The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1915-10-10
BLONDINE
Translated from the French of Nine. la Comtesse de
Segur by Rachel H. Stannard-Drawings
by F. Strothmann
Chapter II.

OAt0RN~A
a T four o'clock the next day
N Blondine ordered her little car
a riage and drove away after
kissing her father and promis-
ing him TO return in two hours. The
garden was large one. Gourmandt-
net turned the ostriches in the direc-
ton opposite to the Forest of Lilacs.
When they were out of sight Of the
palace he changed the direction and
went towards the gate of the forest.
He was quiet and sad, the thought Of
his crime weighing upon his heart
and his conscience.
What is the matter, Gourmaidi-
metz" asked Blondine. why don't
you tallx2 Are you ill?''
mo, your Highness, ! am we'll.
How pale you look Tell me what
the matter is, my poor Gourmandinet.
will do anything can for you.'
Blondine's kindness went far to save
her by softening the heart of Gourman-
sdinet; but the memory of the bonbons
promised by Fourbette destroyed his
good impulses.
Before he could answer the ostriches
touched the gate of the Lilac Forest.
'sOh, what beautiful ilacsI" cried
Blondine. What a delicious odori
How should like to have big bunch
OF them to take to papa! Get down,
Gourmandinet, and pick me a few
branches"
II cannot get down. Princess, the os-
triches might run away while was
what If they did?" returned Blon-
dine. Il could drive them back to the
palace alone
S'sBnt the king would scold me for
having left your Highness. You had
much better get out yourself and
choose your dowers.'' 81
30 had" agreed Blondine. II
should fell dreadfu1ly to have you
scolded, my poor Gourmandinet.'
And as she spoke, she sprang lightly
from the carriage, went through the
gate and began 70 pluck the lilacs.
Now did Gourmandinet begin to
tremble and remorse entered into his
heart. Perhaps 1t was not yet too late
to recall Blondine. But though BIon-
dine was no more than ten steps from
him, so that he could see her perfectly,
she did not hear his cries, but pushed
On farther and farther into the en-
rchanted forest. For some time he
could still see her picking the lilacs
and finally she disappeared.
Long did Gourmandinet remain there
mourning over his crime, cursing his
gluttony and hating Queen Fourbette.
At last he thought it was the usual
time for Blondine to return to the pal
ace. He drove back to the stables by
back way and rushed to the queen,
who was waiting for him. When she
saw his cheeks blanched and his eyes
Redeemed by sorrow and remorse she
guessed that Blondine was lost.
Is It done % said she.
Gourmandtnet signed that II was; he
had not strength enough to speak
Come here" said she; here is your
reward
And she showed him a chest full OF
all kinds of CONNECTIONS. She called a
valet to take away the chest and place
II on the back of one Of the mules
which had brought her Jewels.
4 intrust this box to Gourmandinet.
who is to carry 1t to my father. GO,
Gpurnandinet, and come back for an
other in one month";
At the same time she slipped a purse
full OF gold into his hand. Gourman-
dinet mounted the mule without a word
and set Oft at gallop. He was never
seen again and no one missed him, for
no one had loved him except poor
Blondine, whom we are now to reioin
in the Forest OF I4ilacs.