Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1902-03-07
CONTINUED

frOsperS portrait OF NJ. de Layers
had not been exaggerated. So hand
some face and manly a figure could
belong only to noble character. Al
though Raoul said that he was twenty
four he appeared to be not more than
twenty. He had a superb figure, we'll
knit and supple; beautiful white
brow, shaded by soft chestnut curly
hair, and soft blue eyes which beamed
with frankness.
His first impulse was to throw him
self into Prosper's arms. my poor,
dear friendw he said, taking Prosper's
hands. my poor Prosperv'
But beneath these affectionate DEM
onstrations there was certain con-
straint, which, if it escaped the cash
Ter, was noticed by NJ. Verduret.
"Your letter, my dear Prosper" said
Raoul after being seated, "made me
III, was so frightened by it. l asked
myself If you could have lost your
mind. Then left everything to come
to you"
Prosper did not seem to hear him.
He was preoccupied about the letter
he had not written. What were its
contents? Who was this man whose
assistance he had accepted?
"YOu must not feel discourse ed,' -
continued NJ. de Layers. AT your age
you may commence life anew. Your
friends are still left to you. Rely upon
me. am rich. Half Of my fortune is
at your disposal"
This generous offer. made at a mo-
ment like this with such frank SIM
plicity, deeply touched Prosper.
'"Thanks, Raoul," he said, with emo
ton; thank you! But unfortunately all
the money in the world would be Of
no use now"
"Why so? What are you going to
do? Do you propose to remain IN
Paris?"
81 know not, Raoul. I have made no
plans yet. My mind is confused.''
II will tell you what to do,'' replied
Raoul quickly. you must start afresh
Until this mysterious robbery is ex-
planned it will never do for you to re-
main in Paris"
'And If it is never explained?"
"Only the more reason for your re-
naming in oblivion. have been talk
Ing about you to Clameran. You are
unjust to him, for he is your friend.
If were in Prosper's place. he said,
Il would turn everything into money
and embark for America. There I
would make fortune and return to
crush with my millions those who
have suspected me-"
This advice offended Prosper's pride,
but he said nothing. He was thinking
of what the stranger had said to him.
"Well?" said Raoul.
II will think it over. will see. I
would like to know what NJ. Fauvel
says"
my uncle? suppose you know
that have declined the offer he made
me to enter his banking house and we
have almost quarreled. I have not
set foot in his house for over a month,
but hear of him occasionally
Through whom?'
Through your friend, young Cavail.
Ion. My uncle, they say, is more dis
tressed by this affair than you are
He is scarcely ever at the bank and
wanders about as if in a terribl
dream"
"And Nine. Fauvel and"-Prosper
hesitated-"and Mile. Madeleine?'
"Oh," said Raoul lightly, my aunt
1s as devout as ever. She has mass
said for the benefit of the sinner. As
to my pretty, icy cousin, she cannot
bring herself down to common mat
tiers, because she is entirely absorbed
in preparing for the fancy ball to be
given day after tomorrow by NM. Jan
didier. She has discovered, so one OF
her friends told me, wonderful dress
maker, stranger VINO has suddenly
appeared from no one knows where
who is making costume of Catherine
de- Medicfs maid of honor, and it is tt
be a marvel"
Excessive suffering brings with It q
sort of insensibility. Prosper had
reached that state Of impassibility
from which he never expected to be
aroused when this last blow made hin
cry out with pain:
Madeleine! Oh, Madeleinev'
NJ. de Layers, pretending not to have
heard him, arose.
II must leave you now, my deal
Prosper" he said. saturday I viii
see these ladies at the ball and viii
bring you news Of them. Keep w
your courage and remember that, what
ever happens, you can count on me-"
Raoul shook Prosper's hand and lef
the house. Prosper remained immov
able, overcome by disappointment.
He was aroused from his gloomy
reverie by the red whiskered man, wht
came from his concealment
$50 these are your friends"
Eyes," said Prosper, with bitterness
you heard him offer me half of hit
fortune?'
NJ. Verduret shrugged his shoulders
with an air Of compassion.
'That was very stingy on his part
he said. "Why did he not offer thu
whole? Offers cost nothing. But ]
have no doubt that this pretty boy