Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1895-01-11

the shop in front of the showcases and let
no corner escape my attention. In this
way found myself at length in front OF
e tall case with closed glass windows, be-
side which young girl was sitting with
some embroidery work in her hands.
And in this glass case, just about the
height of my eyes, what should see
standing on a shelf behind the shining
glass pane but the old porcelain goblet
had given to Louise! Yes, the very same
it was, the exquisite piece of Sevres that
had such deep significance for me and
with which SO many tender memories and
associations were linked.
''At first 1 was inclined to doubt my
eyes, but on looking closer it was no Ion
ger possible, for knew every detail of it
by heart, and recognized them all be
yond the possibility of being mistaken
"There was a wreath Of flowers so fine
ly and delicately worked in with threads
of gold and silver, forming a crown work
in which alternated tremendously a
superb rose cluster, with leaves and buds
and a bunch of dainty little flowers, red
and blue. could not mistake it, There
too, was the artistic mounting that knew
so well, with the three bronze supports
representing the heads of animals peering
forth out of dense foliage and ohiseled by
the hand of a master.
my surprise speedily gave place to in
dignation, as you may well understand.
This treasure of my heart in shop! This
gem, linked with so many family tradi
lions and representing the faithfulness Of
my first love, exposed to the public eye Of
the chance and ordinary buyer!
sin spite of her solemn oath she had
sold the goblet and forgotten me, who
gave it to her Oh, woman, woman, wom-
an all and always the same, you are the
personifcation of Inconsistency and the lie
Naturally, you will understand, l had
Jnly one thought in my mind-to buy the
goblet back again. asked the price
"'Ah, monsieur, answered the clerk,
the precious objects in that case are in
the special care of Nine. Brunard, the
proprietress, and she alone attends to any
business connected with them. Nine.
Brunard has just gone out, and 1 can say
nothing about them. Perhaps mademoi
selle has some instructions
NO, answered the young girl thus
addressed, putting down her embroidery
and raising her eyes to me. Mother takes
charge of all in the case, monsieur, and
have not even the key My mother will
return at 6 o'clock, and monsieur will
perhaps look in again tonight.
Il said that would do SO and left the
shop"
"Eh bien, my dear Octave" said I, in
terrupting my friend in his tale, 1--WE will
both go there together, for do not mean
to leave your side until this matter is
cleared up"
Cleared up!" he exclaimed impatient
ly There's no clearing up about it. The
solution is evident and obvious. l am for
gotten, and my token has been thrown
away and sold"
Poor Octave. His heart was full of bit
terness. Apparently disappointed and de-
ceived in his first love, he was ready to
curse the whole sex and to class them one
and all as false, faithless and cruel.
AT o'clock we returned to the shop.
Octave entered alone, and l walked up
and down outside waiting for him and
looking in at the shop windows. had
to wait a long time, nearly an hour. Eyi-
IDENTIFY the interview was not hurrying
on with winged feet.
At length my friend came, his face
radiant
"Well," I cried, "have you got your
goblet"
YES, no-that is to say, have 1t, and
haven't it. All, my friend, l hardly
know what l am saying am so upset, so
happy! All, do you know that women are
angels? Don't you understand me?"
Il must confess that-er'-
"Wcll, III tell you all about it. The
moment 1 entered the shop the little girl
with the embroidery met me and said her
mother had just come in.
II followed her to the farther end of tho
store, where in the semidarkness 1 saw q
woman coming to meet me.
Madam 1 said, there is in your
showcase an article that feel disposed to
purchase.
"'Yes, monsieur 1 know she answer
ed quickly. You refer to the old porcelain
goblet. l regret it exceedingly, monsieur,
but it is not for sale. 1t is only here to be
kept for the one person who has the right
to reclaim it and to whom it belongs.
AND how do you know, madam, that
I am not the person"
''At this moment the clerk lit the gas,
and we found ourselves suddenly face to
face in the strong light.
'Louise!
"'Octavep
"This unexpected meeting naturally
caused long explanations. These Louise
gave me frankly and freely. When their
house was pulled down, Nine. Audry and
her daughter left Batignolles to live in
Paris. A short while after there was
financial catastrophe which made great
stir and ruined many people, among them
Nine. Audry. The old woman shortly
afterward died of grief and disappoint.
ment.
without news of me and in a condition
of hopelessness and despair, Louise found
herself at the end of her strength and re-
sources when an old friend of her moth.
er's, NJ. Brunand, who kept curiosity
shop, turned up to help her. He was a
widower over go years Of age, and with a
young daughter on his hands he found
himself rapidly going into decline.
anxious to find some one who would
be friend to the giA after his death and
knowing the kind heart of Louise. he
offered his name, his house and his home
THAT is how Louise became Nine
Brunand and was called mother without
being a mother, how the goblet always re
manned in her possession, and how have
the pleasure now to announce our ap.
preaching marriage, at which trust you
will do me the honor to be the best man. 4"