The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-03-23
A POINT OF HONOR.

/
lalie, and one for you, Mile Gabrielle.
| They came with this white lilac from
| Monsieur Allard''
Madame put by her package unopen-
ed Eulalie, tail, we'll built girl, with
handsome, regular features, opened the
one that bore her name daintily en-
broidered on it, took out sweet and
then began to arrange the lilac. Ga
1 brielIe found it difficult to unite the gold
stranded string round the neck of the
box, and went to her work basket at the
other end of the room for a knitting
/ needle. There were signs of excitement
/ in the agreeable but not pretty face of
the girl who, indeed, had nothing but
pair of fine eyes and look of good nature
to atone for heavy features, colorless
face and dull hair A minute later she
was really pretty-for a moment-as her
eyes eagerly gazed at a letter that she
drew out of the bag. She uttered lit
tie cry. and then ran forward.
-Oh, but look here, auntie; look at
tnis." Suddenly an air of dismay over
came her. 1T can't be for me-, she
continued. 1T must be for you, Eu-
! lalie.'
The aunt read the letter. or rather
note, aloud:
"MademofselIe: I take this opportuni-
ty of telling you what you must have
/ guessed-that I love you. It is my in
/ tent1on to make a formal demand of
your hand in marriage. However, my
| long residence in England has made me
1 "
knowing whether the proposal would be
agreeable-I burst not put it nigher-to
| you. 1 know this is an unusual step to
take: you must ascribe it to my un-
usual training. This afternoon, when I
I present myself, 1 trust you will give me
some sign whether you are willing 1
should ask the question on which de-
ponds the happiness of my life. Believe
me. mademoiselle, yours more passion
ately than it would be becoming for me
to Say.-George Allard."
/ All three examined the packages. and
Gabrielle examined her heart as we'll
the heart, apparently none about the
boC-bons.
Come" said Eulalie while mamma
is talking to father about it I'll make
haven't too much time, for I expect
your" and she paused maliciously-
admirer will be here at 5 o'clock"
The girls ran off together. and Nine.
] Goudinet went to the library in which
| her husband never read anything. She
told him about the wonderful good for
tune of Gabrielle and themselves, for
Gabrielle, penniless, plain. orphan
| daughter of NJ. Goudinet's only brother,
seemed likely to be left on their hands
unless they were willing to give a dot
so large as to interfere with Eulalie's
chance of making brilliant marriage.
Now, Allard was a young engineer OF
excellent family with a good chara-
/
poets. Indeed, to use M. Goudinet's
phrase, the young man could easily
have got a girl with a dowry of a mil
lion francs. and good looks into the
bargain, and yet he was proposing for
a girl with no money and little beauty.
AT quarter to M. Allard was an
nounced. The salon was half full of
members of the Boudinet family, for it
was the birthday of NJ. Goudinet as
well as New Years day. No one knew
the secret, since NJ. Goudinet deter
mined to contrive a little poetic coup
de theater for the benefit of the fam
ily Everybody was whispering about
the unwonted prettiness of Gabrielle.
Eulalie had not come down.. she had
taken so. much time arranging Ga
brielle that she was late over her own
toilet. szstIc ar4A - ~
NJ. Allard entefed-Aa goodsloolzing fell
low, dressed in English style. with a
manly air and q nervous manner NJ.
Goudinet advanced to the door impress
sively and grasped his hand. ia
NJ. Allard. who at first looked hor-
ribly i'll at ease. began to beam with a
joy obvious to everybody who gazed
at him. Nobody looked at Gabrielle,
who was standing beside Mime. Gou-
| dinet with d0wncast eyes.
Nine. Goudinet led her forward.
For the first time during the scene
NJ Allard saw her. In second his
eyes searched the whole room. The
color fed from his face; he gazed at the
|
death.
Monsieur Allard, my dear nephew
said M Goudinet, joining the hands of
the two young people, .'embrasser votre
| fiancee."
There was a long pause-thrilling
long. The man was gazing at the girls
face, a strange look in his. She raised
her eyes. the beautiful eyes her one
charm, eyes then brilliant with happi-
ness and affection. He bent forward to
| kiss her forhead. Suddenly she start
ed. giving a cry of pain.
| 'sOh, you have hurt my hand, Mon
sieur; you have pressed it so hard!'
He tried to stammer an excuse. Her
eyes were fixed on his face Ere he
had uttered two words she interrupted:
Monsieur AIlard. was there no mis-
take? Was the letter meant for me?"
He gasped and suffered.
What does this mean?" asked M.
lGoudinet.
s'Uncle, it means there is mistake
I saw in his eyes that he does not love
me-
what does this mean?" said M.
Goudinet sharply to the young man.
There is a mistake" said the young
man mournfully. Goodness knows
how it happenedi The letter was meant
'sWell, but" interrupted M. Goudi-
net.
But" continued the young man. with
there was, and the fault was nine When
I guessed, too, ] hope fatuously, that
Mile. Gabrielle had some liking for me
and knew she was willing to accept me.
I determined, as a true F'renchman, to
take the happiness offered me, even If
1t were not that which sought, and
carry the secret of my mistake to the
grave
| Everybody was profoundly moved-the
ladies. all of them, to tears.
I am still ready" said the young man,
with trembling voice, but Gabrielle inter-
7 know what lose.'' said the poor girl,
the words forcing themselves painfully
from her; but / will not be ungenerous.
AS Monsieur Allard does not love me,
will not be his wife, since he seeks love
in marriage"
NJ Goudinet had been whispering to his
of the right arm.
MY friends he said. At that moment
the door opened and Eulalie came in
MY friends, Monsieur Allard has just
lshown himself Frenchman with all the
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