The Argosy — page 156: what you’re looking at

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

Monsieur Michaud’s Fiancée. 139 himself he said, ‘‘ How beautiful she is, and how fortunate my cousin is,” then he whistled softly, which with him meant a great deal, and went that evening to see Georgette act: that evening and many others too. There was no harm in looking at his cousin’s beautiful fiancée! Besides it was company for Gustave, who night after night went to the theatre to escort Georgette home, instead of being com- fortably in bed. What an interest they both took in the pieces played; how quickly they picked up what people said about Geor- gette, though it was only by degrees that her name began to be mentioned by the public; not till a second winter had come round. It was then Georgette was to take the principal part in a play. M. Roche was more nervous about it than Georgette herself. If she took the fancy of the public now she would have made her fortune, if she failed she must go on again for years, perhaps just a mere nobody, although she and the Director both felt she was some- body ! M. Michaud talked to his fiancée a great deal about her coming trial. He was going to see it of course, and tried to encourage her, for Georgette had been very silent lately; sometimes she did not speak a word to him all the way home, at others she talked excitediy, very unlike her old self. And yet through it all she was the same true, simple, high-minded Georgette. That eventful evening came at last. There was quite a stir in the corkscrew staircase to see Mdlle. Georgette go off in a carriage, accompanied by M. Michaud. Georgette spoke as she was nearing the theatre. ** After to-night perhaps you will not be proud of me.” “Tut, tut,” said M. Michaud. ‘ What the world thinks of you, Georgette, makes no difference to me. You are yourself.” She half opened her lips to say something, but at that moment the carriage drew up, and Blaise Michaud was there waiting to hand her out and present her with a big bouquet. ‘“ Pour encouragé Mdlle. Georgette,” he said. Surely there was no harm in that; it was only a compliment to his cousin’s fiancée. That evening she surpassed herself. She was a success; she was recalled ; she was showered with bouquets; her future was assured. M. Michaud, junior, was the only one who did not clap and applaud. “Eh bien toi, mon cousin,” said M. Michaud, “don’t you admire Georgette? Doesn’t she please thee ?” “ Mdlle. Georgette is everything that is perfect; but nevertheless, cousin, do you mean your future wife to be always on the stage? Mine should not be!” M. Michaud looked furtively at the younger man, and made his own reflections. “There’s time yet, and Georgette is happy.” «She doesn’t look it,” growled Blaise. She is given up to her work at present, and has no time to think of love.” But Blaise was not convinced. EONNIE OOO KS (E@) m