Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1899-12-02
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But you made Up for 1t on Sunday.
'Who told you that?:'
'What is the d..1eGence as long as
know?"
well. l remember that 1 did drink a
little, but that is your fault, teo-you
worry me So"
How
'Marry ne. and you'll see that stop"
81 prefer 20 marry you after you have
stopped"
"Tou will discover some day that you
have been unjust to me-
''N's shall see on St. Cyprian's day"
This was a day celebrated by the coul-
Try people in honor Of their patron saint.
Let US see if on the day of the fete
you can go all day without drinkins."
and if do viii you marry me::'
Perhaps
"Well. goodby," said he, iitttle en-
couraged, going toward the door.
Let me advise you not to he so friend
ly with Cassoulet," said Miet:e.
"Why, he is my very best friend" re-
piled Marcel as he left, wh;stl:ng ostenta-
tiously, but carrying a heavy heart.
The poor boy loved Niette more than
all the world and would have sacrificed
bis life for her gladly. br,t some way he
had not succeeded in giving up wine in
spite of his many good resolutions. It
was SO strange that il was SO easy to
take Just one glass. that one followed an
other more readily still.
As he walked along the road he thought
of his fine acres of land, of his pretty
home. where he had lived alone since the
death of his parents, and reflected how
little he cared to work there for himself
alone. The thought of Miette there keep
ing the house for him made him renew
his VOW TO win her by not touching an
other drop of wine.
These VOWS he would undoubtedly have
kept had it not been for his friend Cas-
sorlet, who was anxious to supplant him
in the affections of Miette. Seeing him
determined not to drink, Cassoulet would
begin to sing the praises of Miette and
then impress npon Marcel that she cared
more for the young men OF the town than
for simple farmer like himself and that
she meant some day to throw him over
and marry one of them. Finally Mar
cells jealousy would become aroused. and
he would drink to quench its fire. OF
this Miette was always certain to hear,
for Cassoulet looked out for that.
NkC Wao bCIJ Say duu plGtts Ou thC
day Of the fete as she stepped from the
carriage. with her parents. on the bank
Of the Rhone opposite the place where
the celebration was to take place. Mar
eel was waiting there for her, accompa-
MED by his inseparable friend, Cassou-
let They crossed the river in boat
and found upon reaching the other side
that the great crowd of people assembled
for miles around were already eating
luncheon under the shade Of the big
trees.
AS soon as lunch was over the dancing
began. A large platform had been built
and covered with an awning, and at one
end sat provincial orchestra, composed
Of two violins, flute and harp.
Marcel danced many times with Mi
ette, who smiled sweetiy upon him. He
was radiant with joy, forgetting the sus-
picions aroused by Cassoulet, and seem
ed nearer than ever beforezto the realiza-
tion Of his desire. At luncheon he had
refused anything to drink, and now he
promised to do so not only all day, but
all his life. He was rewarded by look
of tenderness that made his happiness
still deeper.
Those who were not dancing sat at lit
tie tables under the trees, and, when not
with Miette. Marcel was here with the
inevitable Cassoulet, who did Iot fail to
call his attention to the young men from
the town who talked and danced with
Miette.
"See," he said, show gracious and ami
mated she. is when she talks and how
she smiles at .theIu"-
1t did not take long to light the fires of
Jealousy in the lover. who thought he
could see that her. smiles were not for
him alone. No; she was coquette; she
did not love him; she never had loved
him. He was all for going TO her at once
and reproaching her publicly, but his
friend dissuaded him, and they retired
instead to a neighboripg inn, where Cas-
soulet offered him the consolation of a
bottle of wine.
Here they remained until Marcel be-
came decidedly niuddled. and it was time
to return TO the others, who were MAX
ing preparations to 70 home. He and
Miette, with several others, crossed the
river, very wide and deep at this point,
in the same beat, and Miette perceived,
with pain in her Heart. her lovers con-
dition. She was silent and sad. When
the DOuL TeIclcu l1e uliUule OIL the
stream, Miette dropped her handkerchief
into the water. Reaching quickly and
instinctively for it, she lost her balance
and the next instant had disappeared in
the waves.
A cry Of horror arose from the boat,
but before all had realized what had
happened Marcel, his faculties complete
iy restored by the shock, had stripped off
his coat and leaped into the water. Aft
er what seemed an eternity he reappear-
ed with the girl in his arms. She was
put into tie boat and before they reached
the opposite side had recovered con
sciousness.
Marcel drove home and remained until |
she was able to see him, later in the |
evening. Then, in mutual explanations. |
both learned CT Cassoulet's treachery.
What took place between these two |
men was never known. Cassoulet left |
the vicinity the next day and was never |
heard of again, and several weeks later |
Marcel and Miette were married.
On the wedding day Marcel repeated |
his vow never to drink again. and this |
time he kept it.-F'rom the French.
|