The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1879-08-01
BLOOMSBURY, PA. FRIDAY. AUGUST 1879


quite sure of the other. Rabois meant to
carry out the testator's intentions to the
letter, as they were expressed in his will.
Yet he was taxing his ingenuity how to
have the inheritance accrue to his ward and
she yet have her own free choice in the
matter of selecting husband.
He admitted to himself that he could at
present see no way out of the labyrinth, yet
he cudgeled his brain continually to find
means of doing 80.
IF her brother has ordinary brains he
may be able to aid us, said he musingly.
Here he dropped into a deep reverie,
which lasted for upwards of an hour. Sud-
denly he jumped up and rubbed his hands
violently, saying
That's it ; the plan is a safe and a sure
one if we can only find our man.
A week later Robert Desmoine arrived,
and the brother and sister met in a warm
embrace.
The returned Australian was a stalwart,
sun-browned young man, of about twenty
five, with a good face and figure, and was
the soul Of good nature and jollity.
He was dressed in the habiliments of
common sailor, and was generally supposed,
by those who saw him, to be such.
Rabois and he became quite friendly af-
ter day or two. The former appeared to
study the young man very closely, and af
ter week had passed they had secretly dis
cussed the affairs of Adele After a lengthy
debate on the subject, young Desmoine re
marked
M. Rabois, my advice to Adele is just
this Let the miser's money go to the dogs
and marry whom you choose.
Very good, M. Desmoine,' rejoined the
notary, with a cunning smile. But l have
a far better plan than that
What is it p asked Robert.
Il advise your sister to marry the man of
her choice, and at the same time secure her
uncle's inheritance =
But how can that be arranged p cried
the young man in surprise. The condi
tions of the will are too well known to the.
authorities to cherish the least hope that
they will permit any chcanery in the mat
ter
'Ah we'll, the court is wise and just
doubtless but we shall prove ourselves
equally So remarked Rabois. and then he
informed Robert of his scheme.
Accomplish this without subjecting us to
scandal and lawsuit, perhaps prison, and
| shall always pronounce you the smartest
notary in France exclaimed Robert enthu-
siastically, as he grasped the notarys hand.
Keep your purpose profound secret
observed Rabois, and in day or two
| shall have our plans Completed Then the
conspirators separated, each confident in
the success of the plan.
After parting with Robert the notary had
an interview with Henri, the clerk. That
lasted but a half hour after which he was
closeted with his ward, which interview ter
minated only after an hour had elapsed.
| He left Henri with brightness on that
young mans .countenance he had not worn
for many day and pleasant smile rest
ed on the usually pale face of Adele after
her interview with her guardian.
Robert left the next day, saying he had
business to attend to. He had been gone
about week or ten days, when stranger
called at the notary's one evening; he
wished to see M. Rabois on particular bus
iness. He was admitted, and conducted to
the private office.
| The man wore cloak, which he removed
before he seated himself. M. Rabois start
ed slightly as the stranger bowed politely
He was hunchback
His features were homely but nte lligent
and both voice and manner indicated the
gentleman.
what is the nature ofyour business with
me?' inquired the notary
Without beating about the bush, replied
the hunchback, Il will at once state my er.
rand. have heard all about Jerome Des-
moines will, and have come to be presented
to the heiress, Mademoiselle Desmoine. My
name is Pierre Lecroix, my abiding place
Lyons, where my only remaining parent lac
ques Lecroix, resides You can go there ant
learn a Il about him and myself You com
prehend? p
Il do, monsieur replied Rabois, grave
ly.
Will you do me the honor to dine with
me tomorrow l will then present th'
young lady to you.'
AT what hour p asked NJ. Lecroix.
AT three
/ shall be punctual. Au revOir.'
The next minute he was gone.
When the notary was alone he rang fo
Henri. Tell Adele | would like to see he
for moment said he, when the clerk ap
peared.
Adele appeared directly and. they were let
alone.
What transpired at that interview doe
not matter to the reader at present. Blu
Adele left the Office half an hour later, pal
and agitated
Next day NJ. Croix appeared punctual a
the appointed hour. Robert had also re
turned and was introduced to the hunct
back.
, They sat down to dinner, and the latte
proved himself a very entertaining gentle
man. He had been introduced to the lad
, before he sat down: hence he frequently &C
: dressed himself to her.
r In the evening he proved himself th
same aiiable gentleman. He had travele
considerably, and related quite number G
entertaining incidents, and Adele felt quit
, at ease in his presence. After this he cam
. more frequently, and soon he and the youn
l heiress were on very friendly terms,
, In the meantime Rabois repaired to Igor
, and was satisfactorily assured of the respec
, ability of M. Lecroix's connections,
In due time the young man proposed an
r was accepted, and shortly after they wei
9 publicly married.
'Oh what inconsistency some of OF
readers NAV cry VIII lie others will call her