The Press., 1898-09-15

tain responsibility. If the slipper is yours, it will of course fit you, and will you allow me to assure myself by the formality of trying it on?''
 "Your conscience, monsieur, has very keen edge, but as you are not satis- fled in seeing me standing here on one foot I suppose I must submit to the proof you ask for. .''
 She seated herself in one of the large antique chairs in the hall and putting out her little foot watched him as he graye1y fitted the slipper upon it. The instant it was on the foot was with drawn and disappeared beneath her skirt, while Rene de Ia Briere arose, somewhat disconcerted. Mime. Laispare, standing on both feet this time, made him the most gracious and at the same time the most ironical of bows, and opening the door wide motioned the young man out with gesture in which the grace did not hide the authority
 But at the moment when, decidedly chagrined and confused, Rene was about to obey the command loud re- port made itself heard 8 little distance from them.
 The countess, never thinking that it was the eve of July IA, day which all Paris celebrates with every variety of demonstration, thought only of pistol shot and robbers. Remembering that she was alone, she grew frightened and wished to keep with her the stranger whom she had already impressively dis missed. Rene understood the situation in an instant and determined what part he would play in the little drama. Rowing profusely. he made as if to con- tinue his departure.
 Monsieur, did you not hear it?''
 Perfectly, madame; a pistol shot,"
 ''Then there are thieves in the neigh borhood?''
 ''It is very probable, and now that think of it I remember observing lit tie while ago a very villainous looking fellow prowling about"
 "I have heard no cry'- "Perhaps the shot missed.''
 "Are you not risking something in going out now?'
 without doubt, madame. But do not see any other way. You have shown me clearly that my presence here is in- opportune, and I do not wish to in- trude. U
 Really, monsieur, am afraid for you, and, to be frank, for myself too. My maid has not yet returned, and if I were not afraid of troubling you would ask you to wait until she comes in.''
 Rene blessed his lucky star and re- piled respectfully, ''I am happy to do you so small service.''
 The hall was lighted brightly, and they seated themselves in the big chairs There was a moments awkward pause, and then M. de la Biere told his name and the countess followed his example, which put them at their ease. A liter ary man of great talent and merited reputation, a thorough man of the world, Rene was able to judge Mime. Laispare at her true value, and the | esteem he felt for her character as he knew it must be was added to the pro- found admiration her beauty awakened in him.
 Graceful and pretty, she combined with perfect regularity of feature a mobility of expression, and in her clear eyes the depth of her nature revealed itself. They talked of travel, of 1itera- ture, of music, of painting and found on all these subjects they possessed remarkable similarity of tastes. The situation was a peculiar one and pos sessed the charm of its novelty. Learning that she was widow, Rene dared to ask her if, young and pretty as she was, she had never thought of marrying again. She responded with sudden sadness that her marriage had not made her happy; that her husband had not treated her with great kind ness. Her illusions had been so utterly l A1,o& rl, fo1% GL,o chance of happiness lay in keeping for ever her liberty, full and entire Rene, under the spell of a sudden enthu- siasm, began to plead with ardor cause which he almost felt to be his own. He tried to convince her how unjust she was in thus condemning beforehand any | true love which might be offered to her because her first choice had fallen upon man incapable of appreciating his happiness and proving himself un- | worthy of it. He grew eloquent, ami mated, persuasive and ended his plead ing so full of warmth and youth by say ing:
 "There exists an old Persian legend which places whosoever finds 8 wom- an $ slipper forever under the influence of it's owner. I ask for nothing better than to be allowed to fulfill the prophet ic legend and remain all my life in the spell of the dainty slipper I found to- night"
 And did the countess allow herself to be convinced? Love and confidence work miracles. It is certain that when Mariette returned she was not scolded and her excuses were accepted in full. And later it was rumored that the chateau near Compiegne had obtained a master. from the French for Washington Times.