The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1899-04-15
81 see,"replied Anatole, "that you are

II see" replied Anatole, that you are
an adversary worthy of my steel, and
my desire increases to measure swords
with man SO redoubtable. Let us see.
Suppose we fight with those two swords
by the chimney, or these cavalry sabers,
are these-or what do you say to these
curved ataghans. You don't decide.
Why do you hesitate?"
II was thinking of your mother and
the grief your death would cause her."
II am an orphan. Do you prefer the
carbine, the pistol, or the revolver?"
young man, do not fool with these
firearms"
care you afraid? You tremble."
II tremble? Nonsense, it is the cold"
"Then either fight OF renounce the
hand of Nicette."
II like your pluck. The brave should
always be in harmony with each other.
DO you wish me to confess something
to you?"
"Out with it,
"For some time past have wished
to free myself from this betrothal. But
did not know how to go to work about
it. I would consent very willingly to
what you desire of me, but you must
understand that I, Capendac, cannot
have the air of yielding to threats.
Now, you have menaced me-"
II withdraw the menace"
''Then it is agreed"
''Will you write and sign your relin-
quishment of Nicette?"
II have so much sympathy for you
that can refuse you nothing"
Furnished with the precious paper.
Anatole hurried back to the residence
of M. Bousard. He reached his door at
eight o'clock.
"Ting-a-ling-a-ling."
"Who is there?"
"Anatole."
"Be off to bed," cried the professor,
wrathfully.
81 have the consent of M. Capendac.
Open, or will have to break the door,
M. Bousard opened it. Anatole
showed him the paper, and going to the
door of Nicette's room, called out:
"Cousin, rise, dress yourself quickly
and come down."
Some minutes after Nicette, fresh as
the dawn, came into the little parlor.
"What is the matter?" she inquired.
"The matter u.s." answered M. Bou-
sard, shat your cousin is crazy"
"If that be so there is at any rate
method in my Madness" exclaimed
Anatole. "This very night, my dear
cousin, have achieved two things. M
Capendac has renowned his claim to
your hand and your excellent guardian
consents that you shall marry whom
you please"
REALLY and truly my guardian, am
free to marry Anatole?"
"Ha!" exclaimed Anatole.
"Then, I love you. my cousin"
At that moment Anatole felt his heart
beat rapidly. Was it by reason of the
pleasure which the unexpected avowa1
of Nicette had caused him? Was it the
pang predicted by DR.. Bardais? Was it
death?
"Wretch that I ami" exclaimed the
poor fellow. "The cup of happiness is
at my lips, and am going to die with
out tasting it it."
Then feverishly taking Nicette's
hand, he told her all: How he had re.
ceived the letter which contained the
flower whose fragrance he had inhaled;
and of the prognostic of DIR. Bardais;
how he had made his will in her favor
the steps he had subsequently taken
and the success with which his efforts
had been crowned.
"And now" sighed he, II must die"
"But it is impossible" said Nicette;
''the doctor is deceived. WHO'S he?"
"A man who is never wrong in his
diagnosis, Nicette-Dr. Bardais."
"Bardais, Bardais!" cried M. Bousard
suddenly, bursting out laughing
Hear what the morning paper says:
1.-THE learned DR.. Bardais has Just
been suddenly stricken with mental
alienation. The mania from which he
suffers is of scientific character. II
is well known that the doctor made a
special study of poisonous substances
He believes now that all whom he meets
| are poisoned. and endeavors to per.
suade them that such is the case. He
was removed at midnight to the big
whote house,"
"Nicette!"
"Anatole!"
The young couple had rushed into
each others arms, and were locked in
fond embrace.-Translated from the
French for the San Francisco Argonaut
by Judson F. Davidson.