Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1874-01-15

We have now reached the Both of No
vember, fortnight later, but still at Vile
neuve- Saint-Georges; for, if in this sketch
| have slightly violated the unity of time,
| have at least respected the unity of
place. The house of NJ. Desgranges is all
alive. Never has he himself appeared so
happy. 1t is the twenty fifth anniversary
of his wedding-day.
"Wife," said he, to Madame Desgran-
ges, "this is day that must be worthily
celebrated No ec0nomizing today,
spread all sail! give us dinner, just as
though [ was an epicure! [ have partic-
ularly recommended Madeleine, who has
been passing day in Paris, don't know
on what affair, to return with her hus-
band by the four O'Clock train. She Will
find in her room pretty, new dress,
which [ should like her to wear today.
AS for you, if you still love me a little, in
spite of my deficiencies, prove it; make
yourself charming also. Put on for din
ner-and for the evening, for [ have in
vited all the neighbOrhOod-pu on, say,
my poor mother diamonds. They repre-
sent, in my eyes, all that | have most
loved in this world her, who gave them
| to me for you-yOu yourself, who have
worn them for my sake and hers-your
daughter, who will wear them for all
three of u.s." And thereupon Mr. Des-
oranges walked off to conceal some slight
emotion.
Why did not Madame Desgranges an
swer him? Why did she remain for some
time immuvable, and with her head sunk
| down? Why did her daughter, coming
in, carry her off to her own room, in tears?
Why was the son-in-law so gloomy? Why
did the dinner bell make them all three
start? Why, on entering the dining-roOm
did the mother give troubled look at her
husband? Why did NJ Desgranges, on
observing it, utter few words that were
almost reproach? Why? The words
themselves explain all.
~ on have not got on your diamonds ~
rcied the father. As her sole reply, the
mother threw herself, weeping, into the
arms Of her husband. The daughter took
his hand, and kissed it, on her knees be-
fore him. you have not got your dia-
monds; what have you done with them ?''
The wife and children were silent. "YOu
make no reply!' continued the father, in
harsher tone. cit is L, then,
who must speak out. You have sold
them to cover the imprudence OF your SON
ln-law! Yes, because he was pleased to
associate himself with an lIl-deVlsed en-
terprise, because he had the folly to make
himself responsible for scaulps who have
deceived him, you have been Obliged, III
order to pay One-half of his debtor he
still owes twelve thousand trancs-you
have been obliged TO tear away from me
the dearest sou0enGr of my poor mother,
ana the most precious voucher OF our own
affection, and you have even emblttered
this special dayi All, it is too bad!
Madame Desgranges endeaYored to
mutter excuses.
That is enoughr" said III. Desgranges,
lnterrupting her. Here are the servants.
60, take your placesr'
Mother and children went silently to
the table; but suddenly, as she unfolded
her napkin, Madame Desgranges uttered
loud exclamation. Her son-in-laW did
the same thing, and both leaned over to-
ward Mr.. Desgranges, their eyes filled
with tears. The mother had found her
case of diamonds under her plate, and
her son-in-law had the twelve thousand
francs that he needed.
"Ah, my dearr'
"Ah. father?"
It's all right, it's all right" replied
III. Desgranges, disengaging himself from
| their embraces. "You will not hereafter
| call me an egotist. 1t seems that there
was some propriety in my foresight; and
you comprehend at last that the father