Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
CHAPTER XI.
AN UNFoREsEEN pELAY.

Meanwhile things had been progress ing merrily indoors. M. Dumont at the head of the table, with his son and future dauShter-in-law at his right and left hand and M. Germenil facing him, had pressed his good fare on his guests with hearty country hospitality, and they had done justice tOit in a way that delighted the old CuiSiuiere, Margot, who was as much part of Les Bons Anlis as the walls themselves and who had insisted on carrying one or two of the principal dishes herself. setting them down before her master with ''Voila!" full of mean ing. which seemed to say, Beat that if you can" while her complacent smile showed she was sure of her position as the best cook in all the country round The good wine circulated freely-healths were drunk and old stories retold. and full of high good humor and content they adjournC,. to the red damask salon to witness the signing of the contract.
 Here, however, an unexpected hitch occurred. At the last moment it was discovered that the notaire, who had come from the neiShboring town of St Maurice. some leagues away, and was the guest of his cousin. the cure at the rrrsbytrrr. had forgotten an essential paper. without which the necessary for mulities could not be completed There was great diSmay at this hitch in the proceedings. and much wrath was poured out on the head of the notarys clerk, to whom the forgetfulness was attributed --a soutTrr doulcur is indispensable on such occasions Charles was in despair. poor little Clcmentine almost ill tears for she had overheard the whispers of a couple of old commeres, who, with many shakes of the head and sighs, de cided that such delays were very un- lucky. and they wouldn't be surprised at anything that might happen. Per hlps there would bc no welding at all, etc
 However. there Was nothing for it but to make the best of 1t. So it was decided that tn: notary'S clerk should start at once. and taking the carriole should make all speed to St. Maurice. procure the missing paper and return after a short rest. 50 as 10 arrive at Les Bons Amis by hrcakfa>t time. The contract could then be signed 1T once and the wedding go on as already arranged.
 The only person dissatisfied with this arrangement WAS the poor clerk, who was not remarkable for courage and did not particularly relish tlr long, lonely drive i'll the dark which lav between him and St. Maurice. Specially, as when the stories We're going round after din ner, he had overheard the naire of the village. VI. Ritfaut, tell his neighhor at table that there was a report that the notorious Robert Macaire had es- caped from prison it Lyons. Of course Lyons v,;,s q Ion-, way off. but all the same the little clerk did nos feel at all comfortable. However it Was settled without his opinion being asked. and Pierre vas dispatched to sre that the carrlole WIS harneSsed without delay.
 After q little more co.lvcrSation on the all important subject. the company took their departure, promising to come in the morning in good time, and bidding Charles and Clclncntinc keep up their spirits, fer after all there would not be any real delay i'll the marriage. and the contract could just IS well be signed i'll the morning. and the only i'll foreboding ones being the two old commeres before mentioned. who, circulating, oh! Ia pau vrettc as they bid her goodby, exchanged at the same time looks more significant than worGS.
 Leaving Charles and Clemrntine to- gether, M. DUmont and M. Gcrmenil went down to the gate of the courtyard with the departing guests.
 Having seen them all off. they turned and walked slowly back across the court yard toward the ho,lSl.
 We left Remond and his companion seated at one silr of the tables, no; be ing very anxious to attract attention. As they saw the two men approach they slipped quietly into the shadow behind the raised stand on which the musicians had been seated.
 The air was still, and Remolls sharp cars. accustomed To listening. caught d fragment of their conversation aS they slowly passed "t no great distance from where ntn was concealed