The leader., 1905-08-12
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JULIETTE TO HER FATHER.

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JULIETTE TO HER FATHER.
N EAR FATHER: No one could pos
IL sibly feel more keenly than your
reproaches yesterday morning when
was just leaving for Cherbourg with
my governess, Miss Harriet, and my
little brother Paul. In spite of your
having forbidden it, the last thing
did before my departure was to brush
my cheeks with my powder puff.
This you perceived as you bade me
good-by. Caught unawares, l denied
the fact as stupidIy as l did energeti-
cally, and you did not spare your de-
nunciation.
Your severe remarks touched me
deeply, and 1 shall always remember
your injunction to tell the truth and
nothing but the truth no matter un-
der what circumstances.
Never handy with words,' you said
always say frankly and openly just
what you think
OF course am heart-broken to think
that l have displeased you, dear papa,
SO | Immediately made up my mind
that the best way to prove my repent
Rnce and show my respect for you was
to conform blindly to your counsels.
This is how set to work to prac-
tice them that very day.
No sooner had We taken our seats in
the train, Miss Harriet, Paul and |,
than the guard came to take our tick
cts. According to your instructions we
had bought Paurs at half price
Il. am sure that child ought to pay
the full fare, said the guard, "he is
certainly more than seven years old
Miss Harriet began to talk wildly,
saying that such remark was absurd.
But your words were ringing in my
ears and did not hesitate an instant.
He is eight years old, sir" l said
openly.
"Ten francs more, then," replied the
guard.
We paid and the train started. Miss
Harriet was not at all pleased with my
interference, and she scolded and splut-
tered away until she finally wound up
by telling me that she did not think
we appreciated her sufficiently.
Il heard your father say the other
day that was stupid" she said. "You
needn't deny it, for you can't!"
of course had to tell her the truth
HE didn't say you were stupid, /
answered, but he did say that you
were a goose
Mercy! That was worse than ever
She looked at me as if she would like
to eat me up. She did not say much.
but | think, dear papa, that you had
better be on the lookout for another
governess.
We reached our destination without
further adventure, except at the Gus
tom house, when we were asked to de-
clare the contents of our trunks,
thought of you and did not hesitate to
declare the brandy, the cologne, the
game for my aunt at Cherbourg, and
all the rest of the things. This cost
IA more francs.
After an hours ride in the carriage
we at length threw ourselves into the
arms of your sister. Thin and bony.
more homely than ever-I am still be-
ing perfectly frank, you see-she stood
waiting for us on the threshold of the
old house which you are so anxious to
sell to her
Why didn't your mother come with
you?" she asked me at once.
'0h, mamma was delighted to get rid
of us so that she could have a good
time with papa, replied, for was it
not the truth?
'4She is not i'll. then?"
mo. indeed"
"She wrote me that she was ill. Ahs
understand perfectly; l am to have
all the care and worry of taking care
of the children while she amuses her
self"
She did not seem pleased, somehow.
/ tried to caress her and soothe her.
.But you love me, little one, don't
your" she said.
YES, aunt | replied
GAS much as your mother?'
/ was about to tell lie. Fortunate
ly | remembered your words in time,
SO answered her truthfulIy.
@oh, no. indeed, aunt, not nearly so
much. .
rs it because you think your mother
is prettier and more agreeable than ?"
she persisted
THAT is exactly the reason, l re-
piled
She frowned at me as blackly as Miss
Harriet had done, but she gave me one
last chance to redeem myself
Why, how old do you think am2"
she demanded, Grossly
Again was absolutely frank and
said just what / thought
Nearly so, l should judgel''
Little fool, am only Al" and as
she seemed quite inclined to box my
ears, thought it was high time to get
the presents that had brought to
her.
Here is a centerpiece that mamma
sent you, / said, as quickly as ! could
get hold of It,