The National tribune., 1896-05-14

1t was in 1870, when war had just been
declared.
MacMahon had received orders 10 cross
the frontier, aud strike decided blow
against the combined armies of North and
South Germany.
In Paris, as indeed throughout the whole
OF France, everyone was in astate of feverish
anxiety; but in the gay capital, the Parish
ans endeavored to make the days of suspense
pass more quickly by fetiag the expected
victory.
One could hear the clinking of glasses at
the outdoor restaurants, the music of the
cafcs-chdRtanfs, and the carriages filed inces-
sanity along the broad avenue of the Champs
Elysee5.
The theaters, too, were well patronzed,
particularly one on the Boulevards a certain
evening when Mile. Jeanne de BOlney was
TO make her debut.
The papers had foretold most brilliant
success for the beautiful young actress, who
was so marvellously gifted, and who would
no doubt become the star of the season.
She had chosen for her debut :" La Dame aux
Cameiias." which was at that time In the
hight of its popularity, and the author him.
self had said that the role of Marguerite
might have been written for this talented
young actress, so admirably did it suit her
in every respect. From the very first act it
was quite evident that her beauty and her
talent had not been overrated.
The sight of her even had won all hearts
faultless figure, delicate, refined face,
with lips which were at once proud and ten
der, eyes of deep blue with the most frank
expression, periectly-shaped head, and
carriage which would have done honor to
any queen.
At the sight of this exquisite creature a
murmur of appreciation ran through the
house and interrupted, for few seconds, the
dialog.
At the end of each scene the ovations in
creased, and after the second act there was a
perfect ex plosion of applause. Among those
who were most delighted at Jeanne's triumph
was a young man who belonged to the the
ater-Louis Belcourt. 1t was through his
influence that she had succeeded in making
her debut, for the manager of this theater
always preferred pupils from the Conserya-
toire.
Louis had known and loved Jeanne from
boyhood, and there was some thing infinitely
noble and tOnching in this devoted yet hope
less love. 1t was, indeed, OF kind rarely
seen in any man, for it had not blinded
him, and he could see and admire the good
qualities of his rival-the man to whom
Jeanne had given all her love.
1t had been very romantic, the engage
ment of the beautiful young actress. A
short time before, at The L0ngchamps races,
she had been glancing at the grand stand,
where Napoleon III. and the ladies of the
Court were seated, when suddenly che be-
came aware of two handsome dark eyes
fixed upon her. She looked away, but as
though fascinated, 4 few minutes later size
glanced again at the place behind the Court
ladies, and she saw military-lookipg man,
whose face was bronzed by the southern sun,
and who had risen from his seat and was
gazing earnestly at her, as though he too
were fascinated by some spell.
Not long after Roger de Morfeuille, officer
in the EiDperors regiment, had discovered
who Jeanne was. 1t was an extraordinary
1 engagement; no word of the future had
been spoken between them. Roger knew
that he would lave 10 leave, for war had
| been declared, and that until the result Of
that var should be known he could promise
nothing. The subject of the future was not
even broached between them. Jeanne knew
only that their path in life must be together;
she felt that it must be so, and there was no
! need for words. Only when the terrible
parting came. when Roger had to leave to
join his regiment, he slipped ring be always
wore on 10 her finger and took from hers one
for himself, and still no words were spoken
as to the future.
After the second act of the "Dame aux
Cameias," when the curtain had been low
cred for the sixth time, and Jeanne had for
the sixth time answered to the enthusiastic
recalls, she went slowly up to her room. She
felt overwhelmed; perhaps it was the excess
| of happiness at her good fortune which
.lisEs, .l-rp..