The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1875-12-29

" iitt 'tlu tiO coy w tAdtt tsoNO0 AoNoy
Tabaret, in an eager tone..- :. .i,g l..
=. "He was silent at first, seeming tore
fleet; then suddenly raised his hand to
his forehead. -. ..... r a-.. i-....>
~'Ab, I remember nowp he cried. I
visited her several times with my father,
and on one occasion recollect he gave
her chequs for .large amount, Of
money! "...l;
II observed that here was another proof
in the ,clainant's. favor. He made no re-
:; ply. but commenced. walking. up and
down the room. At last he stopped and
T. faced,me. ~. .r.o..-, l-.- ..4.f -
IT,, aa'Do you happen to knew the person
r who claims to be the Legitimate son Of
+, Count Lionel de Valcourt T. ;uinl
II answered, Il am the man.'-s,s;aI
,.. "He lowered bis head, and turned
o.. away. ...,:.. "A 'a f.,-.--... =. r,h
al thought iro,' he murmured then,
- advancing, he offered me his hand. Il
=: bear you no malice,' he. said, huskily; Hbut
IN you have dealt me fearful; blow, and I
=. hardly know what to say or what o:think.
! j will ask you to. accord me, this delay,
and Immediately he arrives will explain
= to him your case, I must beg you now to
leave me. feel dazed-ill, in fact : and
as he spoke he sunk back, as If faint on
the sofa, motioning for me to ring the bell
for his servant. ... .,.pn
al did go, and left him, feeling puzzled
myself. as to what my next move ought to
+ be but all my plans are scattered to,the
- winds since the murder of my poor old
nnrse. Can you advise me7"- y.
"Not now--.not now," said the old man,
&r.,A knft nd xIyoa
: fearful he might be led into saying some
thing imprudslA. ,,..I'll sleep upon it, and
. see YOU again iii the morning., Then he
added, -afectionatsly, 2 Poor boy-poor
boy! what an anxious time you must have
= had Of it!' I'.;.F T.. ..-..-. 49,. ,
"Fearful! and joined to it all, worry
about money matters" -. .,
"Money matters! thought you were
such an economical fellow"
Before this dreadful revelation, which
. threatens to change my whole life, had
taken upon myself some engagements for
friend, dear friend. Those engage
ments I must meet, and, under present
circumstances, cnnnot ask for assist
ance from the family purse"
: you're right-quite right and I'm
delighted you've mentioned it, for it just
reminds me that it's in your power to do
me favor" H. -
Indeed!-and what's thatr
"Can you imagine, now, that I've got in
my desk, poked away among my papers,
no less sum than a thousand pounds, in
bank notesl" .t, ..r..,
p, Rather imprudent" remarked the bar
rister. ..- o.. ,.,.:.
"Of course it is; that's just what
meant and what I'm about to propose is,
that you can take care. Of them far better
than I can"
.: Noel pressed the good old follows hand,
and shook his head with All amused e1-
preston of face. -.r-
'77 "Thank you all the same," he objected,
but I'm afraid must refuse"
"You'll do nothing of the kind" said
Daddy Tabaret, hotly; "Pm accustomed to
have my way, and I'll bring the money
tomorrow"
"But remembering he had an appoint
ment with the magistrate, M. Daburon,
and. perhaps might"be detained all day,
he added, Immediately, "No; not to-mor.
row. won't run any further risks ; you
shall have it this evening. This evening,
did say9-you shall have it at oncew
And before Noel could stop him, he had
seized his hat and left the room.
In ten minutes he returned, with the
roll of bank notes in his hand
"If you don't find them enough" he
said, as he thrust them into the pocket.of
the young barrister's coat, there's plenty
more at the same shop orders punctually
attended TO, and the strictest secrecy OBJ
served"
And, without waiting for reply, he was
gone.
"What queer old fellow he is" thought
Noel "he hasn't taken an o u, or re-
ceipt of any kind" and he ran to the door
as he spoke, in order to call him back ;
then stopped short and listened. Hell
be coming again Tomorrow he reflected,
land I'll let him have his OWN way now.
He opened his window and listened to
the footsteps Of the old man until they
died away in the lonely street ; then he
wound up his oil lamp, and, after that,
arranged his hair and pnt on All ovrrcoat.
Crossing to the door of Madame Gerdy>
room, he listened attcntivcly for any
sound that might proceed from the sick.
chamber. '''.'. "'.I
q All was silent, as II death already reign
ed there upon which he returned to his
study, and. double locking the door, de-
scended the stairs OH tip-toe, and, in few
moments after, was in the courtyard at
the back Of the house..
Opening q small. green door, half hid
, den in ivy, with, q kay which he took from,
his pocket, he closed it softly behind him,
and was soon lost TO sight i'll the darkness
Of the night. - -r o..