The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-08-14

among the guests. These young gentle
men belonged to famous brotherhood
of Thirty-Four." every one of whom had
sued for Bettina's hand. Paul de Lavar-
dens made his appearance and soon be-
came general favorite. His education
was that of a young man who devotes
himself to pleasure. In arranging for
theatricals he easily excelled.
Bettina soon discovered the object of
Paurs attention and whispered to her
sister 1.-The thirty-ffth." Paul was well
coined largely because he was Jeans
friend and knew him intimately and
could talk of him. Bettina held long con-
versations with him, but Jean was for
ever the constant topic of these CONVEX
sations. Paul was no fool and very soon
realized his true standing. He sought out
Jean and frankly told him that his own
position In the household was that of a
confidant, while Jeans position was far
different. Jean was angry and pro-
nounced the whole thing absurd.
The same feelings and sensations
|
taneously in Jean and Bettina. He
alarmed. tried to eradicate them; on the
contrary, she gave herself up to them
Both were right. Both were Influenced
by right motives-she In not giving any
weight to Jeans comparative obscurity
and poverty; he in stunning her wealth
as he would shun q crime He was afraid
| 10 or RI l,a at y
keep away he tried, but he simply could
not. Fear possessed him. He refused an
invitation to dine at the chateau one
evening, but about half past ten came
on foot. AS soon as he entered Bettina
caught sight of him. How late you
are' she exclaimed, land do you leave
tomorrow Jean replied that his regi-
ment left at in the morning Bettina
had taken Jeans hand and held 1t in her
own. IT must go and make my adieux
to your sister, he said Presently" she
answered Just now there are a dozen
persons about her." He was obliged to
stay with her.
Then Bettina told him dispatch had
been received from Mr.. Scott not more
than an hour or two before, which had
given them great delight. Mr.. Scott was
to sail from New York in a few days,
and the family were to meet him at
Havre. This would take them from
Longueval about the same length of time
as Jeans regiment was to be away Bet
tina hoped that Jean would write a few
lines to Mrs. Scott just to tell her how
he was and to prove that he had not for
gotten them.
Jean arose and crossed the room to
where Mrs. Norton was seated at the
piano. playing a waltz for the young
people. Paul de Lavardens came to Miss
Bettina and asked for a waltz. She
thanked him and replied that she believed
she had Just promised Monsieur Jean;
she would go and see. She went up to
Jean, who had just seated himself be-
side Mrs. Scott, and said:o IT am afraid
I have told story. M. de Lavardens has
asked me to waltz with him. but I told
MIN had promised you. Say yes. won't
you? You do not mind
i To waltz with her. to breathe the, per-
fume of her hair! Jeans strength failed
him. He had not the courage to accept.
and replied 1T am exceedingly sorry,
lnademoiselle but I am not myself this
evening; / am i'll. / came only to say
goodby before my departure-but 1t is
impossible for me to dance" Mrs. Norton
began playing and Paul came up and
claimed the waltz.
Jean dared stay no longer. He would
go Immediately and write a. note to Mrs.
Scott making his excuses But before he
reached the outer door Bettina had over
taken him and offered to send him home
in carriage. He declined the carriage,
but when he reached the bottom step
hesitated an instant. He wanted to say:
II love you; l worship you! And that is
the reason I must see you no MORE
But he felt he must not give the words
futterance. In moment he was lost in
the darkness and Bettina stood framed
in the light which poured through the
open door. She wished to be alone and
SO, making some excuse to her sister,
went to her room. A sweet sadness pos
sessed her. Mrs. Scott came to her room
and found her crying. Bettina exclaimed