The Elbert County tribune., 1913-03-14
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calculating; he was honorably dis
posed toward matrimony. but he was
not reborn with love. And so, in the
sober bedroom of the club. he quickly
fell into the good sleep induced by IA
tigue and healthy nerves.
Morning brought counsel and dis
position to renew operations. A note
was dispatched to his Diana by prf-
vate messenger. and the boy was bid
den to wait for an answer. 1t came
presently:
Come at twelve. If you wish.
"MELANIE RBYNIER."
Aleck smiled with satisfaction. Here
was wise venture going through hap
PLY, he hoped. He was pleased that
she had named the very hour he had
asked for the night before. That was
like her good. frank way of meeting a
situation. and It augured well for the
unknown emergencies Of their future
life. He had little patience with IT,
midity and traditional coyness In wom-
en-, and great admiration for an open
and fearless spirit. Melanie's note
almost set his heart humping.
|
stood the cool nature of that organ
better than Melanie herself The la
dies In the apartment at the Arch
angel had fingered at their breakfast.
the austerity of which had been miti-
gated by center decoration of or
chids and fern, fresh-touched with
dew; or SO Madame Reynier had de-
scribed them to Melanie, as she
brought them to her with the card of
Mr.. Lloyd-Jones. Mics Reynier smiled
family. admired the blossoms and turn
ed away.
The ladies usually spoke French
with each other, though occasionally
Madame Reynier dropped into the
harsher speech Of her native country.
| On this morning she did this, telling
Melanie. for the tenth time in as many
days, that in her opinion they ought
to be going home. Madame consid-
cred this her duty. and felt no real
responsibility after the statement was
made. Nevertheless. she was glad to
find Melanie disposed to discuss the
matter little further.
Do you wish to go home, Auutle. or
is 1t that you think ought to got"
II don't wish to go without you,
child. you know that; and am very
| comfortable here. But his Highncss,
| your cousin, is very inpatient; / see
that in every letter from KroIvetz
You offended him deeply by putting
on your marriage to Count Lorenzo,
and every day now deepens his indig-
nation against you. don't like to dis
cuss these things. Melanie, but sus-
pect that your action deprives him of
q very necessary revenue; and / un-
derstand. better than you do. to what
lengths your cousin is capable of CO.
ing when he is displeased. You are,
by the law of your country. his ward
until you marry. Would 1t not be bet
ter TO submit to him in friendship,
rather than to incur his enmity? Aft
er all, he is your next of kin, the head
OF your family. and very powerful
man. If we are going home at all. we
ought to go now"
"But suppose we should decide not
to go home at all?"
you will have to go some time, dear
child. You are all alone, except for
me, and In the nature OF things you
can't have me always. Now that you
are young, you think It an easy thing
to break away from the ties of blood
and birth: but believe me, 1t isn't
easy. You, with your nature, could
never do IT, The call Of the land ia
strong, and the time Will Come when
you will long to go home, long to &c
back to the land where your father
led his soldiers, and where your moth
er was admired and loved"
Madame Rsynier paused and watch
ed her niece. who, with eyes cas-
down. was toying with with her spoon
Suddenly a crimson fush rose ant
, spread over Melanie's cheeks and fore
head and neck, and when she looked
up into Madame Reynier's face, sh'
, was gazing through unshed tears
She rose quickly. came round to tn
, older woman's chair and kissed he
} cheek affectionately.
Dear Auntie. you are very good t,
me, and patient. too. It's all true,
t suppose; but the prospect of hom
and Count Lorenzo together-ah
, well!" she smiled reassuringly an,
again caressed Madame Reynier'
gaunt old face. I'll think 1t all over
/ Auntie dear"
Madame Reynier followed Melani
into her sitting-room. bringing tn
precious orchids In her two hands
fearful lest the fragile vase shoul'
, lfall. Melanie regarded them me
ment, and then said she thought the,
, would do better in the drawing-room.
"I sometimes think the little gardel
: pink quite as pretty as an orchid"