The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-24
cHApTER IX-C nIInnm.

As he spoke the sound of approach
&ng wheels was heard, and II. Germenils
carriole drove up TO the gate. Cha IS
ran forward to meet it. followed by N.
Dumont. He helped his iinancoe 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 filed
the carriole, and which, from the interest
Clementine took in their safety, evident
1y contained her wedding fnery. The
parcels safely landed, the servants car
xied 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 so
impatient only wonder she did not in
sist on starting in the middle of the night
30 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"
sDo You know think the little mare
Cocotte was as impatient as her mistress
TO get here? She came along at such a
/. pace one would have thought she knew
6he was coming to fete."
BY this the parcels had all been un-
loaded to Clementines satisfaction, and
ohe and Charles came forward.
ssWell," said Germcnil, ''now that inn
portant business is done, perhaps you
would give kiss to your future father
1n-lawY'
"With all my heart" said Clementine,
nhrowing her arms round Nj. Dumont's
neck and giving him hearty kiss on
each cheek.
"And you, Charles, added tho farmer.
Is'are you so bashful that you wait for
permission to kiss your bride?"
Charles, who had for moment forgot
ten his melancholy, started at these
words, and his face became again over
cast as he replied:
ITO be Clementine's husband, M. Ger
meril, is what my heart most longs for,
and If refrain from greeting her as my
/. bride it Is because honor forbids my do
1ng so till You have heard what my fa-
4her has to tell you. When you have
listened to him, You will then be in po-
kition to decide whether you still con-
Hider me worthy of such happiness and
honor"
'What does the boy mean" cried Ger
menil amazed, while Clementine, her
blue eyes full of dismay, calculated.
eCielw
II will explain il all, )" said NJ. Dumont.
R Meanwhile you, Charles, can take
Clementine indoors and show her what
we have been doing in her honor"
'sThat means" said Clcmentine, max
ing little moue, THAT l am not to
hear'--
Never mind. my dear; later you will
know all"
"Well," cried NJ. Germenil as soon as
they were alone, 'what is this mighty
secret which weighs SO on Charles mind
and makes him pull so long face?"
"He has reason to look sad, my FRIEND"
replied Dumont. What am now about
5 TO reveal TO you may rob him Of all tho
happiness of his future life"
'Parbleu! you alarm me-" exclaimed
Germenil "What is this mystery? Ex-
p]ainl"
"Learn, then" said Dumont in voice
Of deep emotion, 'what no living crea-
fure knows save ourselves, but what /
can no longer conceal from you--learn,
my friend. that Charles is not my son."
"Charlcs - is - not - your - SON. re-
peated Germenil, while intense amaze
ment took possession of every feature.
"My son in everything save in the tic
Of blood; but that, alasl is wanting"
"But--but." said Gcrmenil. IL don't
quito understand how
IL will tcl you the story from the be-
ginning. That viii be the best and sim
plest way" said Dumont. interrupting
him.
They seated themselves on ono Of the
benches under the lines. and leaning his
head on one hand II. Dumont began his
story, TO the accompaniment Of merry
laughter and the sounds Of cheerful
voices, which focted toward them from
the open doors and windows Of the au.
I. bcrge.
"You know already" he began. "the
circumstanccs under which I lost my
Wife--now some 90 years sg0--so there
= no need 10 go over on that Shortly
ofter her 1eath left tho place. taking
ths child with ire. and won't TO Grcnoble.
where had relative with whom In
T tended TO stay short time and in whose
+. caro- thought OF leaving the little one
until IL was few months old and bet
fcr able 10 bear the fatigue of a journey.
- Il was but fragile little creature
owing 20 its premature birth. But an
other sorrow was IL storo for nic. Very
coon after my arrival at Grcnoble the
bid died and I found myself slo9S