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THE PROMENADE.

The occasion arose when I was to remember my mother's confidence in Louise as a companion on my promenades. These very often led us in the direction of the grands boulevards in order to look at the shops. As a rule we took an omnibus and once in town. Louise would leave me shopwindow-gazing while she settled "une affaire", as she called it, in the next street. The was quite willing to await her return. 

Once, however, she was absent longer than usual and as a change I turned from the windows to watch the people passing by. To my surprise, whom should I espy some distance away but Louise herself. There indeed was the familiar figure in her stiff silk cape which, jutting out from under her like an open. umbrella, partly hid the deformity within its rigid lines. Her head, scarcely visible, was on a level with her shoulders; but from out the ruffles of a feather boa emerged triumphantly a hat gaily covered with flowers. She was making no effort to join me. I could see that she was accusing the passers-by who impatiently bushed her aside like some importunate insect.

While I was watching these unusual proceedings a man stopped and exchanged words with her. They were about to walk away together when I ran forward, loudly proclaiming my presence. Louise seemed surprised and annoyed. The man moved on, looking repeatedly back at me as he went.

He was an admirer, she then explained, and of course I was not to mention it at home. Besides, another time, instead of looking at the shops I might join her if I wished. The sound of chuckling by my side went far to enlighten the situation, and to turn the scale in favor of other walks in other directions.