The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1899-01-13

Jacques packed his trunk, telegraphed
for sta.eroom and that very evening
set out for Havre, accompanied by his
old friend, who babe him an affectionate
farewell at the pier.
Jacques was kept three months at the
bedside of his uncle, whose recovery
was slow. Regularly twice week the
two friends wrote to each other.
Jacques Letter were always filled
with accounts 81 his health, his new ex-
| istence, the interesting customs of this
new and clever people. He did not
neglect, in his correspondence, even to
give his partner the most minute in
| formation concerning the hardware bust
| ness in the new world and to advise
some changes suggested to him by the
good, practical sense of the Americans.
Pierre's letters had, on the contrary,
gradually diminished in interest and
| length. Toward the last he had sent
but notes of few lines, as if he were
afraid if he wrote at length of letting
some secret, which he was trying to
guard, escape him.
This brevity, of course, had surprised
Jacques.
| What is this mystery, he had won
dered
But as the hour of return was ap-
preaching he had silenced his curiosity,
certain of soon being enlightened as to
the reasons for this new attitude of his
| friend.
shall arrive this evening. JACQUES.
When Pierre received this telegram,
he turnd pale and called his wife.
jacques is coming back, and have
never dared to tell him of our mar
riage!'
"Really, this very dear friend, of
whose disapproval you stand in such
dread! When think that it was fear OF
his blame which made you hesitate to
marry me-
And, putting her arm around the neck
of her husband, Nine Durand seemed
to reproach him for his lack of eager.
ness.
"Yes, I confess it, said Pierre, smil.
ing 81 hesitated, but not for long, and
these beautiful eyes made short work Of
my indecision."
| A kiss finished the sentence, from
which it was easy to conclude that il
jacques opinion had had a moments
weight with his friend the latter die
not today regret the step he had taken.
He added, however:
"Poor Jacques! This will be blow
to himl Just think. we lived together
SO closely united! When l remember
that he is expecting to take up our life
again in our old apartments"--
Nine. Durand smiled.
"Are we not better off where we are
And, whatever pleasure you found il
the company of your friend, a1e you
not happier here, pampered by youl
wife-pampered by two women rather
for my sister lives with us?:''
Certainly, and if have regret
my dear, it is for not having known yor
sooner; but it is not myself that it is {
question of just now, but Jacques
What will be the best way to break i
to him?''
"Come, don't get nervous. There ar,
two hours yet He doesn't get here til
2. Before that we may perhaps fine
some ingenious method"
"Yes, beg of you, my dear, thinl
of some way. trust myself to you.
am SO troubled, SO worried at tn
thought of his CONSERVATION -
"Take courage. Women are NOR
clever than men, and have hopes o
arranging everything. Let me consul
with my sister.
Jacques had just entered his home
their home, he still believed.
Pierre was awaiting him, and tn
two friends fell into each others arms
cat last I see you again 70 salt
Jacques after the first greetings wer
over. "And now you will explain t.
me the mystery. When I think that il
your letters''-
But he did not finish the sentence
His glance fell on Pierre's coat-a Goa
of the latest fashion and cut, whicl
| contrasted strongly with the clothes b
used to wear, generally worn to tn
, thread From the coat his eyes rose t.
the cravat-and what cravat! Bril-
, liant in color and so artistically tiedl
"Did you tie that cravat?"
The proof of the crime was obvious
Pierre did not even try to deny it. H
1 had no desire to, besides.
[ ''No, did not
. ga woman did-only a woman cou1
' have!''
| "Yes, am marriedl'
l Unhappy mani"
A little later, and it was the wor
wretch" which Jacques, in his anger
: let fall.
The other excused himself as best b
t could.
He said:
"It was o chance which did it ali
q She is so charming, so pretty! l me
8 her one evening at Martins. They ha
: invited you and me. was bored all
myself 1 went. did not suspect any
. thing, assure you. She was there.
u was conquered at once, and you woul
have been, too, am sure of it. -
a "Ohp'
n A gesture of denial from Jacques, br
: Pierre continued:
| eyes, you would have been. To sc
e her was to love her! If you could kno'
her What grace, what charm AL
a you will not be long in understandin
me! Come, and you will pardon me !
q "Neverr'
4 ''At least you will dine with me th
9 evening""
"Indeed, nol''
1t took a good half hour for Pierre
# persuade his friend, but at last h
Y yielded
e Eyes, l will go with you, because
q do not wish to appear to sulk, but it
It purely from politeness and that l ma
Il not seem to be on bad terms with m