Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1904-08-09
CHAPTER XVIII

As soon as NJ. de Bonfons left her
Eugene sank into her chair and burst
into tears. All was over, and this was
the end.
The president Travelled post to Paris
and reached his journeys end on the
following evening. The next morning
he went to des Grassins, and arranged
for Al meeting of the creditors. Every
man of them appeared.
NJ. de Bonfons, in Mile. Grandet's
name, paid down the money in full, both
capital and interest. 1t was an amazing
pcrtent, nine days wonder in the husi-
hess world of Paris. After the whole
affair had been wound up, and when
des Grassins had received fifty thousand
francs for his services. the president be-
took himself to the Hotel d'Aubrion,
and was lucky enough to find Charles at
home, and in disgrace with his future
father-in-law. The old marquis had Just
informed that gentleman that until Gull
laume Grandet's creditors were satisfied
a marriage with his daughter was not to
be thought of. To Charles. thus de-
spondent, the president delivered the fol-
lowing letter:
Dear Cousin-M. lie President de
discharge of all claims against my I'M
cle's estate. l heard rumors of bank
ruptcy, and it occurred to me that diff
culties might possibly arise as conse-
queDce in the matter of your marriage
with Mile. d'Aubrion. Yes, cousin, YOU
are quite right about my tastes and man
ners; have lived, as you say, so entirely
out of the world, that ] know nothing
of its ways or its calculations. and my
companionship could never make UP to
you for the loss of the pleasures that YOU
look to find in society. l hope that you
will be happy according to the social con-
ventions TO which you have sacrificed
Your early love. The only thing in my
power to give YOU to complete your hap
piness is your fathers good name. Fare
we'll; you viii always find a faithful
friend in your cousin.
EUGENE.
In spite OF himself an exclamation
broke from the man of social ambitions
when his eyes fell ON the discharge and
receipts. The president smiled.
we can each announce our mar
riage," said he.
''Oh. You are to marry Eugeniel Well,
am glad To hear it; she is kind
hearted girl Way" struck with sud
den luminous idea. she must be rich;'
-Four days ago she had about nine
teen Millions the president said, with
malicious twinkle in his eyes; ''to-
day she has only seventeen"
Charles was dumfounded; he stared at
the president
Seventeen mil"
Seventeen millions. Yes. sir; when
we are married Mile Grandet and shall
muster seven hundred and fifty thou
sand livres year between MS"
My dear cousin, said Charles. with
some return OF assurance. I'VE shall be
able To push each others fortune."
"Cereainly," said the president. There
is something else here" he added. "a
little case that l was TO give only Tito
your hands," and he set down box
containing the dressing case upon the
table
The door opened, and in came Nine
la Marquise d'Aubrion; the great lady
seemed 10 be unaware Of Cruchot's ex-
istence. Look here. dear she said;
never mind what that absurd NJ. dAu-
brion has been saying TO you repeat
il. there is nothing 10 prevent your i'sr-
riSCe-
Nothing. madame" answered Charles.
The three millions which my father
owed were paid yesterday. capital ana
interest l mean 10 rehabilitate as
memory"
~What unnScnSer' cried his mother-in-
law. who IS this person.: size asked
in Charles ear. Is she saw CrHchot for
the first time.
Ny man OF business" he answered IN
a low voice The Marquise gave NJ de
BCEfons diSdainful bow. and iefs the
room.
I'VE are beginning to push each eth
er's fortune already" said the Presi-
dent. tryiy. a. he took up his bat. Good
day, cousin"