New-York tribune., 1922-06-04
A LOVE TEST
BY PROXY
Translated by w. L. Mcpherson
By PAUL GAULOT


his parents a country estate which was
u fairly productive and which guaranteed
him . comfortable existence, free from
cares. At twenty-nine he kept saying to him
self that he couldn't always live alone and
that he ought 70 marry. But. being distrustful
ard timid. and fearing that he might fall into
the hands of n wife who was cross-grained or
extravagant no postponed from day 70 day
the decision 20 take one. So he was much up
set when he learned that distant cousin had
left him hundred thousand francs on condi-
tion that he should marry Nile. Colette Bar
Ner. daughter Of a gentleman farmer.
What singular idea this relative had had.
But. in spite Of the disturbance caused in his
hitherto peaceful life, Sylvan was not insensi-
bic 70 the value Of the bequest, which would
permit him 10 enlarge his own estate and
would be otherwise highly advantageous.
Nevertheless the prospect Of compulsory mar
riage was thoroughly displeasing 70 him.
His hesitation would doubtless have been
prolonged II he had not received letter from
VI. Barlier, who, in cordial and simple terms,
invited Sylvan 10 visit him. Realizing the ne
oessity Of this preliminary step. the young
man started of one fine day in June
Nervous about visit whose Importance his
shyness exaggerated, he slowed up his steps
as ne approached the house But, however
measured his gait, he arrived at last at the
outer gate, and, seeing II open, decided 70 pene-
trate into the court. A big dog ran toward
him. barking. He was about 20 beat retreat
when a young girl appeared at the house door
She wore a white apron. had her sleeves rolled
back and held in her hands bowl Of dough.
"Be quiet, Medor!" she called 70 the dog.
Then, addressing the visitor;
What is il you wish. monsieur"
Il have come 10 see u. Barlier. an Syl-
vain Dubayet"
M. Barlier isn't home she said; "but won't
Won please come in and wait for him, while
20 on with my work?"
He obeyed mechanically, entered, took seat
and watched the young girl.
"You will excuse me- she said.
1T is who must excuse myself" he an
swered. Then he asked:
"Are you the servant"
She lifted her head smiled and said, after
few seconds hesitation:
LAS you see. And you are the heir?'
''You know about it,"
They have certainly talked enough about
IT,"
The opportunity seemed good.
What does Nile. Barrier say"
This thing, that thing. She seems very
well satisfied. Why shouldn't she be-"
rs she fond Of money!
Rather. When one is young and coquet-
tish one loves clothes
In the country one doesn't have many
opportunities 10 wear fine clothes"
Evidently. So believe she dreams Of liv-
ing in the city
Living in the city? Does she expect 10
have all her wishes satisfied
"My faith. I should be sorry for the man
who didn't let her have her way. When she
has an idea in her head everything must give
way TO it. Il isn't that she is bad at bottom.
but her character is capricious. Perhaps
ar Yrc-- - tell you these things"
'Not al all. you are doing me a service"
'Naybe. maybe not Suppose that what
have said should deter you from marrying
her"
"You don't know me- he answered with
feeling If it were necessary 10 purchase
the inheritance by marrying a girl who is
COQuetlSn, cAuAFaEanL anu st44-"4Aeu
would renounce II right away"
That's fine" cried the young girl in so
convincing a tone that Sylvan was astonished.
What did you say"
Il said: That's fine You see, the knead-
ng is finished and the cake will be good. You
will enjoy eating it.
81 shall not eat it, and am sorry. But
think I'd better GO
He started for the door
NO" she cried. You mustn't 20 away
Ike that Wait. at least, till my father
comes"
Your father''
"Yes. Don't you understand
And with q little forced laugh, which COW
cred her embarrassment, she added:
u am Colette Barlier."
Amazed at this unexpected revelation, Syl-
vain didn't know what TO think OF 10 say.
But she began very seriously:
Il owe YOU an explanation. When learned
the condition which my godfather attached TO
the inheritance had a strange feeling. It
was distasteful % me 90 see in you suitor
ready TO marry me solely because ] represented
in his eyes a hundred thousand francs. In
tended 10 make myself as disagrecable as posi-
bic when you came. This accidental meeting