IN LIGHTER VEIN.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1290, 19 November 1896, Page 23

IN LIGHTER VEIN.

A FRENCH NOVEL IN A NUTSHELL.

“ Marie, my cherished ! " “ Yes, dear Aphonse, what is it ? "

The radiant glory of a summer moon shone down upon the earth this June night, bathing in its mellow splendour the leafy branches of the sturdy old oaks that had for centuries sheltered the entrance to the Castle Montmorenci, and laughed defiance to the gales that every winter came howling down in all their cruel force and fury from the moorlands lying westward of the chateau. On the edges of the broad demesne that stretched away to the south stood a large brindled cow : and as the moonlight flooded with silvery lustre her starboard ribs, she seemed to Marie a perfect picture of sweet content and almost holy calm. “ Is it not a beautiful night, my dear ? " murmured the girl. “ See how the moonbeams flutter down through the trees, making strange lights and shadows that flit among the shrubs and flowers in such a w y eird, ghost-like fashion. The dell is

indeed clothed with loveliness to-night." “So," said Alphonse De Hautenbas, “ ife is che boss dell.” And then looking down upon the pure, innocent face that was lifted to his, he took in his own broad, long, soft palm the little hand that erstwhile held up Marie’s polonaise. And as they stood there, all simple in the bosky dell, he passed his arm silently but firmly round her waist. The noble girl didn’t shy. “Do you love me, sweetheart?" he asked iti tremulous tones. Marie’s head was drooping now, and the blushes of St. Malo convent school innocence were chasing each other across her peachy cheeks. Alphonse drew her more closely to him. If a mosquito had tried to pass between them it would have been bad for the mosquito. “Can you doubt me, darling?" he whispered. You must know I love you with a wild, passionate, whoa-Emma love that can never die. Do you love me just a little bit in return ? ”

For an instant the girl did not speak. Alphonse heard the whispering of the brindled cow's tail break in rudely upon the solemn stillness of the night, and ever and anon came the dull thud of the water-rat as he jumped into a neighbouring pond. Presently Mario put her arm round his neck, and a wistful, baby’s-got-the-cramp look carne into her sweeet face as she said ; —“ I love you, Alphonse, with a deathless devotion that will eventually keep you broke." And with these fateful words she adjusted her rumpled fringe, and fearlessly led the way to a shop where they sold engagement rings. COALS OF FIRE. It was not exactly the minister’s fault that the sermon which he delivered that morning was not entirely his own. He had copied a part of the original draft himself and had turned the remainder over to an amanuensis with directions to oomplete the work. On the table where he had been writing, and on which lay the manuscript to be copied, was a volume of sermons, and the young woman who did typewriting had looked no further for the matter which was to bo transcribed than the printed pages which lay open before her. It was too late to recede when he discovered the error, and he mado the best of the situation by cutting his address short, thereby omitting most of the borrowed portion. His conscience troubled him sorely, however, and he felt exceedingly apprehensive when several of the deacons called upon him. " We’ve come to talk to you about that sermon," tlie spokesman said.

'‘lt was an accident, I assure you " ‘'That's what we’re afraid of. But we thought it might ba as well to ask you if you have any more where that came from."

“ Why, of course, there aro many more."

'* Well, we hope you'll do the beat you can to bring them out, for it’s the general opinion of the congregation that it was the best discourse you’ve yet given, and that you ought to be complimented and encouraged for the change in your style."