The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-05-23
FLAMES Choice.

was EIlan6 du RochtES SndIOAaAi'
At the age OF she had lost both her
parents. Her health was delicate, and
1 thought the best thing to do for her
was to put her into convent school,
in the country.
One morning, however. I received the
following astonishing letter:
| MY Dear Guardian: 1 am bored Al
ter mature reflection. / ind that / am
not cut out for a religious career. Kind
~ ind me husband as soon as pos
sible- Your grateful and devoted
/ "ELIANE."
IT does not seem hard 10 find can
didate for the hand of a young and
charming heiress. / presented quite
number Of men to her-nice fellows, too;
! but none suited her Summer was pass
ing. and each week Eiiane sent me a
! card with the words, Il am bored.
Things were at this point when my old
friend, the curate Of Dedon. spoke TO
me Of the Marquise de Pen-Valloet and
her two sons. Old family, distinguish
ed name, good connections, respectable
fortune. I proposed to Eliane to spend a
few weeks with my wife at Trouyille.
She joyfully accepted.
| 'On. the way" saiG !, I'VE viii stop al
one of my clients, the Marquise de Pen
Val1oet."
some miles from Redon. 1 had been told
tof her strictly economical way Of living,
SO 1 was not surprised 10 find awaiting
/ US at the station an old rattletrao Of a
carriage. which smelled so mnsty. that.
as we started to get in. Eliane recoiled.
Suppose we ride outside; I should en-
joy the fresh air.
! Don't be afraid, SIR" said the coach
man, offering me his strong hand and
/ helping me to mount quite easily.
Eliane seemed no more than feather
| in his strong grasp. Before l was seat
ed she was beside me, radiant and hap
/ py as a lark.
You will be afraid" said I. measuring
the distance from our perch TO the
ground.
Afraid, You don't know me. You
will cry quarter before do. Now, driver,
quick, quick, Quick.'
! The man smiled rather sarcastically,
thought.
! He gathered up his reins and started
! his team. Heavens, what a race, Ny
/ blood curdled at the thought Of 1t.
/ Eliane clapped her hands and melted the
pleased coachman TO redoubled efforts.
I held on with might and main. prepared
! to jump at the expected crash.
! A handsome, refined-looking young man
, Of medium height met US and assisted
US to alight.
| The Marquse de Pen-Valloet received
US in the large. gloomy drawing-room.
She greeted us graciously, and herself
led US to our apartments.
! my son, Rene she said, designating
the handsome young man who had first
received US.
Dinner was ready. When Eliane re-
appeared she looked queenly beautiful.
Rene met her at the door with some
compliment which did not seem TO dis
! please her.
| Just then another guest entered-a man
of about so. tall and with a strong face.
Saluting US. he took the empty place OPP
posite the Mareuise de Pen-Yalloet.
MY Oldest son. Marquis Horace de
Pen-Valloet," she said. presenting him.
adding: Late, as usual"
you know why, mother" he answered,
"well?" said I. when we were alone.
| She stifed a yawn.
Let US go to bed. / am tired to
death"
mot until you have told me your i'm
preston Of the two candidates
THE younger is handsome; he has a
pretty voice and dresses well. That is
all Ilkonw so far"
And the other?"
! She laughed.
"The other? Why. he hasn't a SOU
He doesn't count as a match, guardls,
dear"
True. I always thought you were a
sensible girl"
Next morning it was late when I
awoke.
I had hardly finished my toilet before
Eliane, fresh and bright as the morn
ing. knocked for admittance.
what, up already?''
Already! Why. I have had a long
walk through the dewy woods. 1t was
exquisite" @
"oh, no! I made sure of an escort last
night
"Ah, ah, So things are working"
"Splendidly, my dear guardian. Open
your ears. I have decided to marry
Handsome Renee" said 1, rubbing my
hands.
mo. I am going to marry-the coach
man who drove so well yesterday As
soon as 7 placed my hands in his
knew he was a man a woman could
trust. But here he is TO tell you that
you are not dreaming"
She opened the door and Horace de
Pen-Valloet entered.
ishment My story is not long. but
rather Unusual l wanted TO be a SOL
der. My mother objected. I obeyed her,
but the spirit of adventure possessed me
As soon as I was of age I started on a
trip around the world. Ny mother told
you that I spent my fortune and part Of
hers. I dare say I committed my share
Of follies. When my means were ex-
hausted I returned home. The fatted
calf was not killed In my honor. On the
contrary, I had 10 put UP with re-
proaches, complaints and taunts. What
was I TO do? Incapable Of earning my
living, exasperated at hearing myself re-
preached for eating the bread OF idleness.
I offered to take she place Of my moth
er's coachman. who had died.
when / offered my services 70 my
mother I was half Joking. but she &C
cepted in earnest, so became the coach
man I take care OF ny animals. and
when IL is necessary. put on the livery.
At night I resume my dress suit, my
title and my rights as eldest SON And
this might have gone on forever but for
the coming of this lioersting fairy, my
charming falncee. who. I think. under
stands me-an6 will try to love me a
little
An Epitaph That Failed
CFrom the louisville Times)
louisville vyit goes to church or did