The Argosy — page 240: what you’re looking at

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

The Old Stone Cross. 223 and kept from monotony by interchange of conversation with neigh- bours, the day passed only too quickly—to Jeanne at least—for Gaston Michel had soon joined the party. “T’ve bought the cross, my Jeannette,” Gaston whispered, when he could gain her ear, as they were all preparing to depart. ‘“ I shallask Pére Gildas to bless it; then I give it thee.” Gaston’s eyes were looking what he did not say, when two more young men came up; one of them so like Gaston Michel as to show that he must be his brother. ‘The other was Alain Mauclerc. A frown gathered on the handsome face of the younger Michel, as Pierre, the elder brother, a very stalwart man, made straight for Jeanne’s side and began whispering to her; while young Mauclerc devoted himself to helping the good mére to pack up her empty baskets. Gaston Michel did not like the turn affairs were taking ; and not for the first time. Jeanne was his; Pierre was welcome to Barbe; but no one should make love to Jeanne, except himself. Had he not always loved her, and meant to marry her some day? What the diable did Pierre want interfering with her? He was always doing it now. This was rather hard on Pierre, for he likewise loved the pretty blue-eyed Jeanne Pichon ; and he had, equally with Gaston, resolved to win her for his bride. Alike in appearance, the two brothers were unlike in disposition. In one thing only were they agreed ; in their love for the fair Breton girl, II, THE middle of the week following Mere Pichon sat in her doorway spinning, when she became aware of a shadow coming between her and the sunlight. Looking up, she saw the tall, slight, yet athletic form of the younger Michel beside her. “Bonjour, mon ami,” the good woman said in a hearty voice. Gaston returned the salutation, and asked if Jeanne were in. “Toujours Jeanne! You have thoughts for no one but her,” replied the mother, with a shake of her head. ‘“¢ May I take her for a walk ?” he demanded, with his bright smile. “Tt is such a fine afternoon—look, madame—you cannot say me nay,” he added, coaxingly. Mére Pichon told him he was a cunning knave; but if he could find Jeanne he might take her. Gaston started off ; soon returning with the object of his visit. In a few minutes the young couple were out of sight. Mere Pichon, shaking her head sagely, recommenced her spinning wat a self- reflect- ing word: ‘ Eh, bien! you were young once, mere.’ Gaston Michel and Jeanne strolled on in the sunlight; sheltered from the glare by the cool chestnut trees now in all their beauty. It CONnniclooolks (SO) am