The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1909-11-27
ELA|NE'S choice.

her was 10 put her In convent scnoot
In the country. One morning. however.
I received the following astonishing
letter
My Dear Guardian-I am bored. After
mature reflection 4 find that 1 am not
cut out for a religious career. Kindly
find me husband as soon as possible.
Your grateful and devoted ELAINE.
IL does not seem hard 10 ind a eau
dicate for the hand OF O young and
charming helress.
l presented quite number OF men 10
her--nice fellows. too-but none suited
her
Things were at this point when my
old friend. the curate OF Redon. spoke
TO me OF the Marquise de Pen-valloet
and her two sons-old family, distin-
guished name. good connections. re-
spectacle fortune. proposed TO Elaine
to spend few weeks with my wife at
Trouville. She joyfully accepted.
Ion the way" said /. I'VE will stop
at one OF my clients. the Marquise de
Pen-valloet"
The marqulse resided on a large es-
tate some miles from Redon. bad
been told OF her strictly economical
way OF living. so I was not surprised
to fnd awaiting US at the station an
old rattletrap OF a carriage. which
smeiled so musty that as we started
10 get Ia Elaine recoiled.
Suppose we ride outside"
Don't be afraid. sir" said the coach
man. Offering me his strong hand and
helping me TO mount quite easily.
Elaine seemed no more than feath-
er In his strong grasp.
"You will be afraid" said I. neasur-
Ing the distance from our perch TO the
ground
Afraid. You don't know me. You
will cry quarter before do. Now,
driver, quick. quick. quick"
The man smiled rather sarcastically.
I thought
He gathered up his reins and started
his team. Heavens, what race. My
blood curdles at the thought OF IT,.
Elaine clapped her hands and melted
the pleased coachman 10 redoubled eff
forts.
A handsome. refined looking young
man OF medium height met us and as
sisted us TO alght.
The Marquise de Pen-valloet re-
ceived us In the large, gloomy draw
ing room. She greeted us graciousiy
and herself led US TO our apartments.
my son Rene" she said designat-
ing the handsome young man who had
first received US.
Dinner was ready. When Elaine re-
appeared she looked queenly beauti.
ful.
Just then another guest eDtered-a
man OF about thirty. tall and with a
strong face Saluting US, he took the
empty space opposite the Marquise de
Pen Valioet
"My Oldest son. Marquis Horace de
Pen-valloet." she said. presenting him,
adding. Late. as usual"
You know why. mother" he an-
swered coldiy.
"well?" said when we were alone.
She stined a yawn.
Let US go 10 bed. I am tired to
death"
Not until you have told me your
impression OF tie two candidates"
THE younger is handsome He has
a pretty voice and dresses we'll. That
Is all | know so far"
And the otherT
"The other; Why. he hasn't a sou.
He doesn't count as match, guardie.
dear"
True. always thought you were
a sensible girl"
Next morning II was late when |
awoke.
had hardly finished my toilet be-
fore Elaine. fresh aud bright as the
morning. knocked for admittance.
"what. Up alreadyY'
Already Why, | have had a long
walk through the dewy woods. IL
was exquisite"
"Alonew
"oh. no. I made sure OF an escort
last night"
"Ah. ah.' So things are working
"SplendIdiy. my dear guardian. open
your ears. | have decided 10 marry
Handsome Reney' said |, rubbing
my nauuS'
mo. am going TO marry the
coachman who drove so we'll yester'
day. AS soon as | placed my hands
in his I knew he was a man a woman
could trust. Hut here be is to tell you
that you are not dreaming"
She opened the door, and Horace de
I Pen-valloet entered.
~Myself.' be said. smiling nj my as
tonishment. My story II not long.
but rather unusual. ! wanted 10 be a
| soldier. My mother objected. ! obey
cd her. but the spirit OF adventure pos
| sessed me- A. soon az ! was or age
started ON u Trip around the world.
My mother told ynu that I speut my
fortune aud part OF hers. ! care say
| committed my share OF folIies. When
m, means were exhausted ! returned
home. The fntird calf was not killed
| I'm nv honor. Ca the contrary. | had
10 put up wi'h rrpronches, complaints