The Newtown bee., 1879-11-19

order.
81 fear, sir, our worthy neighbor,
Monsieur Duvoc, will suffer by this
failure" said Lucien. If this sudden
bankruptcy should disarrange his af-
fairs, surely you wouldn't think of pro-
ceeding harshly against him."
| Monsieur Lafarge looked displeased.
81 understand your interest in our
worthy friend, Duvoc," he cried. with
asperity. 8. He has pretty daughter,
for whose sake you refuse to entertain
my proposition of marriage with the
child of my esteemed friend in Lyons
Put her out of your mind"
Nay. sir, but hear me-" urged
| Lucien. "This is the first time I have
thwarted your wishes. do not ask for
wealth. I desire but that decent COM
petence my honest industry may pro-
duce, to support lovely, virtuous girl,
| whose character slanaer dare not ap-
proach-of whose person / have long
been enamored, and of whose charms of
mind have long been proud"
mo more, STRIP returned Monsieur
Lafarge, irately. ''Act just as you
please; only keep this all accomplished
young lady out of my way-that's all.
] have heard of her winning ways; but,
thank heaven, ] have never seen her
never will see her-no never! unless, in
deed, should happen to meet her by
chance; but, if l do, with my own con-
sent, I wish that"
A servant entered and announced that
Mademoiselle Emile Duvoc entreated to
see him alone upon business of the ut
most Importance. Monsieur Lafarge was
by no means as hard hearted as his
words would seem to imply. He i'm
agined that the girl wished to speak to
him about her fathers troubles; and so,
notwithstanding his previous words, he
bade Lucine quit the apartment, and
gave audience to the fair pleader.
Monsieur Lafarge was not surprised
at his nephew's love for Emile Duvoc,
when the gentle girl stood trembling in
his presence. Her fair face warmed even
his seasoned heart. She made known
her business modestly and timidly
Prompted by filial love, unknown to
her father, she had called to entreat his
clemency, las it was utterly out of Duvoc's
power 10 pay his debt, and begged him
to extend. the time.
Monsieur Lafarge shook his head
gravely. He had conceived little
scheme in his mind while listening to
her, and he resolved to put it into opera
ton
6 am very sorry Mademoiselle Du-
VOC" he said, Every sorry that / can
not accede to your request; for it un-
fortunately happens that the sum in
question is absolutely necessary to make
good one of my acceptances. Monsieur
Duvoc is aware, as well as am, that q
merchants first duty is to honor his
own signature"
81 have done, sir!" responded Emile,
sadly. Forgive my intrusion I humbly
take my leave"
"Stay! sit down, sit down!" he cried,
hastily. 81 beg your pardon, made
moiselie-one word before you depart.
You are acquainted with my nephew,
Lucien?'
81 have that honor, SIR" answered
Emelie, with rising color.
did he ever, mademoiselle-you will
pardon the abrupt freedom of an uncle
on whom he depends for everything-did
he ever give you hopes of obtaining my
consent to your union?"
Il believe he may have given himself
hope, sir, answered Emelie, with gentle
dignity; 81 never encouraged any,"
Indeed!" exclaimed Lafarge, some
what surprised at this.
"Lucien is much my superior in
worldly fortune" continued Emelie,
land / have ever entreated-nay, in
sisted with tears, for tears, must con-
fess, would follow the reGuest-that he
would never risk your anger by a
union so unequal"
"You are good girl" exclaimed La
farge, in gratifed tone. eff he then
should persist in his proposals, would
you reject them?"
"I have rejected them already, and
will continue to do so," she replied,
sadly.
my dear Mademoiselle Duvoc, you
are an excellent young woman-you
might be a treasure to Lucien as a wife
but l have engagements which must
not, cannot break. However, if could
do anything for your father in this ex-
igence-. Have the goodness to ask
Monsieur Duvoc to come to me di-
ectly."
Emile hastened home with a joyful
heart, informed her father of what she
had done, and he lost no time in calling
upon Monsieur Lafarge, who received
him very kindly.
s'It seems that you cannot honor your
bill due tomorrow" said he.
"I cannot, SIR" answered Duvoc;
the failure of Kadelburger has disen-
abled me-has swept from me at one
cruel blow the fruit of ten years hard
industry"
| ..It is very bad indeed" replied La
farge, kindly. .'But could not your
brother, who keeps the inn in the forest
of Cereottes, give you lift at this juno
turepn
s.I would not for the world acquaint
him with my difficulties" cried Duvoc,
quickly. His means are slender and
he would overwhelm himself to succor
me-"
'tHave you then no one who would
come forward in this emergency"
g No one, if you deny me time"
What time is it you wish?"
..Three months for half the sum and
six months for the other half"
g Impossible! yet there is mode of
settlement" said Lafarge, beginning to
put his scheme forward.
''Name it, sir. l am ready to make
any sacrifice"
aforro boo;tofod-o little aSbampd of