The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1890-02-07
ROGER LAROQUR.
Adapted and Translated from the French
Of Jules Mary.
By OLIVE HARPER.

from the woods of the Vile dAvray, some
fifteen years ago, behind its clematis vines
and other climbing plants, stood the prettiest
and most coquettish little country house
possible to imagine The Villa Montalais, as
it was called, had been bought few years
previous by M. Roger Laroque, n we'll known
mechanical engineer, whose workshops were
situated in st. Maur street, and who had, be-
sides, an apartment ON the Boulevard Males
herbes, at No. III.
In the winter he inhabited his apartments,
and in summer he took refuge, with his wife
and daughter, at Vile dAvray, but every
morning his business called him to Paris, to
his shops in st. Maur street, and there he
breakfasted, but returned in the evening at
about o'clock to dinner, habit of life
quite ordinary with Parisians who, during the
summer, divide their existence in two parts,
the day for Paris, the night for the country.
On the evening which affords the CONF
mencement of our story, in July, 1872, at
O'Clock, quite at variance with his usual
habit, Roger Laroque had not yet returned.
The dinner was waiting In the parlor,
where two windows opened out upon the ter
race, and in the dining room there was no
one to be seen, and one would have declared
the house uninhabited, SO calm and quiet it
ing light.
Still, at the left of the parlor, two voices
whispered On that side was Mime. La
roque's sleeping apartment, even still deeper
plunged in the fast coming darkness. No
light burned, neither lamp nor candle Two
voices, one superb, grave and sweet, Of such
timbre as would cause you to love the speaker
without even seeing her, and the other, in
fantine and crystal in its childish music.
They were the voices of Nine. Henriette La
rogue and her little daughter, Suzanne Nine.
Laroque drew all easy chair near the window,
which was partly open, and seated herself
there, drawing Suzanne close to her.
This evening they awaited the coming Of
Laroque with Impotence, and the very cot
tags with its profusion of flowers and festal
appearance, seemed to be surprised at this
silence and solitude Itwas Suzanne's seventh
birthday, and she was the only child, q little
spoiled by the alteration of her father, and
now, since the day before, the mother was
trying to teach her a pretty little speech
which she was to make to her father upon his
return. They were pretty little words of
welcome and grateful love, and SO they sat
here in the darkness whispering them over
and over again, that they might not be for
gotten
The half hour past struck, and Henriette
made gesture of surprise.
"Your father will not dine at home this
evening. Come" said she; ~ do not wish you
to wait any longer"
They went into the dining room. Mime.
Laroque rang and ordered that dinner be
served. There were at the villa but three
servants-a coachman. a cook, and maid
whose name was Victoria and who had been
a&.,A I.,x
a silent one, for in spite of herself vague
sentiment of fear oppressed the heart of the
young wife Two or three times before
Roger had been retarded, but he had always
telegraphed-
This evening, no news. Why's They re-
turned to tho bedroom. Another hour
dragged by. Roger did not come Henriette
sat distracted by the window, crouched in the
deep recesses of the easy chair. Victoria
wanted to bring lights, but she opposed. Ten
o'clock!
"Are you asleep, darlingr asked Henriette.
"No, mamma" answered the child, whose
eyes were wide open.
"Don't you want to 60 to bedi7
"Oh, no; want to wait and kiss papa
when he comes"
Henriette, prey to anxiety, stepped out
OIL the balcony and leaned upon the rail, look
fng downward towards the road which Roger,
coming from the cars, habitually took
Suzanne, standing beside her, looked also.
The night was very warm, without q cloud.
The Villa Montalais was separated from the
Vile d'Avray by gardens and trees. Oppo-
site it, in the chestnut grove, little to the
Seft, was a neat little house, With green
blinds, which stood directly OH the street,
while the villa, on the contrary, was separated
from the street by lawn, constantly re-
freshed by little fountain. This cottage was
lighted, and the open windows showed room
furnished with mahogany, having a table in
the middle and at the back sort of a secre-
tary desk, pushed up against the wall At
this instant III o'clock sounded, and Henriette
felt q cold shiver of apprehension run over
her, and she interlaced her hands with foar.
At this instant q man Of medium height
passed through tho lighted room and seated
himself at the secretary, which he opened.
They could see him distinctly, and Henrette
and Suzanne looked at him. 1t was the &C.
cupant Of that cottage, and bis name was
Laronette.
"Our new neigl,bor has returned" said the
little girl.
The man had taken from his coat a pocket.
book and had e-nptied and spread out before
mn al iiiIuNilSN SUN OI IHOOcy ~ OdUK nOUe1
and rolls OF sold pieces, apparently fortune,
which ho began to arrange methodicaly,
counting and recounting with visible pleasure.
Henrietta and Suzanne saw his profile only,
his back being turned towards the entrance
20 his room. They heard tho first quarter ring
on the church clock
Henriette bent over her child and kissed
her forehead.
II will call Victoria to 1ndress you and put
you in bed, ;" said she.
ooh, mamma, one minute more. Papa
cannot be much longer"
"No, dear, it is very late You will be
tired"
And tho young mother stepped aside and
touched the bell. Victoria not answering at
once, she rang again and returned to the
balcony. The moon shone pure in a serene
sky. Opposite, the neighbor with slow and
circumspect movement and avaricious enjoy
ment, counted his gold and notes Victoria
came In.
"Light lamp and the,night light" said
Henriette, land then come and take Suzanne"
At the same instant the little girl leaned
over the balcony clapping her hands, laugh
Ing and calling:
"Papa, papa! We have been waiting for