The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1900-01-17
HER ONLY CHANCE
How n Frenchman Preserved the
Traditions of the French
Race.

y y
"Three sacks of bonbons-one for
you, madame; one for you, Mile Eu-
lalie, and one for you, Mile. Gabrielle.
They came with this white lilac from
NJ. Allard"
Madame put Ivy her sack unopened.
Eulalie, Il tall we'll built girl, with
handsome. regular features, dressed as
richly as would be becoming In de-
moiselle n marler, opened the one that
bore her name dalntily embroidered on
1t, took out sweet. and then began to
arrange the lilac. Gabrielle found II
difficult TO unite the gold stranded
string around the neck of the sack and
went TO her workbasket Mt the other
end of the room for n 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 sho was really pretty
for moment-as her eyes eagerly gaZ
ed Mt a letter that she drew out of the
bag. She uttered little cry. and then
ran forward.
ooh, but look here, auntle; look at
thlsl' Suddenly an air of dlsmay
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:
Mademolselle-l take this opportunity OF telling
you what you must have guessed-that love you.
II 10 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 so without knowing whether the proposal
would be agreenblc--l burst not put II hlgher-to
you. know this Is an unusual step to take. You
must ascribe 1t TO my unusual training. THIS
afternoon, when present myself, trust you will
give me some sign whether you willing l
should ask the question which depends the
happiness Of my life. Believe me. mademolselle
yours more paasonatcy than II would be beeom-
ing for me TO say GEoRoEs ALLAnp.
ooh, Gabrielle" cried both of the
others, "how strange and how fortu-
mater and" madame continued, "he
Is n far better party than you could
haNt VI Hliti u Iti-
low"
but II must have been meant for
Eulalic"
All three examined the sacks, and
Gabrielle examined her heart as well.
Certai-'y there was no mistake about
the heart; apparently none about the
sacks.
"Your uncle" said Mime. Goudlnet,
will be delighted, and suppose" she
added quizzlcally, that the blush In
your cheek, Gabrielle. may be taken rs
sign of acqulescence."
The blush burned deeper.
Come" said Eulalle. "While nam
ma Is talking TO father about 1t I'll
make you look as smart as possible.
We haven't too much time for expect
your"-and she paused maliclously-
pretended will be here at 9 o'clock"
At 4:15 o'clock NJ. Allard was an.
nounccd. The salon was half full of
members of the Goudlnet family, for 1t
was the birthday OF NJ. Goudlnct as
well as New Years day. No one knew
the secret, since NJ. Goudlnct deter
mined TO contrlve Il little poetic coup
de theatre for the benefit OF the fam
lily. Everybody was whispering about
the unwonted prcttlness of Gabrielle.
Eulalie had not come down; she had
taken so much time arranging Gabrl-
ellie that she WAS late over her own
toilet
Nj. Allard entered; n good looking
fellow, dressed In English style, with
manly air and n nervous manner NJ.
Goudlnet advanced TO the door i'm
pressiycly and graspcd his hand-"une
bonnie poignee de main n rAnglalse."
my friends" he said, turning round
and making sweeping oratorIcal GEES
ture with his right hand Il am going
to give you n charming surprise, n
poetic emotion, not undramatic, n de-
llghtful instance OF one of the good
qualities Of Il sister nation.
"My friends" continued NJ. Goudinet
in bis most senatorial manner, IN. Al
lard has today made n demand of mar
riagp In the most delightful style, and
II Is with the utmost pleasure that
Nine. Goudinct and | 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"
Mime Goudlnct led her forward
For the first time during the scene
NJ. AIlard saw her In second his
eyes searched the whole room. The
color He'd from his face. lie gazed at
the girl as II he were man gazing at
death.
M Allagd. my dear nephew" said
NJ. Couldn't Joining the hands of the
two young people "Embrassez votre
fiancee."
There was long pause, thrillingly
Yong. The man was gazing at the girls
face, a strange look In his. She raised
her eyes, the beautiful cyes-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 1t so hard"
He tried to stammer an excuse. Her
eyes were fixed on his face. Ere he
had uttered two words she interrupted:
IN. Allard, was there no mistaken
Was the letter In the right sack? Was
1t meant for meY
He gasped and suffered.
"What does this meant asked Nj.