. at
last. i'll order to evade justice, he fled to
the colonies and was never heard from
again. The only other remaining son
persisted III hunting accident.
The poor lady then had left to her but
q single child, her daughter Angelina.
They removed to small farm, which
was attached to the grand castlcin which
they had once lived. There they man
tn, ,l,efc
place and few rentals. all that remain
ed of their once ample fortune Here
grief.and tears soon caused Mime. Majolin
to lose her sight, which day by day grew
dullcr until she became blind.
Notwithstanding tho isolation and sad
ness i'll which these two women lived,
the beauty Of Angelina, in spite of its
somewhat serious and melancholy char
acter, could not fail to attract attention.
As she approached her twentieth wear
two young men began to show marked
admiration for her. One of them in par
tcular was very assiduous.
1t was their cousin, Maxine de Grand
lieu, young man of noble presence, n
delightful companion, talented, strong
and high spirited. He had just finished
his studies and had como to the country
for n season of rest before entering upon
the brilliant career which he had marked
out for himself and which his great for
tune rendered possible.
The innocent and tender heart of An
geline responded at once to the young
mans evident affection. A mysterious
but delightful bcwilderment would DOS
sess her after waltz upon Maximes
Il L
own happiness they loved to linger for
a moments talk by themselves in the en-
brasure of a window, or they would ex-
change the flowers that they wore. she
taking hers from her corsage and he his
from his coat.
They had still other joys together.
Among these not the least We're their
rambles among tho fields, bathed in the
delicious light of sunset. When they
were tired or desired to study nature
more attentively, they sat down at the
base of the great trees and rested under
their heavy shadows. Since their souls
We're simple and united, they spoke little.
AT other times, when the sick mother
gently complained that she was left alone
too often, they remained together in the
parlor, where the majestic portraits of
their ancestors looked down upon them
with sort of grave indulgence. If he
delayed to come, she would advance as
far as the stairway. holding in her hand
a bunch of white roses. When he began
to climb the steps, she would payfully
pelt him with the white petals.
Smilingly he would advance under this
snowy avalanche, happy in the knowl-
edge that he was beloved.
However, q shadow invisible to Ange-
line menaced her happiness even while
she was in the first bloom of her new
felicity.
Maxine, naturally averse to every
thing that was dolorous and dismal.
gradually conceived strong aversion
for Nine. Majolin. The sight of her
melancholy face spoiled all his JOY. He
was one of those who are chilled and re-
pulsed by grief and infirmity, as if
deadly contagion lurked within them.
The young girl, entirely wrapped up in
her love, was slow to perceive the dis
like which Maxine evinced toward her
blind mother. Even if she had observed
it, she would have called it simply the
natural neglect resulting from his utter
absorption l.. his love for herself.
at las. &C evening an explanation
took place 'Thoy were on the terrace.
Maxine .,a t.randlien had taken Ange-
lines !.nd ana fer the first time had
kissed il vory itnarriy and passionately.
NY ,,cac G3e.' o., said. ut is time
that our lives ve:,. ll,er,led together, for
Our hearts ei' r&blc Will you ac-
cept my L;:,s'" t.i,a NY fortune: We will