Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1904-04-09
ODE Black szg
VOLTS Breed
o.D,r,.N, ,ss. @ D,H~rr. Dickson
CHAPTER XIV.

49, Ah1p INA AASIN -
the only reason why l should stumble
and shy along like a balky palfrey
when L approach one of the trifiing
accidents which transpired immed-
lately after or arrival at Sceaux.
Thinking now this matter over, my
withered cheeks lost their ashen hue,
and burn again with the hot, tumult-
Gus blood of youth and shame. But
/ may as well tell il with all the reso-
luton a man before plunging
into an icy bath at midwinter. 1t came
the unexpected prelude to one long,
sweet song. 1t was in this wise:
Jerome seemed a welcome guest at
SceauX, and from the hearty greetings,
yet respectful withal, which were &C
corded him, must have been a man of
more consideration in the world than
l a heretofore supposed. Before this,
L received him at his own worth, and
u short acquaintance had been so
filled with matters OF serious moment,
l made no inquiries beyond the scant
stray bits of information he a himself
volunteered. However that might be,
his welcome at SceauX was sincere.
Nor did l wonder at his being a favor
lite, from the jovial jests and filings he
cast at those who crowded round,
which set them all alaughing. His
familiarity with the doings of the day,
SAAu III iulNh lNldl ltt lt uSth W men
of different parties, ~astonished me
greatly.
Having disposed of our horses, and
given quiet riders to the groom, Jer-
ONE made me acquainted with his
friends. Some part Of their good-fel-
lowship fell TO my lot as a friend Of
Jerome's, and put me upon my mettle
to return it.
AS good luck would have it, Jerome's
friend, the Chevalier Charles de la
Mora, was then at Sceaux, and came
up early on learning Of arrival.
He was a splendid fellow of thirty
five, stalwart and unusually graceful
for a man of his inches. His frank and
cordial was his greatest charm
TO me, though a woman would doubt
less have raved more over those dark,
dreamy eyes, which while mild enough,
betimeS gave promise of fire and to
spare.
lie spoke most affectionantely to
Jerome, n bade us both be sure his
wife would receive us with sincerest
pleasure. Several of the gentlemen
had seen service, and with them 1 was
Immediately on Easy terms.
Before entering the villa 1 paused in
a doorway at the head of a short flight
of steps, bowling and posturing through
my new catalogue Of behavior, anxious
ly watching for Jerome's APPROVAL, or
a cue. The rascal, l could not for the
life of me tell from his expression
whether he ~applauded my fine manners
or laughed secretly at the folly of it
all. But L went on as l was taught,
bending myself pretty well double, half
backing into the door which led to an
inner hall. Holding this position, which
however elegant it might have appeared
IN thnCp in front N-o partaip1Ny nafthnn
graceful or attractive viewed from
within, l felt n sudden jar from the
rear, and being thus struck at a point
OF vantage, came near to plunging for
ward upon my face. Before l could
recover my equilibrium and turn about,
L heard the jingle of a tray of glasses
and a cool shower Of spray flew about
my ears. Then the dazed and bewild-
cred eyes of a timid girl looked full into
NINE; she co~urageously paused and es-
sayed to stammer out an apology. Her
gaze, though, wandered past me, and
n sight of the drawn features of those
who had seen it all and now sought in
vain to restrain their laughter, was
too much for this startled fawn. She
turned and fled as the wind, just when
their merry peal burst out.
We'll, my little lady had best look
where she goes, and not run through a
door with her eyes behind her." roared
de Virelle, when the girl had we'll es-
capped.
His speech was suited to my actions,
all, so fine" drawled Miron.
by my soul, Captain, you have
flowers to spare chimed in lie Rue.
That's right, gather them up for
Mademoiselle is not usually so gener-
Gus with her guerdons that any should
be lost. The little ~icicle.'
His speech was suited to m actions,
for, like a fool, l had already dropped
upon my knees, busted about picking
up the scattered roses and replacing
them in the vases from which they had
fallen. The tray was still rolling and
rafting around on the floor. Verify,
felt my shame must consume me, and
took refuge in this humble occupation
to hid my face. There is some sort
of a confused recollection now abiding
with me, that a man-servant at length
came TO sweep up the fragments, while
l watched him vacantly, a tangled
bunch Of roses in my hand.
In all their laughs and jests and jibes
hurled at my embarrassment. Jerome
never for a momen lost sight Of the
main purpose of our visit. AS all roads
led to Rome, so did he adroitly turn all
topics of conversation into those chan
nels where might be supposed to run
the information we wanted.
L felt myself, especially in my pres
ent frame of mind, ill-ftted for such
a play. The blunt and awkward d.
rectness Of the camp suited better my
ways and speech. Though 1 might dis
creetly hold my tongue, / could never
use it with the credit l could my sword.
Nor could l rid my mind of the child
ish vision which for one short instant
confronted me at the door. Even then
l pondered more on her amazed ex-
preston and youthful innocence than
upon Ia own chances for success or
failure.
From the comments OF those about me
l gathered she was q protege OF
Madame's whose reserved manner
made her no great ~favorite with the
dissolute throng which collected at the
gay Villa of Sceaux. 1 took little part
in their conversation, and was glad
when Jerome by a gesture called me to
follow him away.
Let us go to see Madame" he said
simply, when we were entirely out Of
hearing.
"Du Maine?" I inquired, vaguely
wondering why we should venture into
the lions den.
"No-Madame-the other" he replied
with some degree OF hesitation,
l followed him without further uues-
tioning. He led the way, which was
doubtless a familiar one, and the maid
at the door, knowing him, admitted us
at once TO Madame's apartment. The
woman, who sat alone in the dainty
s~ilk-hung boudoir, rose and came swift
ly forward to greet Jerome, the radiant
girlish smile changing quickly when she
perceived me enter behind him. 1t was
more the grande dame, and less the
delighted woman, who acknowledged
my presentation with courtly grace.
ln~tuitively | felt her unvoiced inquiry
Of Jerome why he had not come alone.
Yet she was thoroughly polite, and
chatted pleasantly with US concerning
the news of the day.
I'VE are to have a fete this afternoon;
you must both come. Each guest is
axpnctad tp .pOnfribuia In Gonna Wv 90