The Argosy — page 377: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

354 The Curé’s Sister. At the dessert, Monsieur de St. Erme, in a few graceful words, alluded to the approaching marriage between the young Count and his daughter, and he then invited all the guests to a ball to be given that day fortnight, when the marriage contract would be signed. The fashion was then just beginning to hold the ball on this occasion, rather than on the wedding-day, which had ever been the custom till lately. ‘The marriage, the Count told us, would take place on the morning after the ball, and many of the guests would therefore re- main that night at the chateau. I was among those to whom this hospitality was offered. Léonie never blushed or faltered as her marriage was spoken of; and though on her pale cheeks there now glowed a spot of burning red, it was more like the hectic of pain than the flush of joy. I watched the young Count, and saw that, if once indifferent to his bride, he was no longer so now. Evidently during the week he had spent in Léonie’s society, she had roused his interest and curiosity, and planted in his heart the germ of a true affection. The subtle power of her genius and her passion had awoke the fire of his own soul, and he was ready to become her slave if she would. She did not see it, she did not knowit. Simple, and unconscious, she ever seemed unaware of the might of that attraction which, like a charmed circle, drew towards her all those who came within the. magnetism of her presence. Late in the evening, Madame de St. Erme found an opportunity to speak to me unheard by the crowd. Unlike a great lady, she was nervous and excited. : ‘TLéonie is new to all this,” she said; “‘how do you think she bears it P” “ Quietly,” I answered. ‘Ah, yes, too quietly! She is always as you see her now, a statue of stone. ‘There is something unnatural in this extreme calm ina young girl.” And are you too deceived, I thought, by this peace of the earth- quake and the hurricane? How strange that this girl, who makes every one /ee/ her passion and her strength, can yet force them to deny it, and believe her calm ! “YT doubt if Léonie is not greatly troubled in spirit,” I said. ‘Her calm is only outward.” ‘“T think not,” replied Madame de St. Erme. ‘“ You know with what reluctance she came to me, with what seeming gnef she quitted her foster-family. Well—will you believe it?—she has not asked for them since, and although I have been to see them so often, she has each time refused to accompany me. Can she be cold- hearted ?” | I could have smiled at the question, but I was too sorrowful. I felt like one who walks amid a smouldering fire, which may burst forth and overwhelm him, Gomichbooks. Go