The Argosy — page 158: what you’re looking at

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

* Monsteur Michaud’s Fiancée. I4I “ Henri Delibes.” M. Michaud started. ‘“‘ What business has he to go behind the scenes? Georgette, do you know he is a Count ?” ‘‘ Yes, What does that matter? If he were a beggar he wouid be the same kind , ‘Do you think he will marry you?” Georgette drew herself up proudly. ‘‘Of course he will; but, M. Michaud, do not imagine it is his rank I care for.” “No, Georgette, I know you do not; but, my child, life is not like the stage.” M. Michaud’s voice was trembling; he was so grieved for Georgette: grieved that he had failed after ali to take care of her and protect her; and now it had come to this! “You are so good,” continued Georgette, hurriedly. ‘‘ My best friend, I know I am asking what I never ought to ask, and yet——” ‘“‘ Georgette, when I asked you on this very seat to give me your promise, I believed you would be true to it. I said to myself, Georgette is not like other girls, she will say yes, and mean it; she will not think herself free till I release her.” “ And you thought rightly, Monsieur. I have done nothing under- hand, nothing to be ashamed of. You said we should ask to be released, and I still feel bound by my word and yours.” “And J, Georgette,” said M. Michaud, taking off his hat for a moment, as if he were performing a religious duty, ‘‘and I, Georgette, before Heaven, I will ot release you.” That was all they said. Georgette slowly rose from her seat, motioned to M. Michaud not to follow, and walked home alone. M. Michaud might have sat a long time on the seat, plunged in deep thought, only, curiously enough, his cousin came by almost immediately, and catching sight of him, laughingly warned him that he was courting death in the shape of a bronchite. “ Take a turn with me, mon cousin,” continued Blaise. ‘‘I want to speak to you. I want to tell you I am going to leave Paris soon.” *T thought you were getting on in your profession ?” **So I am, but there’s something better than money or fame— peace of mind; mine will be gone if I stay longer, and to say the truth—don’t call me impertinent—it’s about Mdlle. Georgette. Do not look so astonished, Gustave, I haven’t a thought I would wish to hide, only, of course, she is young and beautiful, and you—vwell, you have won her, and you are my cousin.” M. Michaud’s face was a study at this moment; and the mouth that had been drawn and full of pain relaxed. A smile almost parted his lips, an expression of kindliness broke over his face, making its plainness invisible. ** Blaise, give me your hand. You area noble fellow! You would throw up your appointment rather than win her from me.” “Yes, I would. Not that it is easy; and of course you know you did throw me in her way.” Gomichoo (E() m