The Goodland republic., 1907-03-01

are. Il is quite true that pleasant
surprises never come slngly; my
grsndchiId has passed an e2mination
IN telegraphy and while she IS wait
ing for a position she IS doing a little
painting for one and an0ther. Only
today she has been paid for a large
order, so We made up our minds" said
the grandmother, "tO celebrate the ev-
ent BY having only old home dishes
for dinner"
HIS face became strangely animat-
ed
IN BOinviIle, you have already
been so kind to Us that am going to
ask OF you another favor It IS late
and you have a long way to go-He
should be so glad IL you would stay
here and taste our totfait, should We
not, Claudette2 ?"
Certainly" said the girl. ''but n
Boinvflle VIII have a plain dinner. and
besides he f. no doubt, expected at
home"
mo one is waiting for me-" he an
sWered, thinking OF his solitary meals
in the restaurant
Seated between the eheery octogen-
arian and the smiling girl, Hubert
BoinviIle, the deputy governor, did
honor to the meal His manner thaW-
ed out rapidly and he cOnversed IA
miliarIy with his new friends, return
ing the gay sallies OF Claudette and
shouting with merriment
When It was time to 90, after thank
ing the widow warmly for her hos
pitaity and promising to come again,
he extended his hand TO Claudette.
Their eyes met and the deputy COVER
nor's glance was so earnest that the
young girls eyelids dropped suddenly.
She accompanied him downstairs, and
when they reached the house door he
clasped her hand again. but without
knowing what TO say to her. And yet
her heart was full.
Hubert Boinville continued to give
as is said in official language active
and brilliant impulse to the depart
ment" The ministerial machine went
on heaping up on his desk the daily
grist OF reports and papers, and the
sittings OF the council, audiences, COM
missions and other official duties kept
his so busy that he could not find q
spare hour in which to 90 to the hum
bic lodgings near the Capuchfn con-
vent.
One afternoon the solemn usher an
nounced:
Madame Blouet, sir"
BoinviIle rose eagerly to greet his
visitor. and inquired with a slight
blush for her granddaughter.
'She is very well, sir" was the an
swer, and your visit brought her
luck; she received an appointment
yesterday in a telegraph Office. I
could not think Of leaving Paris with
out again thanking you, sir, for your
kindness to US"
BoinvilIe's heart sank. you are to
leave Paris? Is this position in the
provinces2"
yes. in the vosges. OF course I
shall go with CIaudette; we shall nev-
er part in this world"
do you 90 soon?"
'In January. Goodby, sir; you haV'
been very kind to US, and Claudette
begged me to thank you in her name"
That night he slept badly ard the
next day was very taciturn with his
employees Towards o'clock he
brushed his hat, left the Office, jump
ed into a cab, and half an hour later
he knocked trembling at Madame
Blouet's door. Claudette answered
the knock, and on seeing the deputy
governor, she started and bIushed.
Grandmother is out she said,
but she viii soon be home and will
be 50 glad TO see you"
'I have come to see, not your
grandmother, but yourself, Made
moiseIle Claudette,' he returned.
''Me2" she exclaimed anxiously,
and he repeated, yes, you," in an
abrupt tone.
You are going away next month ?"
he asked at last
The girl nodded assent
Suppose I should offer you the
means OF remaining in Paris, at the
same time assuring comfort to Mad
ame Blouet2"
"Oh, sir" exclaimed the young
girl, her face Frightening.
He took a long breath, and then
said quietly, almost harshly, viii you
marry me2"
"Heavens!" she gasped in voice Of
deep emotion, but although her face
the deepest surprise, there
was no sign Of repUgnance or alarm
BOinviue at last, alarmed BY her
long silence, raised his head, saying;
you think me too OId-yOu are
mot frightened she answered,
simply, but surprised and-glad- It
IS too good I can hardly believe it"
MY darlingl" he cried, taking both
her hands, you must believe it. am
he one to be glad, for I love you"
She was silent, but there was no
the tenderness shining in
her eyes, and Hubert Boinville drew
her closely to him.
''The ceremony viii take place next
with your permission" he said