The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1900-02-13
HER ONLY CHANCE
How a Frenchman Preserved the
Traditions Of the French
Race.

y
lalie, and one for you, Mile. Gabrielle.
They came with this white lilac from
M. Allard."
Madame put by her sack unopened.
Eulalie, tall, well built girl, with
handsome, regular features, dressed as
richly as would be becoming in de-
moiselle marier, opened the one that
bore her name daintily embroidered on
it, took out sweet. and then began to
arrange the lilac. Gabrielle found It
difficult to unite the gold stranded
string around the neck of the sack and
went to her workbasket at the other
end of the room for knitting needle.
There were signs of excitement In the
agreeable but not pretty face OF the
GIRL who indeed had nothing but fine
pair of eyes and look of good nature
to atone for heavy features, colorless
face and dull hair. Her short, rather
squat figure was little aided by her
somewhat questionable frock. A
minute later she was really pretty
for a moment-as her eyes eagerly gaz-
ed at letter that she drew out of the
bag. She uttered little cry, and then
ran forward.
"Oh, but look here, auntie; look at
thisp' Suddenly an air of dismay
came over her. ut can't be for me-
she continued. at must be for you,
Eulalie."
The aunt read the letter, or rather
note, aloud:
Mademoiselle-I take this opportunity of telling
you what you must have guessed-that love you.
It is my intention to make a formal demand Of
your hand in marriage. However, my long resi-
dence in England has made me feel that should
not do without knowing whether the proposal
would be agreeable burst not put it higher-to
you. / know this is unusual step to take. You
must ascribe it to my unusual training. This
afternoon when present myself, trust you will
give me some sign whether you are willing
should ask the question which depends the
happiness of my life. Believe me. mademoiselle,
yours more passionately than it would be becom-
ing for me to say, GEORGES ALLARD.
"Oh, Gabrielle" cried both of the
others, show strange and how fortu-
natew "And," madame continued, che
is a far better party than you could
have dreamed of and a charming fell
low"
"But it must have been meant for
Eulalie."
All three examined the sacks, and
Gabrielle examined her heart as well.
Certainly there was no mistake about
the heart; apparently none about the
sacks.
"Your uncle" said Nine. Goudinet
twill be delighted, and l suppose" she
added quizzically, that the blush in
your cheek, Gabrielle, may be taken as
a sign of acquiescence."
The blush burned deeper.
Come" said Eulalie. while nam
ma is talking to father about it I'll
make you look as smart as possible.
We haven't too much time, for expect
your"-and she paused maliciously-
pretended will be here at o'clock"
At AS o'clock M. Allard was an
nounced. The salon was half full OF
members of the Goudinet family, for 1t
was the birthday of M. Goudinet as
well as New Years day. No one knew
the secret, since M. Goudinet deter
mined to contrive a little poetic coup
de theatre for the benefit Of the fam
lily. Everybody was whispering about
the unwonted prettiness Of Gabrielle.
Eulalie had not come down; she had
taken so much time arranging Gabri-
ellie that she was late over her own
toilet.
NJ. Allard entered; good looking
fellow. dressed in English style, with a
manly air and nervous manner. M.
Goudinet advanced to the door i'm
pressively and grasped his hand-"une
bonnie poignee de main PAnglaise."
"My friends" he said, turning round
and making a sweeping oratorical GEES
ture with his right hand, Il am going
to give you a charming surprise, a
poetic emotion, not undramatic, de-
lightful instance of one of the good
qualities of sister nation.
'sMy friends" continued M. Goudinet
In his most senatorial manner, IN. Al
lard has today made demand of mar
rage in the most delightful style, and
it Is with the utmost pleasure that
Nine. Goudinet and l accede to his re-
quest"
The radiant look in the young mans
face was delightful to see. The girl
leaned against her aunt for support.
"Come here, my DEAR" called NJ
Goudinet. Come here"
Nine. Goudinet led her forward.
For the first time during the scene
M. Allard saw her. In a second his
ewes searched the whole room. The
color fed from his face. He gazed at
the girl as If he were a man gazing al
death.
IN. Allard. my dear nephew" said
M. Goudinet. joining the hands of the
two young people. "Embrassez Sotre
fiancee."
There was 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 happi
ness and affection. He bent forward
to kiss her forehead. Suddenly she
started, giving cry of pain.
"Oh, you have hurt my hand, mon
sieur! You have pressed it so hard
He tried to stammer an excuse. Hel
eyes were fixed on his face. Ere he
had uttered two words she interrupted
an. Allard, was there no mistake
Was the letter in the right sackf Was
it meant for me?"
He gasped and suffered.
"What does this mean" asked nj
Goudinet.
''Uncle, it means there is mistake
/ saw in his eyes that he does not low
me-"
what does this meanw said M
Goudinet sharply to the young man.
'There was a mistake said tn,
young man mournfully. Goodness
knows how 1t happened The lette
was meant for your daughter"
"Well-but''-- interposed M. Could
net
But" continued the young man
with dignity, when saw what mis-
take there was and the fault was mine
when | guessed too, hope fatuously
that Mile. Gabrielle had some likinl
for me and knew she was willing to &C
cept me, determined as true French
man to take the happiness offered t
me, even If 1t were not that which
sought, and carry the secret Of my mis-
take to the grave"
Everybody was profoundly moved
the ladies', all of them, to tears.
II am still ready" said the youn
man, with trembling voice; but Ga
brIelle interrupted him.
Il know what lose" said the poo