The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1886-09-24
A Whole French Novel in Brief.

the eastern hills.
A Whole French Novel in Brief.
The Partisan journals announced the
wreck OF the Comete, between Buenos
Ayres and Marseilles. Two days after
the passengers had been rescued by a
passing ship, it was discovered that
NJ Paul Rostain had perished. The
history of this man furnishes truth
full romance, stranger even than
fiction.
M. Paul Rostain in 1883 was twen-
ty-six years OF age, handsome, intelli-
gent, Industrious, amiable, and a
charming nversationalist He met
at the house OF an old friend OF his
parents, a young girl named Lucie, OF
remarkable distinction, whose pretty
face commanded his admiration, and
he fell Immediately in love with her.
The admiration being mutual, the par
ents consulted each other, as is the
custom Of this country, and they
agreed that the couple should be be-
trothed.
The father OF Lucie suddenly found
himself thrown into financial dis
tress, in consequence OF having risk
ed his entire capital in a scheme which
proved asignal failure. He was ruined.
When he saw that he had nothing left
but disgrace--for bankruptcy in
France is extreme disgrace-his de-
spair was terrible. In this condition,
he received one day visit from an
old man who lived near him, and who
was reputed to be immensely rich.
"Sir," said the old man, ~ will not
importune you long. l love your
daughter; yes, old as am, love her
with love that knows no reason.
have long sought the opportunity to
tell you. To-day that occasion pre-
sents itself. | know your ruin. will
save you. Give me the hand of your
daughter, and | will give her three
million OF francs, which will permit
her to save you! That is all. Ii you
agree to my proposition l am at your
disposition"
but" cried the merchant, "my
daughter has been promised to an
other"
81 know it," replied the old man,
"yet l repeat, l love your daughter
with love that will listen to no ar.
gument."
Without waiting for another reply
the old man retired.
At this moment the girl entered, and
her father said: 'The old man whom
you have seen leave is well apprised Of
our ruin, and he offers you part OF
his fortune if you will marry him"
The girl turned pale as she asked:
cam l not betrothed to Paul Ros.
tain?"
"That is what l answered." said
her father. She stood trembling with
mental anguish, while sobs and tears
attested that she was thinking of her
| fathers ruin-his shonneur-all-ey.
erything.
She would consult Paul.
That evening, when Paul Rostain
came, Lucie called him into the garden
and told him simply what had pass
ed.
What shall do?" asked Paul.
You must leavethis place-go away
to some remote country; for if you
stay here my strength would fail me
and l should"
:il,nterrupting her Paul replied: II
| THE LOVERS PART.
The two martyrs separated without
even a last embrace, for fear of relax.
ing Their determination.
| When ne was gone IIuce sought her
father, and, kneeling beside him, she
SAID: Paul has chosen. You can IN.
form your rich friend of this morning
that / will marry him."
God bless you, my child" cried the
father; II have given my life for YOU
ana you give me back my honor" The
poor girl hastened to her room. where
she threw herself on her bed and sob
bed and wept. The next day NJ. Panl
hostaln embarked for Buenos Ayres.
THE SAD ENDING.
Two years had passed during which
not once had they ever written fo each
other. though in spite OF their separa.
ton they could feel themselves united.
One morning the husband OF Lucie
was struck by lightning and instantly
k1iied. The young woman was fra.
Her sacrifice was ended. ''
| FINDING the parents of Paul Rostain.
sne procured his address and sent
nm dispatch in these words:
am liberated. Come take your wife.
10 this she received this reply:
| iembark by the first ship leaving.
un PAUL RosrA1N.
The unhappy man has not received
the recompense OF his devotion. Fa-
1ailty was against him, and it was
written that he should never reaIiza
inc happiness which was SO near.
| only one person was drowned in
the wreck OF the Comete. and that
one was Paul Rostain. WAN 0''e''