The St. Johns herald., 1897-09-18
A BIT OF JEALOUSY.


 of clemaCls the home of young and charming widow of 22. The sacrament of baptism gave her the name of Louise and the sacrament of marriage made i her the Countess of Viry. She had as a pet and constant companion delicate ! little Mexican poodle, all white and woolly, to which was given as its sole nourishment lump of sugar in the morning and sweet biscuit in the even- ing. His name was Nito
 It was o'clock. Louise was running along the pebbly paths of her garden, fitting among the rosebushes like a butterfly.
 Nito playfully pursued his mistress with barks of delight, at times seizing with his teeth the ruff1e of her blue muslin dress, and, propping himself upon his paws, pulled at it with all his strength.
 In the midst of their play M. Jacques de Beauchamp entered the garden. The little widow, perceiving him, hid her self behind an orange tree. But Jacques ran to her and, surprising her, kissed her on the forehead.
 "Ah, M de Beauchamp, she cried, "that is not nice of you.
 Louise was of medium height She had very small hands and feet, white shoulders and thick black hair. Her teeth were so white that when she laugh ed they glistened like pearls. How we'll she carried her widowhood and in a way to honor herself! The young maid en is generally too timid and bashful She bushes and casts down her eyes at the least word of compliment. The widow, on the other hand, has the right to hear everything, and when one speaks to her of love she knows readily what that means.
 Louise leaned upon the arm of N de Beauchamp and they went into the parIor, followed by Nito, who threw some jealous plances at him who was tl ho +So -utura hrehard ~ ~,r ,-,1rtro~~ Of course the poor little animal could not have known that It must have been a Jealous instinct.
 Louise and Jacques agreed so well that they had planned to be married. Nevertheless each of them had defect. M de Beauchamp was jealous and Mime. de Viry was coquettish.
 'Louise," he said to her, "you will drive me to despair. You say that you love me, but how can 1 believe it when I see you smiling at every admirer and giving to every conner so sweet recep- tion? When I see you in society so full of life and gayety and hear your ring ing laughter from the midst of circle of ardent admirers, it is impossible for me to tell yoa the tortures and anguish I endure.
 And what can I do, dear?" replied Louise II am gay. it is true, but is that a crime? And why should be cold to those who approach me only to say pleasant and agreeable things?"
 ''You are coquette, and your laugh makes me despair, because if you laugh thus against my wish it must be only to show your teeth. You know very we'll how adorable you are when in laughing with fixed purpose you throw back your head and show your pretty white neck.
 But what must l do to prove my love for you? It is becoming desperate. Ask of me what you please, but do not ask me not to laugh any more I am only happy when am glad and free to be light hearted. n
 NJ. de Beauchamp assumed solemn air.
 "You said to me one evening that you would make for me the sacrifice of your life. I do not ask so much as that But listen. Do you wish to make me the happiest man on earth?''
 "You have but to speak. "
 "E7en at the price of suffering?"
 "Tes, at any price "
 We'll then, make me the sacrifice Of one tooth,
 "What are y0~ d"r..r 1..- v ~n5 [
 "Only a tooth. The smallest one in the front. And afterward you may laugh as much as you please,
 But you will think I am ugly and will not love me any more. Y"
 ''Iswear to you there is no other way to assure my happiness.
 The countess rang the bell. John, her valet, took her orders and came back quarter of an hour later with a gentle man carrying ill his hand leather Case e,,ob as iS uCad hv SurooODS