The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1893-03-29
WHOLE NO. 1865

TO seek to elucidate this mystery. But
/ we must part Each must 60 his own
way, for with this feskful doubt III ops
minds we could never live under the
same roof in harmony.
81, Jean, am the marquis; you, Rene,
the count, and Francois the vicomte de
Guebrianges. Thus the family name will
remain intact, and the world viii never
guess our dishonor. What do you think
Of my proposition
81 think that you are right, said Rene.
'sYou have expressed my own ideas ex-
actly, and am sure that Francois Is Of
my opinion. But there is something
must say in spite of the pain the very
thought gives me, and I hope that you
will not be hard upon me. believe my
mother referred to me. Listen to my
reasons"
His brothers started at his bold words,
and like the loved gentleman he was the
Count de Guebrianges proceeded to do
what he considered to be his duty.
'sYou, JEAN" he continued, ssare our
mothers firstborn. You came into the
world the year after her marriage, so
you are out Of the question altogether"
The marquis smiled. OF course he was
out of the question. 'sYou, Francois,
were her PETITE one upon whom she
lavished all her love. You were born only
few months after the death Of our SIS
ter Bertha, who was the pride of my
mothers life and whom she has mourned
literally in sackcloth and ashes for SO
many weary years. It would be an IN
suit to my sisters memory to cast slur
on you, while / am different. God help
mol first saw the light in q strange
land. The late Marquis de Guebrianges
was then ambassador to st. Petersburg.
My mother was very young, very beau
| tiful, fascinating and sorely neglected.
Be lenient IL she faltered In her duty.
She was our mother, and she is dead.
Her expiration has been long, and she
has carried part of her secret with her to
the world beyond the grave. I am con-
| WINGED that am the stranger, and feel
that am giving her the supreme proof
| of my love and respect in telling you
| what think to be the truth. Now, what
am | to doY' The count turned from
| them and hid his face in his hands, while
his whole frame shook with the emotion
he could no longer control, It was not
| for himself. but the woman who Lay dead
| in tho next room had been the idol OF bis
life, and he wept that she was no more.
| The marquis voice, cold and contemptu-
GUS, reused him.
my brother and thank you for your
frankness To the world you viii al
ways remain the Count de Guebrianges,
but you must 60
"When will you leave2"
After the funeral said Rene in sur
! prise, and looking up he met the cold,
impiacable gaze of his eldest brother.
By tacit consent they returned to the
chamber Of death and reverently knelt
beside the couch where the marchioness
reposed Suddenly they sprang to their
feet as she slowly raised herself, and
pointing to her eldest son gasped.
1T is-it is Jean"
Then she fell heavily back. She had
only tainted before, but this time she
was dead indeed.
Rene said nothing. but his strong arms
encircled his brothers tottering form,
and in after years his true heart never
wavered in his affection for his brother,
nor in his respect and devotion for the
dear martyr whose last breath had been
his vindication. From the French OF
Henri Lavedan in New York journal.