Year: 1878

dll Gue pFellmlnafleS are arranged, Hnu the match almost made, how can I call off?"

 "Simply because you had no right to dispose of me without consulting my inclinations," said I. "Do you think I am going to be bartered and sold like piece of gold?'

 "My old friend Dampierre, formerly captain, will never put up with such an affront being offered to his daughter, cried my uncle, in rage.

 "I shall be happy to 'give him satis faction; moreover, I am an excellent shot," I replied.

 There is no saying how long the con- versation might not have continued on the same footing, had not the arrival of a visitor necessarily put stop to it. My uncle went to the sitting room to receive his friend, while I went to pack up my portmaneau, and that same day I left, on pretense of having some business to transact, but in reality to escape be- ing persecuted about distasteful sub ject.

 My sudden re-appearance at home caused my father to suspect some dis agreement had taken place, but he fore bore questioning me, and, the following day being Sunday, he went to Auteuil to see his brother.

 On his return, my father appeared to be in great consternation. "Do you know, Adrian" said he, "your uncle is set upon this marriage? I fear it will be very unwise to thwart him."

 'I am ready to take the consequences" said I.

 A few weeks later my father received letter from my uncle, enclosing one to me, which he desired my father to give me the moment I arrived.

 l tore it open somewhat hastily, being curious to see what he would say to me, when I learned, to my surprise, that, in consequence of my disobedience to his wishes, he had himself married Madem- moiselle Aurelie Dampierre.

 I could not help laughing as I handed the letter to my father, saying, "This is 8 curious piece of news p

 But my father turned pale with vexa- tion. Married p calculated he "and we knew nothing about it?'

 Married Who is married ?'' cried my mother, entering the room and catch ing these words, uttered in most dis consolate tone.

 My father showed her the letter.

 Oh my poor Adrian, what have you done?" exclaimed she. "Should your uncle have family, you, children, will be cut off from all hopes of ever inherit ing farthing of hls money p

 "I never thought of that" exclaimed l.

 'I told you often enough, Adrian, how foolish you were to refuse the marriage your uncle was set upon" said my father; '' though I confess I never expected he would go the length of marrying the young lady himself"

 But how, and why, can my brother in-law have married thus secretly ?" re- stunned my mother. "Was he afraid that we should remonstrate What can be the meaning of such proceeding 9

 '' He might well be ashamed, at his age, of marrying mere girl like Madem- oiselle Aurelie, said my father.

 Stay" said ''here is postscript which we overlooked"

 And I then read aloud, "As I hear you have acquired great skill in painting portraits, wish you to take Aurelie's likeness. Of course do not ask you to do it as a friend but as an artist who has plenty of employment for his time. If you can come tomorrow between two and five, Aurelie will give you sittlng." Of course I had no objection to go, though I secretly determined I would give him the portrait when finished to his satisfaction.

 On reaching the villa found my uncle Ill the garden. He seemed in excellent spirits and welcomed me without the least shade of resentment. I, on my part, congratulated him on his marriage just as cheerfully as if I had nothing to lose by it.

 6 Is this sincere ?" said the eccentric old man, almost looking me through.

 "Quite, I replied. And now pray introduce me to my aunt.''

 He then led the way into the house. Just as we crossed the threshold flood of melody came gushing down the stair case from one of the rooms above.

 1nvoluntarily started. It was the voice had heard at the house with the green Venitian blinds, and had so vainly longed to hear again. Did my uncle know her :? Could she be guest at his home In 8 perfect tumult of delightful emotions, I inquired in as firm a tone as I could mas ter, whose voice that was.

 " It is your aunts boy" said the old man gaily.

 No, couldn't repeat the word, but stopped short and turned pale.

 What is the matter Adrian ?" said my unconscious uncle.

 {" The heat of the day, believe, mur- mured I, scarcely knowing what said.

 Now shall l show you to your old quarters p

 followed mechanically, and the mo- ment entered the studio, busted myself with the material preparations for the sitting, and resumed my painting cos tune, which had left with all the rest of my things.

 Presently my uncle returned, leading in his bride

 How unutterable pang shot through my heart on recognizing my divinity whose image I had secretly worshipped