The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1905-08-17


twenty feet. She slipped through a
gateway leading into an imposing man.
sion, vacant just then. The inclosing
wall made a semicrcle, which was
furnished like small park with some
benches. One could sit here without
being seen from the road.
Tortillon, about to avail herself of
one of these. drew back startled. a
child was there playing with flowers.
which she scattered over the benches
in graceful profusion, or made into
bouquets Never was an angel more
beautiful! Great, blue. eyes she had;
rosebud mouth parted in laughter;
her shoulders were bare-soft, white
and dimpled, ard, to crown all, Il
wealth of long blond curls tumbled
about her face over her shoulders.
The unhappy beggar stifed cry in
her throat. Then she stood immovable,
bewitched with admiration. The child,
If she should see her, would try TO es-
cape like a bird from snake, no doubt
The eye of Tortillon-wide open, full OF
light. charged with magnetism -dwelt
on the divine face of the child The
latter still played, without looking up.
An intense desire, irresistible. furious.
took possession of the beggar. At last
she could not restrain herself longer.
casting about her look, jealous and
defiant, she saw that the road was de-
serted. There was no one to disturb
her Ah, what JOY illuminated her
facet
But at this moment the little girl saw
her, uttered n cry and tried to flee,
calling for help. The unhappy woman.
dropping her stick. fell desparingly on
her knees. Her eyes had look so
sweet. so suppliant so angelic. indeed,
that the child, surprised and conquered,
stood waiting for what might happen.
Tortillon, overcome with JOY, ad-
dressed to heaven silent tribute of
thankfulness, and plunged into a few
cred ecstasy; she seemed spellbound
by the child.
Unfortunately, it was an intoxication
that demanded TO be satiated by still
depeer intoxication. The little girl cast
shy glances at the hunchback from
time TO time. The latter beckOned her
nearer. There was now such gentle
ness in the heggar's eyes-such love.
such beauty-that her hideousness
seemed to disappear. and the child was
reaSsured.
what is your name?" asked Tortil-
lon.
"Lucette GARNER"
The poor woman seemed to hesitate.
then formed a sudden resolution.
"Lucette, would you do me Il great
charity?"
"Ah, yes; but have not q SOU"
n tear fell on Tortillon'S cheek
THAT is not the charity | mean"
Lucette. who did not understand how
one could give aims without sous, was
silent. TOrtillon crept nearer, and,
sOftening her voice, as well rs her eyes,
said: twill you kiss me-"
Her plaintive tone, and the effort she
made in saying this, would have
touched savage. Nevertheless. the
little girl recOiled, filed with fright.
Sobs burst from the mendicant's
throat. Speechless, Lucette felt that
she was going to weep also. Tortillon
saw this, and made an effort to con-
troll herself
81 do not know how to tell you, vet
! must Lucette. there is not in the
whole world anything more beautiful
than little children-than you. To-day,
i'll this sunlight. they are divine. Lu-
cette. l would give my life if you
would kiss me- This desire has been
with me long time. You do not I'M
derStand. perhaps no one has ever
kissed memo one. 1 have imagined
that I would faint from JOY if I were
TO see n child's arms stretched toward
me-if 1 were to receive Il kiss from
its little mouth. I am not old; I am
frightful. that is all; but have 4 heart.
All. could l but be mother-to have n
child would be mad with Joy"
Lucette. amazed, looked at Tortilllon
without fully understanding what she
said; but singular emotion disturbed
her. and in her eyes was great pity.
II do not wish to die without having
been kissed by child" the wTetched
woman continued. with great intensity.
"It must be wonderful sensation
delicious-like something from para
disc. That is why run after the little
ones. Fools say that it is because
wish to kill them-that l am n witch.
To Kill them! A witch! All il | were
witch / should desire that woods,
roads and the whole world were filled
| with children. If I were a witch.
Lucette, in order to thank you for hay
ing listened. I would make you queen.
Kiss me, I beg You. Do not look at me
sO--but kiss me-"
She stretched her arms toward the
child. In her celestial eyes was so
much supplication that Lucette. con
| quered, drew nearer. What n contrast
there was between the sweet child
and that horrible creature. However
the little one put forward her sweet
face and slightly touched TOrtillon's
| forehead with her lips.
Tortillon, then all trembling. wrapped
Lucette in her arms, ana covered her
with kisses.