Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-06-19

earth in her fair skin with its delicate coloring in the
willowy and exquisitely nodded FORM while the
simple grace and dignity of her pOise were worthy
of an immortal goddess.
Suddenly Jean must have experienced million
thrills running through his entire being; for Louise
Mercer had glanced at him in passing, and her eyes
had looked away only to revert to him again. He
turned abruptly to his companion of a moment be-
fore with irrelevant remark on his lips; but his
companions chair was empty and his words were
wasted on the air So he rose and, digging his hands
into his pockets, stroled to u.s. having singled
me out as her fellow countryman.
DO you know that young girl?" e.:
"Yes," l replied; for I'm going to marry her
cousin. Come and will present you; for l see that
is what you have in mind "
Louise was graciousnesS itself, you may be Sure,-
she always that to anyone and everyone, but
Jean took it all to himself Already he had become
and making silent love 20 her with his eyes and
at the same time such fool of himself that sought
to draw him away, though without success.
TT was that very afternoon that he determined to
marry her,-he told me so himself but Jean
very young as yet, not much more than boy
them too, he artist, and Louise parents
prejudced artists so seldom amount to anything
YOU know how it is But when in addition the artist
is Frenchman-well, 1 can just see Mrs. MERGERS
eyebrows rise in depreciation with that little gesture
of her gloved hand. don't know why, but always
think Of Mrs MERGERS hand, if l ever thought of it
before at ALL g0ysd one must
whose husband has made fortune in brokerage
firm with the not insignificant collaboration of her
alert ana practcal nina, 10 see their daughter
who at least worthy of startling American
fnancier or diplomat, wasting her good favor an
artist-and Frenchman!
So the not much more than boy packed back to
Berlin complete his musical studies his beloved
violin which all his boyhood years had been conse-
Grated, in the hope that separation would change
their feelings, and Louise returned to America
All went we'll for time, and Jean devoted him
self to his music with enthusiasm bordering on
the fanatic, until day the startling news was
whispered in his that certain young Louise
Mercer spending the spring in Paris-in Paris
so near Berlin! 1t that which too much
for him. Louise and he the continent, and
he not with her!
A ND so afternoon when Mrs. and Miss Mercer
\ returned from drive in the Bots, who should
they behold in the drawing room awaiting them
but Jean,-Jean, impatienty strding up and down.
his hands clasped behind his back, holding ire
mendous bunch of flowers. Was it any wonder they
should stop short in the doorway speeches. with
amazement? But he to be Disconnected
that he had taken important a step, and
bowling very low to Mrs. Mercer he offered her the
flowers, touching with his lips the hand she icy
extended him. and then, kissing that of Louise he
looked at her with wild ardor hurting out without
further ado the purpose of his visit
Madam, | have come to ask for the hand of your
daughter. Mademoiselle, will you marry me? 1t
is no use-I can longer wait. You are not only
life and happiness but my genius and inspira-