The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-09-10

rustling OF her dress, the moving OF a
chair, the noise Of the dishes, all spoke
OF her occupation at that particular
4 moment. $535is a 4 s37ia
She is laying the cloth-she is
| clearing up-she is sitting down now
she is going to sew
wonder what she thinks Of me-?
Does she suspect i am so near? If
only she knew how love ner!
Often he felt tempted to attract her.
attention. even though it were silly,
but again the fear of displeasing her
held him back
And yet she must think of me some
times. She knows Il live here, She
cannot help seeing the light through
my ever-gaping door. She must be a
little curious, being a woman. She
must notice am always in. Perhaps,
I did attract her attention in spite Of
my blunders; on account Of them, per-
haps. Possibly she knows I love her
and is expecting an avowal, and, see
ing dare not speak-who knows $50
much may be expected of women? She
may some day drop her work, cross
that landing, push open my door
which never shut--enter my room
and say:
Since you will not come I shall!''
All! but that might be a long time
| coming!
Still straddling his post of observa-
ton ne would ruminate on the many
devices presenting themselves to his
| mind in order to hasten matters To
slip note under her door? He had
often thought of that, but would she
read it? And supposing she did, would
Lot the first passionate word offend
her and cause her to tear up his mis-
sive in anger? To get some one to
speak for him? Whom? They had
no mutual friend. Decidedly none of
these means were practicable and the
only thing to do was to wait. How
long?
1t was getting late, very late. Char
lotte, still at work, began to sing to
keep from falling asleep. jacques kept
time, following the rhythm by rocking
himself to and fro, which went very
well when the movement was slow,
but when it quickened with the spir-
tied passages of the song the game
became a dangerous one and taxed
the poor old chair beyond it's capacity
for gymnastics.
The whole modern repertory was re-
viewed. Now came Faust"
"Ah, if he were here!'
'But he is there" Jacques almost
cried. In turn came selections from
'Rigoletto," "Trovatore,' Barber of
Seville" etc. Hours flew by and Jacques
never tired Of listening to this concert
Charlotte herself must have wearied,
for presently the programme altered.
Romances and reveries succeeded cav
aterias and operate airs. The vibrat-
ing tones of her voice were subdued
to suit the low, sweet melodies which
followed her former efforts, one Of the
soothing effects of the change being
to lull jacques into a slumber, though
even in his sleep he kept alive to the
music and followed every note uttered
by the fair singer.
All at once Charlotte, who probably
decided she must keep awake at any
cost, started into a lively song, 'sLa
Valse des Roses, by Oliver Metra, one
of those wildly delirous waltzes which
would make the dying long for the use
of their feet.
jacques must have been dreaming
IN hn we 1+1iy,
folding his chair, he started, whirled
two or three times and then both mad
man and chair fell to the floor with
crash. There was a dreadful commo-
ton; the floor shook. A scream rang
through the air but it did not issue.
from Jacques lips
1t would have been impossible for
him to utter any sound. He had fallen
on his face, split his forehead open and
tainted.
When he came to himself, few
hours later, he was lying upon the bed,
his head was bandaged, and woman
sat near watching him.
what! you here, mademoise1le?''
Certainly, monsieur heard such a
some terrible tragedy was taking place.
came quickly and found you lying
upon the floor unconscious. It is all
right now, there is no danger. In
few days no trace will remain but a
slight scar. But, tell me, how did you
happen to fall in such an absurd man
ner with your chair?''
To IL
! uneasily.
Women are quick in seeing a pas
sion they inspire; Charlotte soon read
Jacques heart.
They chatted quietly until breakfast
time. The first step was taken. The
ice broken. How easy to wait now!
They are now married and happy.
Charlotte does not work by the day
any more. Jacques has reached that
| h9nnv fo Of ri, IN orc* ;nI,