The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-06-11
BRIER-B ONNAT.

Pretty Maribel We've leaned against the
stile by the lodge, a smile playing about
her Cupid bow mouth, whereon the kiss ot
Captain LuFt OF the dragons was respOn-
sible for the charming blush which framed
SO sweet a smile.
Maribel's face, fixed on the dust clod OF
the receding dragon, was averted as long,
angular Brier- Bonnat shambled along the
hedged and tree arched highway.
When he reached the lodge gate, he de-
liberately sat upon the fender rock and
also watched the increasing dust and lis
tened to the diminishing hoof beats.
why, Brier, . exclaimed AIaribel, turn
ing quickly to return to the lodge, where
did you come fronas"
From home, Married., and a-purpose to
see ye, soberly replied the simple farmer.
''I've heard We have been receiN ing at6en-
lions from soldier
Maribel laughed merrily and blushed.
''Ye has a guilty look, Married., and
fear what hear DO true. But ye must not
encourage those chaps, Maribel, for y6
know ye are promised to me. -
81 am promised to you, Brierg Why, you
must be naadl And whens pray, gave such
a PROMISE
1T was not ye, Dfaribel, as gave the
promise 1t was yer father told me ye
should be mine :"
promiser' exclaimed the quick tempered
Maribel, casting glance where the dust
had risen, then turning and walking quick
ly up the avenue toward the lodge
Brier- Bonnat looked puzzledly after her
but he neither called her back nor mil
tested chagrin-
He dragged his corduroy cap from his
glossy, black head and twirled it in his
hand, his eyes fixed On the turf reflective
", until Herr We've came along homeward
from the village.
What do ye here, BrierP' called out the
jolly gaInekeeper.
Sit a minute, Herr We've, - called out
Brier, strai ghtening up. Did ye not tell
me I should have Married. for me Wife?''
II did Whys"
IAN hour ago I came up the road from
the place to pass an hour with Maribel
As turned the bend of the road beyond
saw the girl and a soldier -
Captain LurUs'
The same. stopped just beyond the
stile to wait for them TO separate heard
the soldier ask Aaribel to be his wife. She
gave him her promise, and, Herr We've,
they sealed it with a kiss. Now, Herr
We've, never has G1aribel honOred me with
a kiss
And ye saw this, Brier?'
s'With me own eyes.
The sturdy, gray bearded gamekeeper
strobe up the graveled avenue toward his
lodge.
B1ier sha1nbled OF down the road.
1t was stormy interview that took
place between the father and daughter
The motherless girl pleaded her love for
the dragon.
her stern father swore she should wed
in her rank, ard that his wish was shat
she become the wife of Brier- Bonnat
The same blood flowed in their veins
Their quarrel increased until the dark
M
loves cbstinacy, threw open his door and
bade his high spirited child leave his sight
forever.
Yes, here was the very spot. Do you
remember, dears"
las If it were yesterday. Come here,
Myrtle, / want to show you something
A tall, beautiful young woman ap-
preached the gray mustached, dorid, pOrtly
man, upon whose arms leaned the gra-
cious, well preserved lady who made the
first remark and who was regarding an
old, broken down gate with peculiar inter
est.
.Myrsle, said the gentleman, lit was
at this very spo6 that mamma promised to
be mine. q
He looked into the bright eyes of his
daughter as he added:
Just here we sealed our troth with
kiss"
looking lady in his gloved hands and said;
And mother doesn't regret that first
kiss, does she9''
The response was not in 2 ords
What were you then, papa9' asked the
girl
A captain, my child. 3"
s'AEd you, mammal
"a Eamekeeper's InOtherless daughter,
Myrtle. This is the first time have been
1 here since your grandfather drove me from
home because I was in love with your IA
ther and declared would marry him OF
no one.
Where is grandpa, mammal"
Dead, dear years ago.
And was the ga1nsKeeper here2'
eyes. Yonder in the trees was our
lodge"
Who is the ganekeeper now, mammal
J There is none, my child The estate
has been closed years since. Let US walk
up under the old trees, and III show you
7 where your mothers childhood days were
I passed
/ In the doorway stood an old man.
/ The lady looked at him steadily for q
moment and then gave a little gasp. The
/ general lifted his hat in response to the
salubation of the beggarly looking fellow.
50 You live here, my good nan2'' he asked
The old man bowed his head
The general tossed him a piece of money
as the party walked away.
The old man leaned against the door
frame and watched them until they left
the avenue by the gate.
The coin lay unheeded at his feet.
Tears stood in the heavy eyes Of Brier-
( BOnnat as he husStly whispered:
Her father promised her to me. Chi
cagO News.