The Somerset reporter., 1900-04-19
HER ONLY CHANCE
How a Frenchman Preserved the
Traditions CT the French
Race,
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"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.
Eulale, a tall. well built girl with
handsome. regular features. dressed as
richly as would be becoming in a de-
moiSelle marier. opened the one that
bore her name daintily embroidered on
1t. took out "A 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 a knitting needle.
There were signs of excitement in the
agreeable but not pretty face of the
girl. who indeed had nothing but a 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 moment-as her eyes eagerly gaz-
ed at a letter that she drew out of the
bag She uttered little cry. and then
ran forward.
"Oh. but look here, auntie; look at
this Suddenly an air of dismay
came over her. ut can't be for me-"
she continued. 1T must be for you.
Eulalie."
The aunt read the letter, or rather
note. aloud.
Mademoisele-l take this opportunity of telling
you what you must have guessed-that love you.
Ii 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 hgher-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 sign whether you willing |
should ask the question on which depends the
sppness of my life. Believe me, mademosee,
.urs passionately than ii would be becom-
az for me to say. GEORGES ALLARD.
oh. Gabrielle" cried both of the
others. how strange and how fortu.
late." And. madame continued. "he
is Il far better party than you could
have dreamed of and a charming fell
low"
But it must have been meant for
EulaIie."
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,
will be delighted. and suppose she
added quizzically. that the blush in
your cheek, Gabrielle, may be taken as
n sign of acquiescence."
The blush burned deeper.
Come" said Eulalie. while man.
ma is talking to father about II 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 5 O'clock"
At 45 o'clock NJ. Allard was an
nounced. The salon was half full of
members Of the Goudinet family. for it
was the birthday of NJ. Goudnet as
well as New Years day. No one knew
the secret. since NJ. Goudinet deter
mined to contrive a little poetic coup
de theatre for the benefit of the fam
lily. Everybody was whispering about
the unwonted prettlness 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; n good looking
fellow. dressed in English style. with
manly air and nervous manner NJ.
GOudinet advanced to the door i'm
pressively and grasped his hand-"une
bonnie poCnee de main rAnglaise."
"My friends" he said, turning round
and making a sweeping oratorical GEES
ture with his right hand. II am going
to give you a charming surprise. a
poetic emotion. not undramatie. n de-
lightful instance OF one off the good
qualities of sister nation.
my friends" continued NJ. Goudinet
In his most senatorial manner IN. Al
hard has today made a demand of mar
riage In the most delightful style. and
1t Is with the utmost pleasure that
Nine. Goudlnet 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"
Nine. Goudinet led her forward
For the first time during the scene
M. Allard saw her. In second his
ewes searched the whole ROOM The