Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1911-02-24
CHAPTER XVI.
Deieuner a la Fourchette.

Deieuner a la Fourchette.
Woman is a creature between man and
tie angels.-HOnOre de BalZac.
A government agent, it seems, may
also in part be little more than a man,
after all. In these singular surround
ings | found myself not wholly tran
quill. At last toward morning,
I must have slept. 1t was some time
after daybreak when l felt a hand
upon my shoulder as | lay still partly
clad. Awakened suddenly, l arose
AID almost overthrow DC Threlka,
who stood regarding me with no ex-
preston whatever upon her brown
and wrinkled c~Ountenance. She did no
than point the way to a door,
where presently l found a bathroom.
and SO refreshed myself and made the
best toilet possible under the circum-
stances.
My hostess l found awaiting me in
h central room of the apartments.
She was clad now in a girdled peig-
noir of rich rose-color, the sleeves,
wide and full, falling back from her
round arms. Her dark hair was cOiled
and piled high on her head this orn
ing, regardless of current mode, and
confined in a heavy twist by a tall
golden comb; SO that her white neck
was left uncovered.
y The little table III the center of the
room was already spread. Madam
filled my cup from the steaming urn
with 0 the slightest awkwardness.
as she nodded for me to be seated.
We looked at each other, and, as l
may swear, we both broke into saw
ing laughter.
4 was saying" she remarked pres
entity, that l would not a you
think that l do not appreciate the SUI
fering in which you were plunged by
the haste you found necessary in the
wedding OF your jeune file"
But 1 was on my guard. AT least, I
may thank you for your sympathy,
madam" I replied.
Yet in time" she went on, gone
reflective the next instant, you will
see how very unimportant is all this
turmoil of love and marriage. That
torch of life!" she unused. See! 1t
was only that which you we're 50
eager to PASS on to another genera
ton! That was why you were so mad
to hasten to the side OF that m
Whereas" she unused still, 1T were
so much grander and so much nobler
to pass on the torch Of a principle as
well!"
DO not philosophize with me-" i
said. 4 am already distracted by the
puzzle you offer to me. You are SO
young and beautiful, so fair in your
| judgment, SO kind
In turn, l ask you not to follow
that" she remarked coldly. Let us
talk OF what you call, l think, bust
ness"
My dear lady l began, my rela,
! ton to the affairs OF the American
! republic is a very humble one. am
no minister Of state, and know you
deal with ministers direct. How,
then, shall | gain your friendship for
my country? You are dangerous to
have for an enemy. Are you too high
priced to have for a friend-for a
friend to our uniOn-a friend of the
| principle of democracy? Come now,
you enjoy large questions. Tel me,
what does this council mean regard
ing Oregon? Is it true that England
plans now to concentrate all heI
traders. all her troops, and force them
| west up the Saskatchewan and into
Oregon his coming season? Come,
| nOw, madam, IS it to be war?"
Her curved lips broke into q smile
that showed again her small white
/ teeth.
Were you, then, married?" she
said.
| only went on, impatient. Ray
| moment may mean everything 10 ue-
| should not ask these questions if i
did not know that you were close to
Mr.. Calhoun"
She looked me square in the eye
and nodded her lea slowly. Il may
say this much, monsieur, that it has
pleased me to gain 8 little further in
formation
You will give my government that
information"
Why should u"
tTO BE CO<TINUED)
Every good deed ttat ~ do is not
only a present pleasure. but a support
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