The Iola register., 1902-04-18
main in Paris"
"And II II is never eXnlnined2"

ing about you to Clameran. You are
unjust to him, for he is your friend.
IF were in Prosper's place. he said,
4 would turn everything into money
aud embark for America. There l
would make q 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.
"WSli' %1 SiIi tSibR sdIG EaGTl # o1c,. vii, see
would like to know what NJ. Fauvel
says"
my uncle? 1 suppose you know
that have declined the offer he made
me to enter his banking house and we
have almost quarreed. l have not
BET foot in his house for over q month,
but hear of him occasionally"
Through whomp
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 terrible
dream"
"And Nine. Fauvel and"-Prosper
hesltated-"and Mile. Madeleine|
"Oh," said Raoul lightly, "my aunt
is ns devout as ever. She has a mass
said for the benefit of the sinner. AS
to my pretty, Icy cousin, she cannot
bring herself down to common mat
tcrs, 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, n stranger who has suddenly
appeared from no one knows where,
who is making a costume of Catherine
de- Medici's maid Of honor, and 1t is to
be a marvel"
Excessive suffering brings with 1t
sort of iDsensfbility. Prosper had
reached that state Of impassibility
from which he never expected to be
aroused when this last blow made him
cry out with pain:
Madeleine! Oh, Madeleinep
M. de Lagors, pretending not to have
heard him, arose.
II must leave you now, my dear
Prosper" he said. Saturday / will
see these ladies at the ball and will
bring you news of them. Keep up
your courage and remember that, what
ever happens, you can count on me-"
Raoul shook Prospers hand and left
the house. Prosper remained immov-
n, htrH rHiconnpintunnnf
He was aroused from his gloomy
reverie by the red whiskered man, who
| came from his concealment.
80 these are your friends"
yes" said Prosper, with bitterness.
"You heard him offer me half of his
| 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 the
whole? Offers cost nothing. But l
have no doubt that this pretty boy
would cheerfully give 10000 francs to
put the ocean between you and him"
"TIe, monsieur? Why SOP
"Who knows? Perhaps for the same
reason that he had not set foot for a
month in his uncle's house"
but that is the truth, monsieur. /
am sure of it,"
Naturally" said NJ. Verduret, with
a provoking smile. But" he contin-
ued seriously, 1--WE have devoted
enough time to this fair youth. Now
be good enough to change your dress
and we will 90 and call on NJ. Fauvel." +"
This proposal seemed revolving to
Prosper.
"Neverr he exclaimed, with excite
ment. "No, never will 1 voluntarily
set eyes on that wretch~
This resistance did not surprise NJ
Verduret.
81 can understand your feelings to-
ward him." said he, "but at the same
time hope you will change your mind
For the same reason that wished tc
see NJ. de Lagors do l wish to see NJ
Fauvel. 1t is necessary, you under
stand. Are you so very weak that yor
cannot restrain yourself for five min
utes? | shall introduce myself as one
of your relatives, and you need mo-
speak a word"
"If it is absolutely necessary" sale
Prosper "if you wish"-
"It is necessary. Come on. Hurry
and fix yourself up a little. 1t is get
ting late, and l am hungry. We viii
breakfast on our way there"
Prosper had hardly passed into hi
bedroom when the bell rang again. NJ
Verduret opened the door, 1t was thu
porter, who handed him thick letter
"This letter" said he, twas left thi
morning for NJ. Bertomy, l was 81
flustered when he came that l forgo
TO hand it to him. 1t is very ode
looking letter, is 1t not, monsieurT'
1t was indeed singular epistle
The address was not written, bu
formed of printed letters, carefully Gu
from book and pasted on the envel
ope.