The Morning herald., 1877-09-29
CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE STORY OF CLARE DE couRcY.

THE STORY OF CLARE DE couRcY.
"You know commenced Clare, "that
there have always been great obstacles in
the way OF my marriage with Albert"
Monsieur Daburon nodded in sign of
acquiescence.
~ wonder what new fable she is about
to invent" he thought. "The fact is, she
is so devoted to this man, that she's cap
able OF saying she committed the murder
herself"
"The old Count de Valcourt," she con-
tinued. "quite disapproved of the match,
because had no dowry. He's such an
ambitious old man, that he would pile
riches upon riches simply to keep up the
stately grandeur of the family name. It
took five years for Albert TO bring his
father to his way of thinking; but at last
ne triumphed over his scruples, and Oh:
tanned his consent"
"Oh! he gave his consent, did hef'' said
the magistrate, with sigh, looking wist-
fully into the earnest eyes and the sweet
flushed face.
"Yes, he gave his consent; but my
grandmother was much hurt at. the long
delay. You know how proud she is; and
l think this time she was right. She.was
dreadfully hurt, considering that our FAM
lily dates further back than that of the De
Valcourts, at the sights that had been put
upon her, only because our account at the
bankers was less than theirs, and we had
lost our landed estates. Although the
day was fixed, my grandmother declared
that the strictest etiquette should be OBJ
md mt
her way7"
Monsieur Daburon nodded. He did not
dare to trust his voice, for fear it should
sound bitter. He knew the old lady. He
had been snubbed by her, and had not
relished it.
"Grandmamma is very proud, you
know, and she hates to be placed in a
false position. People might think" she
argued, "that had set a trap for this
young man with his immense wealth and
distinguished position, therefore she de-
clded that we were to meet only once
a week, and then in the presence of her
friends and acquaintance. We felt this
to be rather hard; but grandmamma was
obdurate, SO we were obliged to give in.
Such was the position of affairs, when
one Sunday morning I received a little
note from Albert telling me that import
ant business would prevent him accept
ing my grandmother's invitation for that
day: l had presentiment that some
had happened. I never slept !
that night. awaited the morrow with !
mpatience-with anguish. At last, in
stead OF coming himself, he sent his SER
want with letter. In this letter Albert
,nplored me to grant him an interview.
1t was necessary, he said, that he should
speak to me alone, and without delay.
Dur future depended upon it. didn't
hesitate moment. Iwrote in reply that
1e would find me at the garden-door that
opened upon little bye-street at the back
II our house. I told him to come on
tuesday, evening, and to knock three
INES as the clock struck nine from the
hospital of the Invalides. I knew my
grandmother expected some friends that
light and I thought that in feigning q
headache I might be allowed to retire at
'arly hour. also knew that my govern
ss. owing to her great capacities as a
Whist player, would be retained by some
'ray-headed old partner, thus leaving me
rec to fulfil my engagement"
"Pardon me for interrupting you," put
Monsieur Daburon. "What day did
'ou write to the Viscount9" Ii
= ION Tuesday"