Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1897-10-14
CHAPTER xXvu.-CCoNT1xUED.l

prince ne naQ ADMIRED so much IrOm
the first. Seen closely, she was young
woman Of about fiVe-and-twenty, with
bold, black eyes, and a petulant mouth,
significant Of ill-temper. Directly she
saw him she tossed her head and made
a grimace.
$50 1t Is you'll" she cried. "I thought
you were dead, and buried"
"And you did not mourn me?" re-
turned Caussldiere, softly, with his
most winning smile. well, have
come to ask you to sup with me tonight
at the Cafe des Trente Etoiles."
II shall not come! l am engaged"
Nonsense, Seraphine! You will
come"
"Of course she will come" cried the
low comedian, breaking in. my chill
dren, live in amity while you can, and
drink Of the best, for the Germans are
approaching. Papa Corbert commands
you-be merry, my children, while you
may. Seraphlne, Caussidlere is king
tonight; you will join him and drink
confusion to the enemies Of France"
''Why did you not come before?" de-
manded Seraphlne, sharply. ut is a
week since l have seen you. Were you
nursing the baby at homer"
"Ah, Caussidlere is a model hus-
band" ademoiselleBlanc
The rocks the cradle and goes to bed at
ten."
Ladies'" said Corbert, with mock So
lemnity, II conjure you not to jest en-
such a subject. am family man my
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.
tell you, Caussldiere, l have an en-
gagement."
Don't believe her!" cried Corbert.
"Seraphine will sup with you. She
loves Brunet's oyster pates too we'll to
deny you. Think of 1t, my child! A
little supper for two, with Chambertin
that has just felt the fire, and cham
pagne"
An hour later Caussidiere and Made
moiselle Seraphine were seated in one
Of the cabinets of the Cafe des Trente
Etoiles amlcably discussing their little
supper.
When the meal was done and the
waiter had brought in the coffee, the
pair sat side by side, and Caussldlere'S
arm stole round the lady's waist.
"Take your arm away" she cried,
laughing. What would Madame Caus.
sidiere say if she saw your"
Caussidiere's face darkened.
"NeVer mind her." he returned.
"Ah, but do mind You are a bad
man, and should be at home with your
wife. Tell me, Caussldiere," she con-
tlnued, watching him keenly, docs she
know how you pass the timer"
"She neither knows nor heeds," re-
piled Caussidlere. "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 up
toward the ceiling.
what are you thinking of" asked
Caussidiere, tenderly.
81 am thinking"
Eyes"
"That you are incorrigible, and not
to be trusted; you have given this per-
son your name. and believe she is
your wife after all; and If that IS so,
what will become of your promises to
me? 1 am fool, 1 believe. to waste
my time on such a man"
"Seraphine!"
as she your wife, or is she not?"
"She is not, my angel"
"Then you are free! Answer me
truly; no falsehoods, if you please"
II will tell you the simple truth"
replied Caussidiere, sinking his voice
and nervously glancing toward the
door. "In one sense, look you, am
married; in another, am not married
at all"
what nonsense you talk! Do yor
think am insane?"
81 think you are an angel"
"Pshaw! Take your arm away"
Listen to me, seraphine. The affair
Is very simple, as 1 will show you"
"Blen! Go on!"
ain a moment Of impulse, for reasons
which need not explain, 1 married hel
of whom you speak, according to the
English law. 1t was a foolish match, ]
grant you, and l have often repented
Il from the moment when l met you.
"Apres?" murmured seraphlne, with
a contemptuous shrug Of her littlC
shoulders.
"Apres? Well. the affair IS cleaI
enough. 1 am a French citizen, my
Seraphinep
He looked at her smilingly, with an
expression Of wicked meaning. She
returned the look, laughing petulant
ly.
what of that?" she asked.
do you not perceive? So long as
remain in my mother country wher'