The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1904-10-12

THE CHOICE . 0
i OF MARGUERITE.
DE KERGARIEL. with


lWl daughter, Marguerite, and his
nephew, Georges d'Orval, lived in a
huge chateau perched on steep cliff
in Brittany, overlooking limitless
expanse of sea. Though wealthy
man, he went to Paris only when
compelled to do so by important bust
ness, for he was passionately fond of
hunting and priced his reputation as
a crack shot far beyond the highest
honors he could have won elsewhere.
His daughter, Marguerite, shared
his taste for outdoor sports, horseback
riding and athletic exercises. In per-
son she was wonderfully charming
girl of is, fair haired and slender, with
eyes whose expression was both frank
and gentle.
The third inhabitant of the chateau,
NJ. de Kergariel's nephew, was about
"a. His figure, though only of middle
height, was admirably proportional.
In disposition he was quiet and re-
served, with marked inclination
toward art.
He loved fine paintings, statues and
chivalrous persons. He wrote verses
himself, which were by no means des-
titute of talent, and his last volume
had been highly praised by literary
men.
this aureole of fame, and felt both
1eep respect and genuine affection for
he young man; but she would have
preferred to have him share her own
tastes, and leased him numerically
about his fancies.
He received the innocent little jests
with smile, for, though he had never
acknowledged 1t, even to himself, he
loved her.
Orphaned at 16, and the heir of a
large fortune, Georges d'Orval had
spent eight months of every year with
his uncle and cousin. He liked the
wild, desolate, arid region, whose beau
ties they admired together.
One day when he was standing alone
lost in thought in one of the large
drawing rooms, Marguerite glided
softly into the room, mischievous
smile on her lips
what is our poet dreaming about?'
she asked
He started at the sound of the be-
loved voice and clasping her hand
pressed a long, tremulous kiss upon the
satin skin.
"Well, WE'LL" said Marguerite, with
drawing it, "Here is a cousin who
profits more than he ought from his
relationship"
Georges gazed deep into the young
girls eyes.
II was dreaming of YOU" he said
Under the look Marguerite felt the
stirring of new and strange emotion;
and. to conceal it she strove to jest.
Indeed? And in what way if you
please? Were you composing some de-
licious madrigal in my honor? am
prepared to hear my praises from your
lips, and your verses will seem better
than the finest music, if you compare
my hair to molten gold, my complexion
to lilies and roses, and my eyes to
corn flowers"
NO" replied the young man. 81
will recite no madrigal, but will tell
you Notwithstanding which per-
haps you do not expect, because unit
now have hidden it in the depth of my
heart, but which / am longing to con.
fess. Do you understand me, Mar
guerite?"
Yes, she did understand him. Ant
the revelation, so wholly unexpected
completely bewildered her.
She gazed at Georges with different
eyes. His avowal seemed suddenly tt
have raised barrier between them.
He loved her! What a strange
thing! He, whom she had regarded
as brother, felt the love which she
would have expected only from 9
stranger.
But she answered:
"I don't understand you, Georges
What confession do you want tc
make?'
Then, kneeilng at her feet, he mu1.
INJURED the words SO full Of the promise
Of Joy.