The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1902-05-08


die from it. Between Isabelle and him
the gold heap constituting her dowry.
1t sealed Johns lips forever; humble
enough to understand the distance be-
tween the rich heiress and the poor
country doctor, too proud to allow
anyone to suspect him of a covetous
thought.
This discretion was not em,llated
by the numerous young men who in
Paris or at Pertuis whenever Isabelle
passed, followed her like a swarm of
bees around hive. The capital fur
nished its contingent of the army of
pretenders, as well as the provinces
and the foreigners-all degrees Of So
ciety, magistrates, diplomats, finan-
ciers, military men, landed propri-
etors, manufacturers, many ruined
noblemen, a celebrated professor Of
the university, two renowned artists,
rich men who wished to double their
income, young men who did nothing
1t is usless to continue this enumera-
ton of interested aspirants. Still,
some were sincere admirers, few and
far between, but it was difficult to dis
tinguish them from those whom the
dowry, and not the lady, attracted.
To every overture past and present,
NJ. Duplessis replied with equal cour-
tesy. The worthy man could have
avoided all this parley by providing
himself with a printed answer:
Frenchman, my wife was born in Chi
cago, my daughter born and reared in
the United States, and l myself having
resided many years in America, we are
all little American, and consequently
rather eccentric. We have decided in
our family council that my daughter
shall study conscientiously all those
who aspire to her hand. She will take
note of her impressions, keep them to
herself without imparting them to us,
her parents; she is the one to be mar
ried--not ourselves. She will be free
to choose her husband. Besides, we
are certain she will make a wise hoiCe,
for we have full confidence in her
sound Judgment and her good heart.
"She is rich enough not to allow any
mercenary consideration to balance
the principal one, namely, that, be-
sides pleasing her, the companion she
chooses offer her real, true guaran-
tees of happiness.
"The list is open, you may enter It,"
Then NJ Duplessis added, the year in
which my story takes place:
son the 18th of October my daugh-
ter will be 81 years old. On that day
we will give great reception to our
friends and acquaintances. You, my
dear sir, and all other aspirants are
cordially invited. Before the ball my
daughter will present her intended to
our guests and to ourselves"
On the 18th of October Pertius was
! in a perfect bewilderment All kinds
of equipages had been put in requisi-
! ton. The guests came from far and
| near. The two hotels were crowded to
| suffocation. The immense park was
brilliantly illuminated, the sumptuous
villa an enchanted palace.
The rivals at this court of love sur
rounding Isabella burned incense at
her shrine, each one trying to plead
his cause with the most eloquence.
She stood, handsome, placid, smiling;
true goddess.
Her father asked: "Well, the ver-
dict?"
The smile vanished; shade of disap-
pointment overspread her features.
fat Oh M
piled.
There was a well-known, peculiar
creaking of wheels
The smile returned.
"There is DR. de st. Leonard" said
familiar friend; he will be in time to
succor the vanquished."
servant announced:
"MM. de ct. Leonard"
Glow late you are" said Isabelle
holding out her hand to the father and
the son.
"Forgive us, dear child" answered
the old doctor; 1--WE had to go out OF
our way to poor Landry, who broke his
leg, and you know Cocotte will never
hurry"
John, very pale, Notwithstanding his
efforts at self-control, disappeared II
the crowd. In moment the one ht
worshiped in his Utmost heart would
| announce to whom she pledged hel
love. What was it to him? He was M
nspirant. He would not have com,
had he not feared his'absence would b'
nlisconstrued.
Isabelle advanced resolutely to thu
nuddle of the drawing-Toom. my
fir lends" she said, grayely, what Il
going to take place is rather eccentric
more so even than you think. Th
kin dness Of my parents has allowed mt
to ch Dose husband among those wh'
hon,pred me with proposal. ! hav
made my choice, and he is precisel.