Search America's historic newspaper pages from 1756-1963 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities external link and the Library of Congress. Learn more
Image provided by: University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI
Newspaper Page Text
LE BON CHEF. By Anne iM. Prcscotl I'AKT II. THE IIUSLiAND AND WIFE. Jacques and Madeleine.) Madeleine had come into the region of the Garonne to live, and Jacques had passed her on the road, leading' her tiny bit of a sister, that eventful morning when they were all caught in the down-pour, that painted a rainbow on the western sky. No one, however, got cross, though everyone got a ducking, for the drops were the largest known that vseason and very watery. It was a first-rate shower and washed everything in sight, and made Jacques start back and catch up the little mite in hi- arms, and taking Madeleine by the hand, thev ran like chiklfon to the nearest shelter, which proved to be . Henri's, the blacksmith : he was busy hammering a horseshoe and the sparks were il mg up the chimney, when they '.i'i in laughing and shaking off the rain, now dripping in bn'' rivulets from their hats. Rut i h !ry of it was soon past, and the !,. ..in sending up clouds of vapor tvi 'ii every wet bank and road. 1 ' idelune thanked Jacques for in- ' ind help, and telling him thev In'1 but receutlv come to an ' vineyard to live, and bidding the blacksmith good-bye. ind thanking h'ni "or his kindness, she went down the road in an opposite direction from Jncqins' place, picking her way. through the wet grass. Thev had not a mile to go an d soon reached home. Jacques was the old-time Jacques never again. ; he had met his fate, and was in love love at first sight. We have all heard of that before. It is the old story, ever new, and as sweet as sweet home. For it is love, true love that makes the home, no place like home. It is the love the love of a true man for a good woman that makes this little world of ours go round. And Jacques was in love. Madeleine was pretty and as good as she was preth indeed and indeed she was a charming demoiselle. We THE HONOLULU TIMES. too, fell in love with the little, dainty, brown-eyed maiden. And she was a sensible, unaffected girl, as well-bred French are, no jewelry, no finery, no airs. And now, nothing would do but Madeleine. The whole world held but one woman for him, evermore. Would anyone be that foolish to argue with a lover ? The choicest flowers of the garden were watched and guarded to send to Madeleine. The young linnet just starting into song, must have a golden cage and go to Madeleine. The sweetest berries, the jucicst fruit, must go. There must be a new stamp for the butter, and Jeannctte must make a perfect pat to send. A handsome jug of French pottery, and in it the thickest cream Oh, was there ever such a crazy lover? Yes, they are all the same, all the same. And for a home-coming there would have to be a new room built on. and an arbor with vines and roses, and beautiful paper on the walls, and carpet of flowers, and chest of drawers, and prettiest china, and an English tea table, and a sewing-chair, ho would buv them all ; and after two years they would go to Pari1 and have a real wedding journey. And how was all this to little demure Madeleine? Would she leave her home, her parents, and big brothers and tiny Elise? She was sure she had never seen any eyes anything like Jacques ! ! And before the vintage was gathered in that vea the good priest had given them his blessing; and Henri had sent to them a set of perfect horseshoes There wt merriment and rejoicing throughout the country-side when Madeleine came home to share Jacques' fortune for good or ill, for richer or poorer. Jacques had taken in a good man and a good journeyman, to be his constant help; so that with the lad who was haudv and clever, and Jcaucttc, his mother, u widow who could manage the little dairy and help Madeleine, the little household went bravely on. All who came o the pretty, neat boutique liked lo have Madeleine wait upon them, for in voice and manner she was cheery and helpful, and had learned some things that they did not all know,-and was willing to show them and to teach them. For one thing, she knew the art of making flowers, and certain kinds of lace that they had never seen. She had learned many things in the convent. She was kind to the young girls, and ready and would shew them how to make a pretty cap or bonnet, or a lovely apron. They would come about her like bees about a hive, and the little shop was a sort of open door, you see. That rich, warm, wine-producing southern land makes men and women honest, hard-working, simple-minded, good and true. It is a blessed country there, healthful and sweet, ,ami home life, there, a model for the world. Don't talk unless you know what you are talking about, my reader. It is an anomaly, to a man intoxicated in southern France. It is the vices, the adulteration of good produce, the wickedness of big cities, like London and Paris, etc., that 'ets the world all wrong. It is a sad, sad truth that cities endanger humanity every day. Many go to ttum and go directly away from God in going . It began to be talked over again by Jacques which was ' the better route to Paris? Tie wished to keep outside the towns a? much as possible, and to learn what he could of the country; and then as a happy thought it came to him, why could they not go in their own little cart ? It was coered and light, and the horse was a strong, sturdy roadster. They could put in a small trunk, pack a hamper to last a week, take a convenience for making coffe, and buy anything needed on the way. They could be independent and happy. They would stop at a good inn at night, and see that the horse was fed and groomed, starting off early in the morning. The Cure could tell them of the first rest and many other points, and al?o give to them a few letters in case they could make use of them on the way. So they already felt quite at home, as to the journey. Madeleine's objective point was the church of Notre Dame, and Jacques, was go-