The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-12-09
A GOOD REASON.

erness for his four motherIess children, his
zaaiden sister, Martynia, engaged a beau
~GA little Frenchwoman. to the squire's
.--ssat disgust, as he detested thu French
unspeakabIy
What possible fault can you find with
hers' pleaded Miss Martynia after Miss
ST Auguste had been in the house a
month.
She's French, . was the squires re-
Spouse.
Nor was Jocelyne St. Auguste slow to
perceive the squire's bent.
g He does not like me, and Why?& she
asked Of Miss Martynia
My dear, said the maiden lady,
stthere's no accounting for mans freaks
Pm only glad IN not married to one. -
But one night, just as The stars were be-
ginning to peep out through the purple
glow above the syringa hedges, the squire
came in much perturbed in spirit.
s. Who is that fellow I saw talking with
Miss st. Auguste out in the strawberries
didn't know she had any acquaintance
IN the village.
ooh, F." said Miss Martynia, who was
knitting IN the twilight, that's N. Du-
mont, old Partisan friend-Or young
one rather-who happened to be passing
through the village and discovered by the
merest accident that Jocelyne was at Tren-
holme Park!'
"He's humbug, " said the squire dis
contentedly.
s'Whyg' demanded his sister
g He twists his mustache when he talks,
and-and"-
'And what"
"And 1 don't believe in these old young
friends. l hope he isn't going to remain
long ia Trenholme village" The squire's
hopes were not destined to be crowned
with success. VI. CASTOR Dumont was
merely travelling, as he said pour Ia
plaisir. He was in no haste. Trenholme
was a lovely spot, and Miss St Augusts,
the playmate of his childhood s days, was
a very beautiful girl So NJ. Dumont
staid on.
"In tell you what, George, - said Miss
Martynia one evening, with a nod Of inef-
fable wisdom, that NJ. Dumont is in love
with .Joeelyne"
s'Nonsense!" shouted the squire.
"But he is, though, insisted Miss
Martynia. 81 don't know where your
eyes are not to have seen it before. Well,
well, suppose we shall have to look out
for another governess one of these days. -
Mr.. Trombone made no answer, but he
sat long and quietly by the window, the
fiery eye of his cigar glowing through the
darkness.
Sine would be fool to marry him, y he
said suddenly and abruptly
''Why fool?'' questioned his sister.
CAN the world knows what a French
husband is, " tartly responded Mr.. Tren-
holme
Il suppose they are as good as French
wives, " hazarded Miss Martynia.
The squire got up and walked out Of the
room.
She must do as she likes, of course, -
he said to himself, but I can't bear to
think of her whole future being blighted
by union with that swarthy looking for
eigner-nO, I can't. She's too pretty and
sweet and graceful. Poor, little lonely
Jocelyne!'
He started as Miss St. Auguste confront
ed him in the shrubbory walk. her white
dress glimmering through the dusk as an
elf's silver draperies might have done.
Miss st. Augustel Who would have
thought of meeting you heres" calculated
the squire, somewhat astounded.
Il hope 1 have not startled you, mon
sieur, - said Jocelyne in low, tremulous
voice.
No But, my child, you have been
''Piease let me pass, Mr.. Trenholme,
faltered Jocelyne.
But shall not let you pass, - answered
the squire bluntly, until you tell me
what the matter IS Has that-that vii
lain DumOnt dared to annoy yOug''
And Mr.. Trenholme' blood seemed
turning to fire within his veins at the
mere idea.
'No; nothing Of the sort, . Jocelyne an
swered family.
''Then what is it?'
He has asked me to marry him, mon
sieur
The rascalr'
Indeed Mr. Trenholme, you are mis-
taken. Gaspard is good and kind. I have
know him for years 1t was generous of
him 10 offer a home and a heart to poor,
desolate little me, only -
And here Jocelyne stopped short, but
the squire made no movement to let her
pass
''Only what?" he persisted.
stOnly, monsieur, could not love him.
"And you have refused him?"
Yes, monsieur. -
"The most sensible thing you ever did in
your life, calculated Mr.. Trenholme in a
strangely relieved voice.
''Why2" Jocelyne looked up, with soft,
! inquiring eyes.
Because 1 can't bear to think of your
marrying any one but - Because, my
dear, there's the best possible reason for
your refusing him.
What is its'' Jooelyne asked hesitat-
ingly
'Because''-and Squire Trenhol1ne re
lentlessly imprisoned both of the cold,
/ trembling hands in his-''I want you to
marry me. L love you, little Jocelyne,
and 1 never shall let you go away from
Trombone Park again. Do you think
you can learn to love me, JOcelynes''
There was a sparkle through the star
I light, as if a cascade of diamonds had gilt
+ tered over the French girls cheeks. Squire
Trenholme felt the hands thrill within his
clasp, and then she nestled close to his
side like a weary dove returning to its
home.
J0celynei''
ooh, Mr. Trenholmep'
And then there was silence. They IN
derstood each other quite sufficiently.
When the squire and his companion
came into the house q few minutes later,
Miss Martynia. glancing over the gold
rims Of her spectacles, perceived the situa
ton at once.