Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1899-02-24
HIS SWEETHEART.

one evening, In smart little cafe /
the Champs Elysees, two men sat sill
ping their absinthe and smoking. On,
was an Italian. whose scrupulous care
in the matter of dress was in striking
contrast to that OF his companion. a
Frenchman, who had the appearance
OF being a dweller in the Latin quar-
ter. The Frenchman, who was the
younger of the two. leaned forward and
touched his friend on the arm.
Il have proposition-a problem--to
set to you, Matteo."
mo confessions, beg Of you, Pierre;
my absinthe is scarcely touched. and
your confessions, my dear friend. are
most distressing to one OF my tempera-
ment."
1T Is nothing" said Pierre. Il Just
want your advice. Surprising you
were in love with woman"
impossible. my dear Pierre: the sup
position you are starting with Is i'm
possible"
We'll. supposing this woman you
loved went the way of other women.
and confessed TO you that. although
she loved you. she intended becoming
the wife OF wrinkled, decreplt old
wretch whose banking account and
title alone raise him to the dignity OF
mana being from whom she
shrinks every time he lifts her In his
arms and kisses her. What would you
do. Matteo?'
1T depends. Pierre, how much you
love. Women are SO wicked. Perhaps
they do not think II is wrong to marry
man old enough to be their father or
grandfather. But you do. Pierre. and
at the bottom of my heart | do. Can
you wait a year-perhaps two years?
Then she may be free again to marry
you"
NO" said Pierre, Il can't"
The deuce!" exclaimed Matteo.
Then It's awkward"
Your right, Matteo. That's the
point I've reasoned 1t out to. 1t ls
awkward"
Il might be better able to suggest
II you told me the woman's name"
Yes. perhaps you might" Pierre an
swered thoughtfully. I'll be frank
with you. The woman IL your sister.
Matteo, and | love her"
During the pause which followed, an
ugly CLEAN came into the Italians
eyes
you love my sister," he said. slowly.
emphasizing each word. You. a
Frenchman! an unknown painter! that
is droll. 1t makes me laugh. But my
sister is not for you, you fool! ! snap
my fingers in your facet"
The Frenchman rose, and stepping
across to where his assailant was seat
ed, with the back of his hand struck
him heavy blow In the mouth
In a moment the Italian was on his
feet, and as the two men closed "A bright
weapon flashed In the Southerner's
hand. But Pierre was too quick, and
gCasped his treacherOus opponents
wrist tightly.
Then, exerting all his strength he
flung him into the corner of the room,
where, with little groan. he fell heav-
lily ON the stiletto. which went deep
into his side. Immediately n crimson
stain spread over the floor. and Pierre
stepped back aghast.
"Pierre!" Matteo gasped. Il have
something to say to you"
Pierre bent over him.
Nearer STILL" he murmured. "'Tls
hard-to talk"
Pierre knelt down.
What Ii III" he asked
This" said MatteO, as with last
effort he drew Pierre down to him.
and Withdrawing the stlletto from his
side plunged 1t twice rapidly into his
opponents back.
she Is not for you
A cruel smile OF triumphant mockery
crossed the Italians face.
Then both men fell back dead.
And month later one of the live
Hest women In Paris-a woman with
cheeks like kissed peaches, was led
to the altar by Il lettering old man.
with features distorted by vice and
dissl patton, and with one foot in the
grave. Il was Plerre's sweetheart.