Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1907-12-19

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the painter, who thus indefinitely ad-
journed the finishing of her portrait
Of which she was justly proud, for in
it she could see as much Of resem-
bIance of herself as in her mirror,
but unlike the mirror the artist mad
more kindness and generosity.
Upon the day following his arrival
in Paris, he wrote Nine de. Montauron
that he found the health Of his
daughter somewhat improved, but
that he would be obliged to prolong
bis absence for a week or two IN
order to give Marcelle, before replac-
ing her in school, the diversions and
the exercise that had been recon-
mended for ner. Pierreponts witness
ing the lively disPleasure of his aunt
at these long delays, suggested That
she write the painter in order TO
hasten his return, to bring with him
to Genets the little 'convalescent, to
let her breathe the pure air Of the
country. Nine. de Montauron, only
after grumbling considerably, consent
ed to it, and Pierrepont upon going
through Paris to embark at Boulogne'
delivered the message charged him to
to transnoit to Fahrice.
When Pierrepont previously an
bounced to his friend bis intention
to depart for England and to pass
several weeks there, Fabrice could
rot but show real surprise.
But" said he, what will become
Of your projects of marriage in the
Ioeantime?"
MY projects of marriage, my dear
fellow" replied Pierrepont, have
gone to Join the old moons. Seen at a
distance, marriage has offered ME as
it has also many worthy people of my
age, a very attractive picture. But as
I have approached it by degrees, it
has taken the form of a SphynX and
Of a chimera which makes me reflect
| In short, when | have it under my
nose I feel. that it is. decidedly too
much for me. abjure it and l enter
upon my liberty"
"And your aunt"
MY aunt is more or Jess resigned
! hut she asks very strongly for you,
and in order to avoid all objection
| she begs you bring your little Mar
celle who will recover there a great
deal of her lost health in running in
the woods"
In acknowledging his thanks for
| the kindly attention, Fabrice showed
some considerable hesitation and en-
| barrassment. Pierre insisted; there
| would be a maid specially detailed to
attend the child, the physician would
come to see her every morning II ne
des ired it. At last, FabriCe, apparently
making an effort to form a difficult
resolution, asked of Pierre if he would
accord him a half-hour Of conYersa-
ton.
"a half-hour, an hour, if you wish
"Then be seated" said Fabrice,
| pointing to large divan which occu-
| pied one OF the sides of his artelier;
he seated himself by the side of the
Marquis. and commenced then in a
troubled voice
mo doubt I am going to be very
indiscreet. But I understand, from
what you have just told me, that you
! have left Comets free from all engage
ment that could projecs marriage"
THAT is exactly the situation" said
| Pierrepont.
well" said Fabrice, you astonish
me very much-I would have bet my
life that you loved Mademoiselle de
Sardonne and that you were going to
! propose to marry her"
What an odd idea," said Pierre
pont coldly. NO. I have known Mad
cmoiselle de Sardonnc from childhood,
I have for her n very friendly feeling
that is all. You know besides, that
I have a very small fortune and that
she has none A marriage between us
would be a pure foolishness."
Since it is thus continued Fa-
brice, 81 may make my confession to
you. The letter which informed me Of
a slight indisposition of my child, il
formed me at the same time that she
vas completely recovered; and l
should not have made the journey to
Paris, had I not considered it my duty
to seize that occasion-that excuse
to put a stop to my relations with
Mademoiselle Beatrice. I would break,
if possible, the growing attraction
that I felt for her, which seemed to
endanger my response and to be dis
loyal to you"
These scruples do you honor, my
dear MASTER" said the Marquis; but,
they are but ilI-founded, and, if You
have, as l understand, any intentions
toward Mademoiselle de Sardonne,
you need not fear, I repeat to you,
any rivalry on my part"
You will excuse NE for saying to
you, that that does not at all suffice.
Mademoiselle de Sardonne is almost
one of your family, and We are, as
you understandings and upon
such Terms, that it is impossible to
abandon myself to my sentiments for
that young lady, should they not have
your appreciation"
Pierrepont bowed himself gravely
and Fabrice continued.
But before approving my senu-
ments, you must know them. They
-