Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 69, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 December 1909 — ELAINE'S CHOICE, [ARTICLE]

ELAINE'S CHOICE,

I was Elaine du Rocker’s guardian. At the age of eight she had lost both her parents. Her health was delicate, and I thought the best thing to do for her was to put her In a convent school in the country. One morning, however. 1 received the following astonishing letter: My Dear Guardian—l am bored. After mature reflection 1 find that 1 am not cut out tor a religious career. Kindly find me a husband as soon as possible. Your grateful and devoted ELAINE. It does not seem hard to tind a candidate for the hand of a young and charming heiress. I presented quite a number of men to her—nice fellows, too—but none suited her Things were at this point when my old friend, the curate of Redon, spoke to me of the Marquise de Pen-Valloet and her two sons—old family, distinguished name, good connections, respectable fortune. I proposed to Elaine to spend a few weeks with my wife at Trouville. She Joyfully accepted. “On the way,” said I. “we will stop at one of my clients, the Marquise de J’en-Valloet.” The marquise resided on a large estate some miles from Redon 1 had been told of her strictly economical way of living, so Twas not surprised to find awaiting us at the station an old rattletrap of a carriage, which smelled so musty that as we started to get in Elaine recoiled. “Suppose we vide outside. “Don't be afraid, sir,” said the coachman, offering me his strong band and helping me to mount quite easily. Elaine seemed no more than a feather In bis strong grasp. "You will be afraid.” said 1. measuring the distance from our perch to the ground. , "Afraid! You don’t know me. You will cry quarter before I do. Now, driver, quick, quick, quick!” The man smiled rather sarcastically, 1 thought. He gathered up bis reins and started his team. Heavens, wbat a race! My blood curdles at the thought of it Elaine clapped her bunds and incited the pleased coachman to redoubled efforts. A handsome, refined looking young man of medium height met us and assisted us to alight. The Marquise de Pen-Valloet received us in the large, gloomy drawing room. She greeted us graciously and. herself led us to our apartments. "My son Rene,” she said, designating the handsome young man who had first received us. Dinner was ready. When Elaine' reappeared she looked queenly beautiful. Just then another guest entered—a

man of about thirty, tall and with a strong face Saluting us, tie took the empty space opposite the Marquise de Pen-Valloet “My oldest son. Marquis Horace de Pen-Valloet,” she said, presenting him, adding, “Late, as usual.” “You know why. mother.” he answered coldly. “Well?” said 1 when we were alone. She stifled a yawn. “Let us go to bed. I am tired to death.” “Not until you have told me your impression of the two candidates.” “The younger is handsome. He has a pretty voice and dresses well. 1 hat is all 1 know so tar.”* “And the other?" “The other? Why. he hasn’t a sou! He doesn't count as a match, guardie, dear.” “'True. 1 always thought you were a sensible girl.” Next morning it was late when 1 awoke I had hardly finished my toilet before Elaine, fresh and bright as the morning, knocked for admittance. “Wbat! Up already?” “Already! Why. I have had a long walk through the dewy woods, it was exquisite ” “Alone?” “Oh, no! 1 made sure of an escort last night.’ l “Ah. ah! So things are working?” “Splendidly, my dear guardian. Open your ears. 1 have decided to marry”— “Handsome Rene?” said 1, rubbing my bands. “No. 1 am going to marry the coachman who drove so well yesterday. As so»n ns 1 placed my bands in bis I knew he was a man a woman could trust. But here be is to tell you that you are not dreaming.” She opened the door, and Horace de Pen-Valloet entered.

“Myself!” he said, smiling at my astonishment. “My story is not long, but rather unusual. I wanted to be a soldier. My mother objected. 1 obeyed her. but the spirit of adventure possessed me. As soon as 1 was of age I started on a trip around the world. My mother told you that 1 spent my fortune and part of hers, i dare say •I committed my share of follies. When my means were exhausted 1 returned home. The fatted citlf was not killed in my honor, On the contrary, I had to put up with reproaches, complaints and taunts. What was 1 to do? incapable of earning my living, exasperated at hearing myself reproached for eating the bread of idleness, 1 offered to take the place of my mother’s coschman, who had died. “When I offered my services to my mother I was half joking, but she accepted in earnest, so i became the coachman. 1 take care of my animals and when it is necessary put on the livery. At nfebt J resume my dress suit, my title and my rights m eldest :Son. And this might have gone on

forever but for the coming of this liberating fairy, my charming fiancee, who. 1 think, understands me and will try to love me a little.”