Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-11-03
Ruban Rouge By F. H. LANCASTER
(copyright, 1904, by Daily Story Pub. co.,

E U
 A LORs QUOI, quest-ce qui vous "A voulez? Victorine had been away to school, now she was coming home. Monsieur, her father, had hitched the fat horse to the high wagon and gone to the ferry to meet her; madam, her mother, had baked the cake; petit soeur had swept the yard; petit frere had caught gopher for the gumbo. Alors! and yet one other had done his part toward the welcoming. Michell, he had bought the red ribbon yards of it-so bright, so rich, so shiney. Le ruban rouge! He spread 1t upon the bed that it might be ever before his eyes while he dressed-brilliant as badge of cour- age: "Ders tree yard, yas She's two inch wide" Michel1's fingers trembled as he knotted his tie-blue and green with big yellow spots. Si Jolie, but he had foreborne to wear 1t until she came home.
 So it was with the new straw hat and the tan shoes-even the natty linen suit and russet leather belt had been saved against her return. His mother and sister looked on in admiration as he stood tightening his saddle girths, A red handkerchief peeped from one pocket, a white one from another. None of them knew what it was that made his breast pocket bulge so.
 He looks nice.' said the mother, softly.
 ...Yas,.' replied the oldest sister, q get das shirt just stiff enough. La maitresse d'ecole say one spoonful to one cup. I write das down, me-" She spoke with pardonable pride. They waved their hands to Michell-"Bon jour, bon jour. He drew up the reins; one brand new tan described an arc over the mares back, he sat erect and waved his hat-''Bon jour ma mere; bon jour, mes SCOUTS" The little bay sprang at once into the gait at which he always rode her. A steady lope, easy and swift, up hill and down, over dry roads and wet, and as she loped her masters heart loped with her.
 Looking after him, such a picture of eager young manhood he made madam's heart misgave her T wish to know 7 she said half to herself. T wish to know, me eef Victorine is change moch."
 Michell's heart was troubled with no misgiying. Le ruban rouge lay warm to 1t, and glad anticipation thrilled him through and through What an after noon it was and how the birds sang in the bushes-"T Torine, 'Torine'' He barred his head to an old charcoal burner, grime to the roots of his white hair and through it; he shouted hearty greeting to crowd of young fellows going to chopping-thei horses trotting four abreast, the axes across their shoulders glittering in the sun; they gave back the greeting heartily. They were think ing of annisett, and dancing, and coffee and girls, he-why what could he think of with a heart beating inside of him like that. He heard the creak of his saddle, the jingle of the bits and the muffied toe, toe of the little mares hoofs on the road. And all he heard ran in to refrain of one dear name.
 An, there she was on the gallerie-all in white and a rose-a white rose-in her hair. .Des diffent," he muttered, "she use to like the red rose best' His hand shook so he could scarce fasten lnO 1lCIlO uldI G luIG IO LuG plCh0L, nall way up the walk he raised his hat, but he strode up the steps slowly Madam arose, Victorine arose, Michell bowed over madam's hand. T hope, me das see you well, madam 7 he said courteous ly, though his voice trembled Yes, madam was very we'll. She thanked him. And how was madam, his mother? He thanked her. Madam, his mother. was in good health-le bon sante. And at last he might turn to Victorine, who stood demurely waiting. The same for nal greeting and the state of his sisters health--only this time the hand-clasp was bit tighter. He could not help that, It was so good to feel those sup pie fingers within his palm once more. Victorine was very we'll. And you she asked, deliciously. Madam covered his stammered reply with shrill order to petit frere. Bidding him hurry from the kitchen with chair for Michell: Porte Ia chaise, cher, porte la chaise.' 2 The chair came. They all took seats Petit frere offered his hand shy1y to Michell. Victorine spoke kindly:
 Francois caught big gopher yes- terday Did you know?"
 'sNo; didn't hear bout das,' said Micnell, and to the boy, Where you catch heem?"
 Down yondah," replied the lad, pride of his catch lost in admiration of the yellow spotted tie.
 "Bon jour, Michell Comme ca va?'' 1t was monsieur. He rurg the young