Middletown transcript., 1901-11-16

UNA was returning from Brus-
IN sells, where she had been
H0 ON visit to Lieutenant
~ Baron van-der-Waart.
Reclining in corner OF
q saloon carriage, she reflected, as the
train speeded along, upon the few days,
holiday she had spent in the residential
city of good King Leopold, and con-
cluded that the time had passed very
pleasantly.
The Baron was a fair-complexioneo
fellow Of handsome department. with up
turned mustache like the Emperor VAL
liam He wore the green and gold uni
form of a Belgian officer, which dis
PLAYED his fine figure to advantage.
They had supped at the Cafe Rlche,
visited the Theater de Ia Mannaie, and
the Gallerie St. Hubert, and had taken
lunch at Mathys-and spent four de-
lightful days at the Hotel de Flandre.
In her Russian leather portmanteau
she was bringing home some pretty little
knick-knacks, and-but this is a secret
in the seam of her silk petticoat she had
sewn in 1000 francs worth OF lace.
The lace was SO exquisite that she
could not resist the temptation. Ana
then it is always so nice to cheat the Gus
toms officials. every woman is SNUG
pler at heart. which is certainly better
than being rake" Now smiling rog
uishly, now dreamingly before her, she
recalled the last few days which had van
ished so quickly. Occasionally she al
lowed her eyes to wander over the some
what fiat country, when suddenly reso-
nant voice with an English accent at
tracted her attention.
"This is very pretty part, Madam, is
it not? But it is pity that these factory
chimneys should spoil nature"
Jane turned round and for the first
time noticed her travelling companion, an
elegant and unmistakable gentleman.
In order to say something, she replied,
eyes; we are nearing Mons, the country
of the coal mines"
"Ah, yes, GOALS" he replied. These |
horrible black diamonds. The atmos-
phere reminds one of London fog, |
when, if even the sun shines, you can
not see the sky. How different it is in
Paris. All, Paris, let us chat about Paris. +"
In this way the conversation started,
and they began to discuss that city. |
They spoke of the theaters and promen-
ades, but chiefly about women.
The Englishman could enumerate all
the celebrities Of the artistic world. No
doubt this travelling companion was an
accomplished gallant.
The ice having been more than broken,
they became confidential The English
man had left his cornor and seated him
self close to Jane. Then they chatted |
like old friends.
"You are coming from Brussels?"
eyes"
$50 am l" i
cit is amusing to find a small town
which has king and queen and sentries
before their palace. In our democratic
times it appears paradox"
Decidedly this traveller was a gentle
man every inch. With the natural de-
sire, which is common to the female sex,
to unburden their hearts, Jane said sud-
denly: "What splendid lace they have
in Belgium. They have brought the art
there to astonishing perfection. You see,
lam fanatical admirer of such feminine
adornments. Good lace suits everything
and embellishes the most simple evening
toilet. ! am capable of committing any
stupidity for lace"
II appreciate your ideas thoroughly,
Madame" responded the Englishman.
"To my mind woman who does not
love lace is no true woman"
81 am delighted with your approval,
SIR" replied Jane, "and quite in conf
dence l must confess-I couldn't do it
otherwise, nobody can hear us-that 1
was tempted to bring about 900 francs 8
of lace with me-"
II suppose you will pay duty for it on '
the frontier?'' 1t
"What do you think?' said Jane. "Tt I
is sewn up in my petticoat If they open s
my portmanteau they will find nothing t
in it but a box of cigarettes which l q
shall declare at once"
Every well, I shall remain with {
you, then; a woman in company with !
man always imposes upon the customs is
officials. At all events it inspires more 8
confidence. 1 will appear to be your il
husband" t.
"How self-sacrifcing you are. Under t.
your protection have nothing to fear Il
Yet | must confess that I was somewhat .
nervous and my heart beats violently at Il
the thought of the custom officers; but b
now with your aid feel quite at ease and n
The trepidation l experienced will add to b
the qualification I shall enjoy in cheating IL
the revenue" Ii
am sure you will be convinced ii
that You will not regret having "
made my acquaintance" al
Jane no longer, even in the remotest OF
way, gave thought to Lieutenant the i
Baron van-der-Waart. She willinpl, Il
allowed the Englishman to take her Il
hand, which he pressed and covered a
With kisses, especially in the spot which &C
Ter glove left exposed. Gradually his p'
'rm encircled her waist, and he was 81
Ibout to impress kiss on her cheek OF
lane thought it expedient to keep IN p'
ler companions enthusiasm, who as q la
;o-partner in her secret, was almost as P
much smuggler as herself. Then the az
'ficials called out the name of tba
rontier station, as the train sIackened
Ipeed. p
Feignies! i! Feignies All cbapoa
lere n They had arrived at the from D.
Ter Now camo tho dao;.;