Tombstone epitaph., 1915-06-20

e-@<a tAt ASa I~os ftNdEQt impatience of the marshal. But the page was unable to gratify his curi- osity with any fresh details with re- gard to the mysterious donor.
 Thus repulsed. the president was compelled to stTfie his eagerness. and to await the pleasure Of the fair un- known. The following two days saw the offering of the bouquet renewed in the same manner, but on the third morning MacMahons hopes were reused to the highest pitch by the de lection of a tiny piece of paper. se- creted among the bells of the flowers. He snatched it forth. and deciphered with some difficulty the perfect but microscopic penmanship:
 Why do you not wear my now- ers?'
 This was the whole message. But, laconic as it was. the marshal per ceived that it contained a promise of something more. It was evident that these lilies were to be regarded as a signal of communication. and that his obedience 10 the hint conveyed Tn the note would be taken as an evidence of his wish to gratify the unknown.
 Every day, towards four o'clock, 1t was the custom for the president to drive out in public to the Bois de Boulogne. where his carriage led the procession of fashion around the ia nous lake. On this afternoon Mac Mahon drove forth as usual. but it was observed that, contrary to his usual habit, the president wore in the buttonhole of his coat a superb bou- quet Of flowers. which completely COB cealed his Grand Cross Of the Legion of Honor.
 He had rounded the lake for the last time. and was preparing to return home, when he saw small but hand some carriage approaching. drawn by a single horse, in which lady closely yelled was seated by herself. The panels of the carriage displayed no crest, and there was nothing distinc- tive about the livery Of the coachman As she came opposite the presidential equipage. the occupant of the carriage raised small bunch of flowers, core spending 10 that worn by the gallant marshal, in her hand. as though to in hale their fragrance The president started forward on his seat, and at the same moment the lady turned her head slightly, and allowed him to per ceive that she was imprinting a kiss on her bouquet Before he could re- spond, or do anything further to chal- lenge her attention. the two carriages had passed each other, and the lady of the lilies was lost to view
 The following morning he received another bouquet. to which a mcrsel Of paper was attached. inscribed with the one word-Thanas.'
 Encouraged by so much, the presi- dent again wore his flowers during the afternoon drive: but this time he was better prepared. and the moment the carriage Of the unknown appeared in sight he detached his lilies from his buttonhole. and raised them to his lips with eagerness as she came opposite to him. He was rewarded by a faint but pe-ceptible bow from the lady. who had drawn her veil far enough to disclose a chin of exquisite delica- cy, and lips of perfect shape and redness
 It was with the most intense eager ness that the president descended to breakfast on the following morning. He had a presentiment that the affair was about to take a more practical turn. and he was not deceived. Ac- companying the flowers which again adorned his plate, there was a note, ex- quisitely scented. and sealed with the leaf in its beak.
 "Dismissing his attendants. lest they should observe his agitation, the mar shal cut open the missive with the utmost care. and read the contents:
 If you care to accept my flowers bring to me a key to the small gate of the Elysee gardens; and expect me tomorrow night at ten. con fde in the honor of an officer of France.
 That was all: but it was enough. Overcome with joy at the prospect of soon meeting and conversing with the siren who had bexitched him from a distance. the marshal took care to procure the desired key. which hc entrusted to the page with the nec- essary instructions.
 You will not expect me to enter into the details of this meeting. On her arrival the lady again wore . veil. but in response to the pressing solici- tations of MacMahon she at length consented to lift it so far as to dis close the lower half of her face. the charms Of which more than fulfilled the expectations of the enamored mar shal.
 M le Marechal. she said. address ing him by his military title. instead If as chief Of the republic. although the steps which have taken to obtain this interview may wear a romantic aspect, 1 beg you to believe that ! have some serious reasons for wishing to converse with you
 Nay, mademoiselle. returned the president. what can there be more