Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-05-06

pieauinS Drown eyes. Her name was
Margariton.
After this winter night a new life
began for the lonely Yves. To him
Margaritcn became a whole family.
She was society. she was his daughter.
his sister his companion. his friend.
she was his idol. before whom he
Frustrated himself in perpetual adora-
ton.
There was nothing too good for her.
and the money he had earned SO pain
fully was scattered gladly for the
finest stuffs for her dresses and beau
tiful lace and gold chains. AIargariton
might well have become selfish in the
midst of such loving worship. but
there was no room for aught save
grateful affection in her warm little
heart.
Not far from their cabin. the rock
cliffs. sloping gently on either side.
made room for a tiny beach of finest
sand, where in one corner rose a
stream of purest water.
One summer afternoon Margariton.
her pitcher poised upon her head. was
following the narrow path that led to
the spring. when she heard a voice
calling to her. Turning. half fright
ened. she saw young man, an artist.
sitting on the rocks before his easel
For a moment the painter stood lost
in admiration of the beauty of the girl
before him; then as she was about
to hasten on. he stretched out botn
hands. pleadingly. regardless Of the
fact that he was stin holding his
palette and brushes. and cried:
Young lady. I beg and entreat you
TO remain just where you are. without
moving. If only for an Instant"
Gladly" said Margariton, blushing
rosily
The painter Immediately disappeared
behind his canvas and the brushes few
fast as he worked. Half an hour later
he asked his model To inspect his first
sketch
Margariton fastened TO his side. her
curiosity stronger than her fear. At
the sight of the canvas on the easel she
stopped short 10 ecstasy, without word
10 express her rapturous admiration.
All, NY beautiful stranger, This
means the salon for me" cried the art
ist, enthusiastically. Tell me. will you
come back tomorrow at this same time?
And what is your name?"
Margariton." replied the girl. shyly,
as she nodded her head In consent.
The next day Margariton was prompt
at the meeting. She had not said any
thing TO Yves OF her chance encounter
with the stranger. nor OF her promise.
Not that she felt that sbe had done
wrong, but from quick instinct OF pru-
oence. as II IL were presentiment OF the
pain she might cause her brother. Il
was the FIRST secret there had ever been
between them.
week passed. and still another week
and II the portrait had not advanced il
was different with the friendship be-
tween the artist and his model. Friend
snip! Nay, Jean Vermeuil knew we'll
enough II was no mere feeling OF friend
snip that made his heart beat SO hard al
the sight of the beautiful girl.
He loved her with all the strength of
his being. and resolved that. could be
win her love. he WOULD marry her. But
what OF the brother Yves. To whom Mar
carlton owed such a debt of gratitude?
What would he say?
lhe Villagers. who had known from
the nrst Of the meetings at the spring.
look care that Yves should not be left
N Ignorance. What terrible vengeance
would the hated Yves. they asked one
another, take upon the painter? They
dld not know. but they awaited the out
burst OF his wrath with a cruel anxiety.
But there was no -.sn on his face,
Whatever he may have felt. Only that
night after he had kissed NARRATION
good night the young girl heard him
toss uneasily upon his rough couch
before she went happily TO sleep.
The next day his mind was made
up. In the afternoon. when the
young girl went singing 10 the tryst-
Ing place, Yves. hidden among the
rocks, was present at the meeting.
Not detail of the pretty courtship
escaped his jealous eye-the warm
hand clasps and the tender glances
which, better than words, BETRAYED
their passion.
And no one heard the bitter sigh
when Margariton. radiant in the won
derful happiness OF being loved by the
man who made earth a paradise 10
her. cried:
Il must tell my brother Yves that
you want 10 marry me; me. a door
girl, penniless and without educationi
lie will be glad TOO. but not as | love
you. Jean, my beloved"
Yves hal changed greatly during
the last weeks. RE no longer ate or
slept, and his eyes burned strangely
In hts pale face. Margariton in her
happiness did not see the change. nor
did she notice. when she took her
brothers hand in hers and told him
her secret, that he braced himself
against the wall 10 keep himself from
falling
You love him and you ask my con-
sent, Margariton?" Yves asked. hoarse-
ly- you are free. little one. 10 do as
you will. but am gratifed that YOU
did rot forget me utterly You are
the one being on earth that love:
you know II we'll. and your happiness
is all seek. Marry the man you love
little one; be happy always"
Yves placed bag OF gold in her
hand
This is for your wedding dress F."
he said. Il have had il ready for Won
a long time