The Paducah sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1898-1906, 1902-12-23

two attempts 10 XIII MN. Mime. fau-
vel having told him what conditions
Madeleine placed on her consent to
marriage. Raoul instantly saw the
great interest Clameran would have in
his removal He recalled n thousand
little remarks and events Of the last
few days. and on skillfully questioning
the marquis his suspicious changed
into certainty. This conviction that
the man whom he had so materially as
sisted I'm his criminal plans was so
basely ungrateful as to turn against
him inspired in Raoul n resolution TO
take speedy vengeance upon his treach-
erous accomplice and at the same time
insure his own safety. He was per.
suaded that by openly siding with
Madeleine and her aunt he could save
them from Ciameran's clutches. Hav-
ing fully resolved upon this. he wrote
a note TO Nine. Fauves asking for an
interview. The poor woman hastened
to Vesinet at the appointed hour, con-
WINGED that some new misfortune was
In store for her. She found Raoul more
tender and affectionate than he had
ever been. He saw the necessity Of re-
assuring her and winning his old place
In her forgiving heart before making
his disclosures.
He succeeded. The poor lady had a
smiling and happy air in an armchair.
with Raoul kneellng before her.
II have distressed you too long, my
dear mother" he said in his softest
tones, but repent sincerely. Now
listen TO me-"
He had not time to say more. The
door was violently thrown open, and
NJ. Fauvel, revolver in hand, entered
the room.
"Ah," he said, you thought you
could abuse my credulity forever!'
Raoul had the courage to place him
self before Nine. Fauvel and to stand
prepared to receive the expected bullet.
IL assure you, uncle he began.
Enough interrupted the banker,
with an angry gesture. Cease this act
ing, OF which am no longer the dupe."
II swear to you
spare yourself the trouble of deni-
ais. know all. / know who pawned
my wife's diamonds. know who com
mitted the robbery for which the limo
cent Prosper was arrested and impris-
oned."
Nine. Fauvel, white with terror, fell
upon her knees.
AT last IL had come-the dreadful day
had come! Vainly for years she had
added falsehood TO falsehood. Valnly
she had sacrificed herself and others.
All was now discovered.
Pardon, Andrel | conjure you, for
give mer
At these heartbroken tones the bank
er trembled. This voice brought be-
fore him the twenty years which he
had spent with this woman, who had
always been the mistress Of his heart.
whose slightest wish had been his law
and who by look could make him the
happlest or the most miserable Of men.
Unhappy womanr' he said. I'm
happy woman! What have | done that
you should act thus? l have loved you
too deeply"
Raoul, who listened with attention,
saw that If the banker knew some things
he certainly did not know all. He saw
that erroneous information had misled
the unhappy man and that he was still
a victim Of false appearances. He de
termined to convince him Of his mis-
take.
Monsieur he commenced.
But the sound OF Raours voice was
sufficient to break the charm.
"SllenceT cried the banker, with an
angry oath. "Silencew
The stiffness was only broken by the
sobs OF Nine. Fauvel.
81 came here" continued the banker,
with the intention OF killing you both.
but courage fails me to kill woman,
and will not kill an unarmed man."
Raoul once more tried to speak.
"Let me finishv' interrupted NJ. Eau
vel "Your life is in my hands. The
law excuses the vengeance Of an in
jured husband. but refuse to take ad-
vantage OF II. see on your mantel a
revolver similar to mine. Take 1t and
defend yourself"
"Never."
Defend yourselfr cried the banker.
raising his arm. "If not
Feeling the barrel Of NJ. Fauvel's re
volver touch HIS breast. Raoul took his
own pistol from the mantel.
.Place yourself In that corner of the
room, and | will stand in this" contin-
ued the banker. land when the clock
strikes. which will be In few seconds.
we will both fire."
They took the places designated. But
the horror OF the scene was too much
for Nine. Fauvel to witness any lon
ger without interposing. She under
stood but one thing-her son and her
husband were about TO kill each other
before her very eyes. Fright and hor
ror gave her strength to start up and
rush between the two men. with ex
tended arms.
"EIave pity. Andre!" she cried, wiring
ing her hands in anguish. LET me tell
you! Don't kill'-
This burst Of maternal love NJ. Eau
.-oI t..I- e.- tI,a ,,IaaIfper Of N n