The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-07-11
CHAPTER XVI.

Some days after this scene Raymond went
to the White House He would not have
gone had it not been for the hsrrible fear
which possessed him. He wanted to know
the truth. Laroque had been for some weeks
IN Paris, on what errand we shall soon know.
Suzanne was alone except for her domestics.
and she soon remarked bis pallor and drawn
features
"What has happened? Have you any
troubled" asked she, when the first greetings
were over.
mo, I am perplexed, and need an indication
which hoped you might be able to furnish
me.H
"What is itn
"Hsve you, for instance, an old photograph
of your father, taken before this trial. OF
course, scarcely expect that can succeed,
but if l could, it would assist me very much
in my search"
II have one. My uncle chose from our
album, when my father took me away to
America, picture of both my father and
mother, and had locket in which l hid my
fathers picture behind that of my mother
Ii you viii wait moment will bring it."
One look only did Raymond give it, and
he knew that the photograph which his mother
had burned was that of Roger Laroque And
why had she written those three dates that
were SO fatal to Rogers 1t was mystery he
shrank from penetrating.
Suzanne could use all her pretty girlish
arts. but Raymond could only respond by q
forced smile now. 1t was as if he was in tor
ment, and much as he loved her, he only
wanted to fly, to hide in some inky pit, so
foul and awful that nothing could ever come
there TO unearth bis shame and hs tried with
white lips that could hardly frame words to
excuse himself that he might be alone
After the silent, uncomfortable dinner,
where each ono Of the three was absorbed in
dismal reflections. Raymond followed his
mother to her room while Pierre went out,
and when there he said:
Il don't know why, but the sad story Of
that poor young man of the photograph
haunts me- To almost realize his hopes and
then see them snatched away, l think he did
well to die"
why do you say this i'll such a tone, Ray
mond!'
''Whar did you say his name wass" said
Raymond, without answering his mothers
question.
"Ah---Jem. Jean De Noirville. He was a
uiSIal' 1cioCioh VI yOul idtuclS >, duu ue mar
ried a young girl named Claire Verbun, but
they are both dead"
Raymond remained silent, mentally COM
pairing this story with the one told him weeks
ago. He almost laughed at the absurdity Of
1t, and she thought he believed it.
''In putting my fathers papers in order
found his last speech, and in several places /
found the name of Roger Laroque. 1t seems
that can remember dimly of seeing such a
man, or OF hearing you mention him. Did
you ever know him?'
YES" said she, family. "He-he was q
great friend of your fathers and saved his
life in the war, but / think you never saw
him, as you were away at school during the
time when he visited our house."
"And | fancied that photograph to be his,
particularly on account of those three dates
which were so fatal to him"
"lt was simple coincidence"
"Are You sure. mother. that that Is not Q
portrait OF l.arouuel'
"Do you suppose l would lleI Why should
II For what reasona wrote those dates.
Suppose they were the three fatal epochs in
Rogers life, for what reason would have
placed them there3 Answer me that"
"What have said has not common sense, /
admit" said he "Don't notice them as other
than preoccupations of mind disturbed and
perplexed with presentiments of coming evil !"
Raymond, you should not give way to
those fears. You inflict great pain upon me
and I am not very well. You ought to spare
me all strong emotions, my son. See what q
state am in"