The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-16
The Marchioness Coachman.
From the French. In Two Parts.l
PART II.

Delng 10 know on winch SlOe II WOu4Q De
better to be overturned and what to dc
in such case.
After thirty minutes of anguish, during
which time I must have grown several
months older, the carriage abruptly turn
ed TO the right. and going up narrow
lane without realizing its speed, it sud
denly stopped at the end Of a paved court
before the door,
The precision of those little ponies which
; would nave done credit to circus racers,
did not appease my anger, for 1 was really
provoked.
You have been more than ten times on
the point of breaking our necks,' I said
to the coachman.
With his aggravating haughtiness he re-
Piled
Every one to his trade. sir. I know
mine"
a pretty young man Of medium height
and elegant bearing advanced and helped
US decend Nine. de Pen-Volloet awaited
US in the old parlor, which was ornament
ed with the portraits of ancestors. each
Of which was uglier and more Grabbed
| looking than the preceding one; she, too,
in toilette somewhat antiquated, haugh-
ty, stiff, resembled a family portrait, step
ped down from the frame. She gave US
a hearty welcome however, and conduct
ed US to the apartments that had been
| prepared for US.
My son, Rene" she said, indicating
the young man who had just received US,
has awaited your arrival with great i'm
patience. We lead a very quiet life here
| few visitors and neighbors of my age
it is very quiet. In fact, your coming is
for US a great rejoicing, a veritable holt
day, and we have but one wish: that your
stay may be long one
The ladys stern gray eyes seemed to
rest kindly on my little ward.
Dinner was ready and we had but a
! few minutes in which to change our trav-
cling costumes for more suitable ones.
J When Eliane re-entered the parlor, where
! 1 had preceded her, 1 was struck by her
, beauty and the briliancy of her pure COM
plexion and her beautiful soft black eyes.
She looked like a queen in her simple
white gown. Rene started forward as
! though dazzled and made some instpid
compliment, which did not seem to dis
please her.
"Good!' thought I, "aI is well, and we
will succeed
In the dinng-room five covers were laid,
AS we were but four the place opposite
the mistress remained vacant, but no one
seemed to notice it, and dinner was serv-
ed.
The diner, I must say, was very good,
and the wines well selected, but the serv-
ice very poor. The little servant seemed
inexperienced and not accustomed to hand
ling dishes. He dropped plate, breaking
it in a thousand pieces, for which he re-
ceived black look from his mistress.
At this moment the door opened and
there entered a young man of about 80,
of large stature and possessing an ener-
getic face. He came forward without en-
barrassment, and after bowling, took the
place opposite Nine de Pen-Volloet.
MY oldest son, the Marquis Horace de
Pen-Volloet,' she said, presenting him to
US.
And she added:
Always late-one of his habits"
He replied haughtily:
You know why, my mother
There was a silence. 1 could not take
my eyes off the newcomer-where had |
seen him before? had certainly met him |
somewhere and heard that calm, sonorous |
voice, which awakened within me |
vague recollection of something unpleas- !
ant. 1 must have had disa greeable busi- |
ness with him, but my efforts to recall |
it were in vain.
After the arrival of Horace de Pen-Vol- |
loet the conversation became more ami |
mated. I do not know how. but from the |
subject of rabbits and partridges we drift |
ed to the tiger hunt in India. From his |
few remarks inferred that the marquis |
had lived in that part of the world, and .
asked him:
7 have Travelled great DEAL was his
brief reply.
"A great deal too much his mother
added.
s. Those extreme climates are trying to
our European temperaments," I replied,
not knowing what else to say.
He shook his head.
81 was never better than when travel
ing but I spent all my fortune something
to which my mother will never become
yeconciled.'
your fortune-and some of mine" said
the marchioness. with a bitter smile.
We talked of other things and the din
ner was finished without further acct
dent. I dreaded the evening. 1t is a terri
BILE ordeal in the country, particularly
when the PEOPLE are strangers and feel
obliged TO entertain each otner But Nine.
Pen Volloet proposed a game of cards
with me; Rene had beautiful tenor voice.
so he seated himself at the piano and
sung German melodies and songs of Brit
tany without number. After having
era cefully lost a few francs I thought il
I
who was quietly conversing with the elder
while the other was still war
bling like nightingale.
"Wel?' said I. when we were alone
She suppressed a little yawn.
Let US retire. am dead for sleep.
Not before you have told me your i'm
oressions of the candidates"
The young one is pretty, has a fine | {
voice and nice country costume; this is
al I can say a present.
"And-the other?' {
She replied with a burst Of laughter.
The other. But he hasn't a cent? Re-
My he is no match, my good GUARDIAN
That is true. 1 see that you have both !
Wit and good sense. I always did think
I slept well, and IT was broad daylight 6
when l awoke. had scarcely finished my
oiet when some one raped. It was
1liane, and fresh and bright as the j
lawn.
What. Already upT" {
Already? But, my good friend. have c
walked miles across the woods in the dew.
[ IS lovelyr f.
You have walked alone at the risk '
Not alone. indeed. Last night made
ure Of a companion for the ramble' 2
Wen. well. things are going ali right, 5
.fter all
AT full speed. my guardian. Open your 8,
ars-I have decided 70 marty
Pretty Rene I said rubbing ny hands :
4 am 20 nlarry-the coachman, Yes,
he coachmap OF the omnibus-he who
rought Us here at such g lovely gait The :
moment my hand was clasped n his :
cit that there was q man 10 whom any
,oman might De proud 20 belong Fur
her he Is there and VIII convince You v