Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1852-09-09

doubt and dismay. "Bsw could" he innocent.
ly muttered-"how could my fathcr-how could
any body suppose that---How could he espe.
ciaIly be so blind as not TO have long ago per.
Iceived---What contrast !" added Eugene de
Veron, Jumping up, breaking into passioaat,
speech, and his eyes sparkling as if he was ae.
tually in presence Of the daIk-eyed diyinit,
whose image filled his brain and loosed hi,
tongue--"what a contrast Adeline, young, ro
seate, beautiful as spring, lustrous as Juno
graceful as Hebe Oh, par eren,ple, Mademoi
sele de Merode, you, with your high blood anC
skinny bones, must excuse me. And poor, too
poor as Adeline. Decidedly the old gentleman
must be crazed, and let me see--Aye, TO be
sure, must confer with Edouard at once"
Eugene dc Veron had only one flight of stair.
TO ascend to obtain this conference, Edouard |,
Blanc, the brother of Adeline, being principI.
clerk in the establishm ent. Eduoard le Blanc
readily and sincerely c6ndoled with his frienc
upon the sudden obScuraton of his and AIDE.
lines hopes, adding that heIhad always felt a
strong mlsgiving upon the subject; and after a
Ilugubrious dialogue, during which the clerk
hint9d nervously at circumstance which, look.
ing at the unpleasant turn matters were taking
might prove of terrible import-a nervousness
but very partially relieved by Eugnene s.assu-
rance that, come what may, he would take the
res possibility in that particular entirely upon
himself as, indeed, he was bound to do-the
friends left the office, and wended their way to
Madame lie Blanc's, lngouvilIe. There the low
er forgot, in Adeline's gay exhiarating presence
and conversation, the recent ominous and exas-
peratng communication from his father; while
Edouard proceeded TO take counsel with his
mother upon the altered aspect of affairs not only
as regarded Adeline and Eugene de V eron, but
more particularly himself, Edouard le Blanc.
Ten minutes had hardly passed by ordinary
eckoning-barely one by Eugene de Veron's--
when his interview with the charming Adeline
was rudely broken in upon by Madame lie Blanc,
a shrewed, prudent woman Of the world, albeit
that in this affair she had somewhat lost her
balance, tempted by the glittering prize offered
for her daughters acceptance and for time
apparently within her reach. The mother S
tone and manner were stern and percmptory.-
Have the kindness, Monsieur de Veron, to bid
Adeline adisu at once. have serious matter
TO taik over with you alone. Come =
hdelne was extremely startled to hear her
rich lover thus addressed, and the carnation of
her glowing cheeks faded at once to lily pale
ness, whilst Eugene's features flushed as quick
ly to deepest crimson. He stammered out his
willingness TO attend madame Immediately, and
hastily kissing Adenline' hand, followed .the,un-
welcome Intruder to another room.
49, Monsieur Eugene began Madame lie
Blanc, this ridiculous wooing-of which, as
you know, l never heartily approved--is at an
end. You are, hear, TO marry MAIDEN ellie
de Marode in the early part Of next week
Madame le Blanc y exclaimed the young
man, what is it you are saying? / marry
NJ T,ln i M,rnlo otl,
week! | swear to you by all that is true and
sacred, that 1 will be torn in pieces by wild
horses before | break faith -
'Chut, chat!' interrupted Madame lie Blanc /;
you may spare your oaths. The sentimental
bavardage of love will be lost upon me. You
will, as YOU ought, espouse Mademoisele de
Merode, who is, | am told, very superior and
amiable person, and as TO Adelne, she will
console herself. A girl with her advantages
will always be able to marry sufficiently well,
though not into the family of millionaire. But
my present business with you Monsieur Eugene
de Neron, relates to different and much more
important matter. You have induced him to
commit not only a weak but a highly criminal
act he has let you have without Monsieur de
Neron's consent or knowledge, two thousand
francs, upon the assurance that on would either
reimburse that sum before his accounts were
or arrange the matter satisfactorily
with your father.
But, Madame lie Blanc -
Neither of which alternatives persisted that
lady, 1 very plainly perceive, that you will be
able to fulfill, unless you comply with Monsieur
de Neron's wishes; and if you have any real re-
gard for Adeline, you will signify that acquies-
ceRce without delay, for her brothers sruin in u
moral sense, would be hers also. Part of the
money has, understand, been sGuandered on
pre- Sents you have made her /: they shall be re-
turned-'
Madame lie Blanc = exclaimed the excited
young man, you will drive me mad lcannot,
will not give up Alelinc; and as for the paltry
sum of money you speak ol-my money as it
may fairly be considered--that shall be returned
TO morrow morning.
Madame lie Blame did not speak for a few
seconds, and then said-'Nery well: mind you
keep your promise Tomorrow is, You are a.
ware, the Fete Deu; we have promised Mad
anne Carson Of the Grande Rue, to pass the af-
ternoon and evening at her house, where we
shall have good view of the procession. DO
you and Edouard call on us there; as soon as the
affair is arranged. / will not detain you longer
at present. Adieu Stay, stay-by this door,
IL you please. cannot permit you to see Ade-
line again, at all events, till this money transac-
tiOn is definitely settled
'As you have now slept uponthe proposal made
you yesternoon, sa id M. de Veron, addressing
his son on the following morning, at the oonclu-
sion of silent breakfast-'you may, perhaps,
be prepared with more fitting answer than
you were then9'
Eugene warmly protested his anxiety 10 obey
all his fathers reasonable commands but in
this compliance was simply impossible, foras-
much as he, Eugene, had already irrevocably
pledged his word, his heart, his honor, in anoth-