The Red Cloud chief., 1897-10-15

','N'f go
prince ne had admired so much from
the first. Seen closely, she was a Young
woman of about five-and-twenty, with
bold. black eyes. and n petulant mouth.
significant Of ill-temper. Directly she
saw him she tossed her head and made
a grimace.
80 it is you" she cried. II thought
you were dead. and buried.
and you did not mourn me-" re-
turned Caussidierc. softly. with his
most winning smile. We'll, ! have
come to ask you to sup with me tonight
at the Cafe des Trente Etoiles.'
IL shall o come. ] I'm engaged"
Nonsense, S%eraphinc. You will
come"
'Of course she will come" cried the
low comedian. breaking in. MY chill
dren, live in amity while you can, ana
drink of the best, for the Germans are
approaching. Papa Corbert commands
you-be merry. my children. while yoa
may. %Seraphinc, Caussidiere is a king
tonight: you will join him and drink
confusion to the enemies of France
Why did you not come before?" de-
manded Seraphine, sharply. 1T Is a
week since have seen you. Were you
nursing the baby at home?'
"Ah, Caussidiere is a model hus-
band" Observation-Disclosures;
"he rocks the cradle and goes to bed at
ten"
Ladies" said Corbert. with mock So
lemnity, II c%onjure you not to jest en-
such a subject. | am a family man NY
self, as you are aware. Respect the
altar! Venerate the household! And
since the Germans are approaching
Bother the Germans" interrupted
Seraphine. Let them come and burn
Paris to the ground. / should not care.
I tell you. Caussidiere, | have ar en-
gagement."
Don't believe her." cried Corbert.
~"Seraphine will sup with you. She
loves Brunet's oyster pates too well to
deny you. Think of it, my child! A
little supper for two, with Chambertin
that has just felt the fire, and cham
payne"
An hour later Caussidicre and Made
moiselle Seraphine were seated in one
Of the cabinets of the Cafe DIES Trente
Etoiles amicably discussing their little
supper.
When the meal was done and the
waiter had brought in the coffee, the
pair sat side by side, and Caussidiere's
arm stole round the lady's waist.
Take your arm away" she cried,
laughing. What would Madame Caus
aldiaro uav 10 che a n yp,,ov
Caussidiere's face darkened.
Never mind her." he returned.
"Ah. but l do mind! You are a bal
man, and should be at home with your
wife. Tell me. Caussidiere," she con-
tinued, watching him keenly, does she
know how you pass the timer"
she neither knows nor heeds," re,
piled Caussidiere. She is a child, and
stupid, and does not concern herself
with what she does not understand"
Seraphine's manner changed. The
smile passed from her face, and the cor
ners OF her petulant mouth came down
browning, she lighted a cigarette, and
leaning back, watched the thin blue
wreaths OF smoke as they curled vi
toward the ceiling.
what are you thinking Off" asked
Caussidiere, tenderly.
81 am thinking"
"Yes."
THAT you are incorrigible. and no
to be trusted; you nave given this per
son your name. and l believe she Il
your wife after all: and IL that Is so
what will become of your promises I,
me? am a fool. l believe. to vast,
my time on such a man."
'Seraphine!"
"Is she your wife, or is she not?"
'She is not, my angel"
Then you are free! Answer m
truly; no f%alsehoods. II you please"
II will tell you the simple truth,
replied Caussidiere, sinking his vote
and nervously glancing toward th
door. "In one sense, look you, | ar
married; in another, l am not marie
at all"
What nonsense you talk! DO yo
think I an insane?'
II think you are an ANGEL
"Pshaw! Take your arm away"
Listen to me, Seraphine. The afYai
Is very simple, al | will show you"
..Bien! Go on"
"In a moment Of impulse, for reason
which / need not explain, / married he
of whom you speak, according to tn
English law. 1t was a foolish match,
grant you, and l have often repente
It from the moment when l met you.
"Apres?" murmured %seraphine, wit
a contemptuous shrug of her iittl
shoulders.
"Apres? Well. the affair Is clea
enough. ! am a French citizen, m
Seraphine!"
He looked at her smilingly, with a
expression of wicked meaning. Sh
returned the look, laughing petulant
ly.