The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-27


him thoroaghly to the exigencies of the
position, and getting out Of bed he hus-
tied ON his clothes anyhow" as he said
10 himself, and hurried down just in
time to stop poor Marie's intended fight.
swcll," 10 said, looking at her with a
suspicious expression, ard like to know
what is the meaning Of this manege. I
thought you had promised M. Germenil
not to leave till he had spoken with you
againr
Poor Marie, quito abashed at his look
and manner, stammered confused re-
ply:
"I-I-was not going away" she said.
'T was--only-going to get little fresh
air"
Pierre grunted incredulously.
Fresh air, indeed! People don't steal
out Of honest folks houses at this hour
Of the morning before any ones up for
nothing. The patron will get finely
taken in one Of these days, giving shelter
to . pack Of lazy beggars who won't
work Tor their living as long as they can
contrivs 10 got IL for nothing"
These rough words were the last straw
TO poor Msrie's ovcrwrought feelings,
and she burst into tears. Taking her
handkerchief out Of her pocket in order
10 wipe her eyes, she pulled out with it
the pure which n. Germenil had given
her the previous evening. It fell on tho
floor with an unmistakable chink, and
Pierre stopped and picked it up, looking
from II to her and from her to 1t more
suspiciously than ever.
"Tiensr he said, "a purse full of goldi
II seems you are not quite 80 poor then
as you would have us believe. I'd like
to know how you came by thisI"
"It is mine, indeed" sobbed the poor
creature, "and honestly come by. M.
Germenil gave 1t 10 me last night"
IN. 0ermsnil gave II 10 your said
Pierre, amazed and incrcdulous. "Well,
you csn eakly prove your honesty and
the truth OF what you say by waiting
till he comes Gown"
Silently Marie followed him into the
sale and seated herself beside table
near the window, gazing wistfully out,
thinking how ready people generally
were to credit those in misery with being
capable Of all sorts Of crimes. Pierre
meanwhile went about his morning
duties, grumbling to himself and casting
anything but friendly looks in her direc-
ton as he hustled in and out Of the room.
The latter part Of the conversation be-
tween Marie and Pierre had been over
heard by Remond, who. hearing the
sound of voices below, had come out Of
bis room to listen, lest anything might
take place without his knowledge which
would cause hitch in his plans.
He seemed, however, very well pleased
with what he heard and re-entered the
room with quite cheerful air. Bertrand
being still in bed. The sound of Marie's
voice, which he had not before heard,
confirmed his suspicion of the previous
evening, when the momentary glance he
had had Of her face had so remarkably
Affected him and so disturbed his usual
imperturbable self possession.
Nothing could have fitted in better
with his plan. Marie had already reused
suspicion by her attempt TO get secretly
away and by her possession of the gold,
though apparently so poor. A damning
circumstance Of which none knew so
wen as he-she would be unable to give
hny satisfactory explanation. The only
thing remaining to be done was to insure
her departure before a discovery was
made Of the murder. That accomplished.
they were safe. There could be no doubt
rs to the resuit-every circumstance
pointed to her guilt. She would be fol-
lowed, arrested, brought back, and they
would take their opportunity Of quietly
Eipping away without exciting suspi-
cion. "It's not very difficult to outwit
these wooden headed country gen.
darmesr he added as he finished his ex-
PLANTATION.
"You were right enough, too, mon
ami, when you said woman was al
ways useful. This one was very useful
to me some IS or 10 years ago. 1t is odd,
pardie," he said refectively, "that she
should turn up again TO be of use In the
present emergency"
"What do you meany' said Bertrand.
"This one! Do you know her then?'
"Yesp replied the other; Eat least /
ought to. I felt pretty sure Of 1t last
night, but since have heard her voice l
am certain. She is my wifeI"
When Bertrand had finished his ex-
clamstions OF surprise, his companion
went on to explain that he would insure
Maris's fight by letting her know that
he recognized her, and as she was ap-
parently anxious to conceal her real
identity he had no doubt Of the success
Of this maneuver.
"But suppose she recognizes your"
Bah! Always afraid Of something.
There is no fesr OF her recognizing me.
This" touching the black bandage he
wore, "and the absence Of my mustache,
which wore when she knew me first,
make my face quite uurecognizable. I
change my voice little, and the thing IL
done"
In accordance with this arrangement
they now dressed themselves and went
down stairs, Bertrand looking i'll at
ease and wishing himself well out of the
place, his companion, with his usual