The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-11-18
Her Only Chance

win TINS white lilac from Monsieur Al
| lard
Madame put by her sac unopened. Eu-
ialie, tall, well-buiIt girl, with hand
| some, regular features, dressed as richly
| as would be becoming in demoiselle a
dnarier, opened the one that bore her
name daintily embroidered on it, took
out a sweet. and then megan to arrange
the lilac. Gabrielle found il difficult to
unite the goId-stranded string around the
neck of the sac, and went TO her work
| basket at the other end of the room for
knitting needle. There were signs OF
excitement in the agreeable but not pref
~ face Of the girl, who, indeed had
nothing but a fine pair of eyes and look
OF good nature to atone for heavy fea-
lures, colorless face, and duh hair. Her
short, rather SQUAD figure was little aided
by her somewhat questionable frock.
A minute later she was really pretty
for moment-as her eyes eagerly gazed
at letter that she drew out of the bag.
She uttered little cry, and then ran
forward.
"Oh, but look here, auntie: look at
this!" Suddenly an air of dismay came
over her. 1T can't be for me-" she con-
dnued; sit must be for you, EuIalie."
The aunt read the letter, or rather, note,
aloud:
Mademoiselle:-I take this opportunity
of telling you what you must have guess
ed-that love you. 1t is my intention to
make formal demand of your hand In
marriage. However. my long residence
in England has made me feel that I
should not do so without knowing wheth-
er the proposal would be agreeabie-I
burst not put it higher-to you. know
this is an unusual step to take; you must
ascribe it to my unusual training This
afternoon, when I present myself, I trust
you will give me some sign whether you
are willing l should ask the question
on which depends the happiness of my
life. Believe me, mademoiselle, yours
more passionately than it would be be-
coming for me TO say.
GEORGES ALLARD.
"Oh, Gabrielle" cried both of the 9TH
ers, how strange and how fortunate,"
And, madame continued, "he is a far
better parti than you could have dreamed
Of, and charming fellow"
But it must have been meant for Eu-
lalie."
All three examined the sacs, and Ca
brielle eqamined her heart as well. Ger
tainly there was no mistake about the
heart, apparently none about the sacs.
Your uncle" said Nine. Goudinet,
will be delighted, and I suppose" she
added quizzically. that the blush in your
cheek, Gabrielle, may be taken as a sign
of acquiescence."
The blush burnt deeper.
Come" said Eulalie, while mamma
is talking to father about it I'll make
you dock as smart as possible We
haven't too much time for I expect your
and she paused maHciously-"pretendu
will be here at o'clock
At 4:45 o'clock M Allard was an
nounced. The salon was half full OF
members of the Goudinet family, for It
was the birthday of NJ. Goudinet as we'll
as New Years day. No one knew the
secret, since NJ Goudfnet determined to
contrive a little poetic coupe de theater
for the benefit of the family Everybody
was whispering about the unwonted pref
tiness OF Gabrielle. Eulalie had not come
down; she had taken so much time ar
ranging Gabrielle that she was late over
her own toilet.
NJ Alard entered; a good-looking fell
low, dressed in English style, with a
manly air and a nervous manner. Mr..
Goudinet advanced to the door impress
sively and grasped his hand-"une bonnie
poignee de main PAnglaise."
MY friends" he said, turning round
and making a sweeping oratorical gesture
with his right hand, 81 am going to give
you a charming surprise, a poetic emo
ton, not undramatic, a delightful in
stance Of one of the good qualities of
sister nation
MY friends continued NJ Goudinet in
his most senatorial manner, Monsieur
Allard has today made a demand of mar
riage in the most delightful style, and
it is with the utmost pleasure that Nine.
Goudinet and I accede to his request
The radiant look in the young mans
face was delightful to see. The girl lean
ed against her aunt for support
Come here, my dear" called NJ Gou-
dinet; come here"
Nine Goudiuet led her forward.
For the first time during the scene NJ.
Allard saw her. In a second his eyes
searched the whole room. The color fed
from his face; he gazed at the girl as IF
he were a man gazing at death.
Monsieur Allard, my dear nephew"
said NJ. Goudinet. joining the hands OF
the two young people. "embrassez votre
fancee."
There was a long pause-thrillingly
long. The man was gazing at the girls
face, a strange look in his. She raised
her eyes, the beautiful eyes her one
charm, eyes then brilliant with happiness
and affection. He bent forward TO kiss
her forehead. Suddenly she started, CIV
ing cry of pain.
"Oh, you have hurt my hand, mon
sieur; you have pressed it so hard"
He tried TO stammer an excuse. Her
eyes were fixed on his face. Ere ne hal
uttered two words she interrupted:
Monsieur Allard, was there no mis-
take? Was the letter in the right sac?
Was It meant for me?'
He gasped and suffered.
What does this mean?" asked N. Gou-
dinet
Uncle, it means there is a mistake. 7
saw in his eyes that he does not love
me-"
What does this mean?" said NJ. Gou-
dinet sharply to the young man.
There was a mistake" said the young
man mournfully, Goodness knows how
it happened, The letter was meant for
your daughter"
well. but interposed NJ. Goudinet.
But" continued the young man with
dignity. when I saw what a mistake
there was, and the fault was mine; when
7 guessed. too 1 hope fatuously. that
Nile. Gabrielle had some liking FOR me,
and knew she was willing to accept me,
/ determined as a true Frenchmaa, TO
take the happiness offered TO me, even
II II were not that which / sought, and
carry the secret OF ny mistake TO the
grave
Everybody was profoundly rnoved-the
ladies. all Of them, TO tears
Il am stiI ready" said the young man.
with trembling voice; but Gabrielle in
terTuoted him.
Il know what lose" said the poor
girl, the words forcing themselves pain
fully from her; but I VIII not be IN
generous. As Monsieur Auard does not
love me. I viii not be his wife. since
he seeks love IL marriage"
n Goudinet had been Rhisnertng % his