Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-09-28
OVER THE WINE,

|
ran warm and men were wont to hold
honor high and life valueless in COM
parison.
Since that time have fought many
battles with the little Corslcan, and
have stood before many men in the
gray dawn while the mists crept in
from the sea.
| Mayhap was ever quick with the
quarrel. 1t is the fault of youth to
act on the impulse, messieurs.
The time am minded of was before
these hairs were white and this form
was bent.
1t all came from game-a word
over the dice, a sword thrust. was
necessiated to leave the city for
awhile and took lodgings with .
bourgeois who raised plants and stuffs
for the kitchen at his home near
Avignon.
All, messieurs, you should have
seen the little cottage with the vines
creeping over the windows; and the
roses in bloom at the doorstep and the
landlords daughter, liortense--the
fairest rose of all. Singing through
the summer days, with a voice like q
bird, she gathered the lovely bios
SONS, and each morning in my room
placed fresh bouquet-sweet DIS the
Maytime.
kept to myself very closely, so
knew little of the town; but learned
from the landlord that the gentlemen
of the country were accustomed to
ride in and to pass the evenings with
the cards.
One night, feeling restless, ! walk
ed out-down the main street and
thence along the path by the river
Inc hour was enchanting "A fit time
messieurs. for those who love to
find pleasure in Gods beautiful
world.
A man and maid were in The dis
lance, The moon shone upon him
saw the face. Dark and cruel,
thought, yet possessed of some fascl
mating spirit-beaute du dable, we
say in French, messieurs. As they
drew near the woman spoke and
knew her to be Hortense. ! thought
little of the occurrence--it is no,
strange that young and pretty CIR
should have a lover.
Weeks passed by. | made n few
friends during my exile and was
charmed TO receive an invitation from
one-Du Barry-to pay a visit to his
country house. accepted and spent
two weeks there.
But the time came for me to say
adieu and with sincere regret ! left
the brilliant coterie who had assem-
bled at the mansion. was riding
homeward when saw gathering OF
people upon the river bank. Drawing
rein inquired the cause of the ex
citement.
An old man responded to my ques
ton: "A young girl was tired of this
world, monsieur, and sought another
The good God forgive and grant her
rest"
Leaving my horse ] joined the
throng, just as "A figure was drawn
from the water. Long golden haiI
half yelled the white throat and still
features, but instinct, rather than
vision, told me that it was the lovely
llortense.
could not realize that one possess
ed Of such youth and beauty had such
a grief in the heart, Inessieurs.
read the note which was fastened
to the breast of her gown: II have
pleaded in vain--l can no longer en-
dure the shame-God will requite."
While stood there man pushed
his way through the people. ] saw hii
face change and his hands tremble al
he read the words. | knew him al
once. He it was whom | had seer
with Horiense that moonlight night.
| Finally a look Of relief overspread
his countenance. Turning TO his com
panions--three young blades like him
self he said. with a sneer: Here II
a riyer-rat who believed in God"
felt my blood through my veins
like fire; and as the four men quittet
the crowd ! followed and trod upoI
the heel of him who had caused such Q
tragedy.
He turned sharply. What do you
desire, monsieur"
Nothing less than your displeas
ure," was my quick retort.
He flashed with anger and wal
about TO strike me when one Of hii
associates spoke: "Be calm. Eacf
wears a sword-let us walk shorf
way uoNh ne giaDc.
saw friendly face near by
called for the gentleman and begged
his service. We retired to an opening
in the forest, and ! crossed sword,
with my opponent. He handled hii
steel well for rustic, messieurs
rather in the Italian manner, knee
bent and wrist curved.
| lie attacked me as II il were but al
affair of the moment. and had even I
naughty smile. played with hin
until his breath grew short and hi