Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-07-27

an expression OF kindly aHectOn.
Come come, my boy cheer up lit
tle. This will never do. What will
Clementine think if she finds you with
such long face on the eve of your we'd
ding day.
"'My wedding day. But will it be in
deed my wedding day? When NJ. Ger
menil learns this fatal secret, will he still
be willing to give me his daughter?
That is the question | ask myself over
and over, and dread to think what the
answer may be.
MY poor Charles l would have kept
this knowledge from you if it had been
possible. But it is necessary that both
YOU and Germenil should know it.
81 know. | know. 1t is not only nee
essarv he should be told, but it is right
and honest. / would not so deceive
him. even to become Clementines hus-
band"
"You will be her husband, my boy, in
spite of all. So cheer up. Germenil is
too lust and reasonable to punish you
for what is not your fault. He will only
see in YOU the man his daughter loves
and the good, dutiful son of his old
friend
"Ah, YES! Your son. That name is in
deed dear TO me and honorable. If
only
You must have more confidence in
Yourself. my lad. Where will Germenil
| find moro eligible son-in-law or one he
would like as well? He knows you are
| no gaspilleur who will squander Clsmen-
| tines dot. And do | not give you up the
auberge-the most hourishing business
| in all the country round: Summon up
your courage and meet them with a
| cheerful face. Believe me, my old friend
| is too anxious for his daughters happi-
| ness to let this matter prevent your mar
rage
Heaven grant it may be So" sail
| Charles.
As he spoke the sound of approach
| ing wheels was heard, and NJ. Germenils
| carriole drove up to the gate. Charles
| ran forward to meet it, followed by NJ.
| Dumont. He helped his financee to de-
| scend and stood beside her while Pierre,
| Francois. Louis and the rest, who had run
out on the sound of the wheels, lifted
down the numerous parcels which filled
the carriole, and which, from the interest
| Clementine took in their safety, evident
ly contained her wedding tinery. The
parcels safely landed, the servants car
ried them into the house, and the young
people rejoined their elders, who had
walked toward the house, Germenil say
ing:
You did not expect us so early, | dare
say, mon ami, but Clementine was SC
impatient only wonder she did not in
sist on starting in the middle of the night
SO as to arrive in good time
well well, neighbor, we were once
young ourselves and we know how much
young folks have to say to one another
on these occasions
"Do you know think the little mare
Cocotte was as impatient as her mistres:
to get here? She came along at such 9
pace one would have thought she knew
she was coming to Il fete.'
BY this the parcels had all been un
loaded to Clcmentines satisfaction, ant
she and Charles came forward.
We'll" said Germcnil, now that i'm
portant business is done, perhaps yor
would give kiss to your future father
in-law:'
with all my heart said Clementine
throwing her arms round NJ. Dumont'
neck and giving him "A hearty kiss OF
elch check.
And you, Charles. added the farmer
''are you so bashful that you wait fol
permission to kiss your bride:"
Charles, who had for a moment forgot
ten his melancholy, started at thes,
words. and his face became again over
EAST as he replied;
4 ITO be Clementines husband, NJ. Ger
, menil. is what my heart most longs for
! and if refrain from greeting her as IN,
bride it is because honor forbids my do
, ing so till you have heard what my ia
thor has to tell you. When you hav
- listened to him. you will then be III 20
', sition to decide whether You still con
= slider me worthy of such happiness anC
q honor
What does the boy mean cried Ger
> mcnil amazed, while Clementine, he
- blue eyes full of dismay, calculated
"Cicl"
. Il will explain il all, >" said NJ. Dumont
II "MeanWmle you, tlarleS, can tax
:. Clementine indoors and show her wha
\ we have been doing in her honor"
That means" said Clementine, MAX
rg little moue, THAT / am not t
II icar"-
# Never mind, my dear; later you vii
IL know all
n We'll" cried M. Germenil as soon q
: they were alone, "what is this might
secret which weighs so on Charles min
and makes him pull SO long a face?'
it "He has reason to look sad, my friend,
T. replied Dumont. what lam now abou
= to reveal to you may rob him Of all til
happiness of his future life"
I "Parbleu! you alarm me-" exclaime
Germenil. What is this mystery? E.
/ plain
? Learn then" said Dumont in voiC
Is of deep emotion, "what no living crei
| +,,,n l,,,n,,,o oava ourselves h,1t what