The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1897-01-13

Then there came n gentle knock at
his door, and he opened it.
81 am come to scold you, M.
SilYain," said Renee, with her sweet
smile. ''AIerthe tells US that you re-
fused to come in because we had a
visitor. Surely you did not think you
would be intrudiug? NJ. Delaunay
wishes to be introduced to you.
ought to tell you," she added ahyly,
''that we-that we are engaged,
though sur engagement has not the
sanction of his family, and-you are
not i'll, NJ. Silvain?"
He shook his head, smiling con-
strainedly. "No, not i'll, only little
low spirited.
81 nm very sorry" she said, gently.
eve have oil our troubles-you
have yours also, my child, have you
not? but you are young, and in youth,
though sorrow may endure for a
night, Joy cometh with the morn
ing. :"
"My morning seems still far off, )"
she answered, with q smile and q
sigh.
"Thanks for your sympathy, my
sweet friend. Good night"
"Until tomorrow, she cried.
He watched her out of sight, then
stood for moment on the landing,
looking down, deep in thought. When
he raised his face it had recovered its
usual serenity, and wore look of
resolution which gave it a new dig
nifty.
''Yes," he muttered, ''I will do it !;
she shall be happy. And as for me-
well, l shall be no worse off than 1
was formerly"
Daylight was waning when at last
Renee and Maurice turned their faces
homeward. Half way across the Pont
Neuf, Reree paused with a regretful
exclamation:
81 quite forgot Pere Joyeuxl''
''Who is hep her companion de-
manded.
tAn old pensioner Of mine; a Grip.
pied fiddler who always plays on the
bridge. There he is, on the other
side. Let us cross over"
"Neyer mind now, Renee; it is get
ting dark, and beginning to snow
again. Give him something to.mor-
row."
"But this is New Years Day, and it
seems unkind to neglect him when 1
am so happy. Look, he has seen me
he is looking so wistfullyl Stay
here, shall not be moment.
The road was slippery with fresh
fallen snow, and when half way across
the girls foot slipped. She made a
vain effort to recover herself, and fell
Just in the track of heavy vehicle
which came laundering along, drawn
by two powerful horses. The driver,
ON his high perch, did not perceive
what had happened till the bystanders
uttered a warming shout, which was
echoed by a cry of alarm from Mau-
rice, as he hurried to her assistance.
Pere Joyeux, who had been watch
ing her movements, hung his violin
aside, and before Maurice could reach
the spot, he had snatehed her literally
from under the horses hoofs.
"Whnt an escaped" Maurice gasped.
'Are you hurt, Renee?"
"No, no; but where is Pere Joyeux
who has saved my lile?" she asked,
! anxiously looking aronnd. Then
Renee saw the figure of her old friend
stretched insensible upon the asphalt.
The next moment policeman ap-
preached, and after few brief in
quiries, which Maurice answered, per-
emptorily dispersed the lookers-on,
and hailed passing carriage, giving
the order; "ro the Hotel Dieu."
sis he seriously hurt?" aske d
Renee, when she went to the hospital.
she Is dying" was the grave reply.
''You are surprised at the change in
his appearance the surgeon re.
marked in an undertone; she had
been wearing a false beard, and with
ont it he looks quite different man.
1t is possible that he"
SIS she there?" the patient asked
family.
81 am NJ. Silyain to you," he said
when they were alone; "but your
father knew me as Silvain Matthew. -
"What it was you whom my father
wronged?" she faltered.
"Dear child, you have repaired the
wrong and lett me your debtor" hC
gently replied. ''You know what was
formerly my profession? was q
dancing master met with an acci
dent and became a cripple. had
little money. l lost it in a specula
tion. had the natural instincts Of
the vagabond. 1 became the street
musician. am the Pere Joyeux. Dc
not look distressed. 1t was life just
suited to me. could be a gentleman
at times-as NJ. NSilvaIn. l had not as
many friends as Silvain as l had as Il
Pere Joyeux. l loved you as a daugh
ter when you first put money in my
hand. But there is more than that.
Renee kissed the hurt man.
He continued; "rhe false beard an(
the wooden leg made all the difference
to some-but not to you. Yes, kis
me again, and with the ghost of hi
former gallant manner he raiseC
Renee's hand to his lips. Renee wa
sobbing.
"Hush," he interrupted gently
fwhat better fortune can ] have than
to save your life and secure your hap
piness2 Renee, you will find parce
in my desk, directed to yourself
restore your gift, dear-as l meant t
haYe dons-if / had lived. There j
no obstacle now between you-and-
your lover. God bless you both. Hoy
dark it erows-and cold Do not b,
sorry for me, dear-I am quite con