Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-07-21

You will excuse me, ladies, for IN
truding az this time of your afflic-
ton; but have duty TO fulfill."
The two women were silent. They
seemed TO be waiting for him 10 ex-
plain He added in an undertone,
IT know all"
BY an imploring gesture Nine. Fau-
vel tried to stop him. She saw that
he was about TO reveal her secret to
Madeleine.
But Louis would not see this ges-
ture. He turned his whole attention
TO Madeleine. who haughtily said:
Explain yourself. Monsieur"
"Only one hour ago" he replied, ~
discovered that Rsoui last night
forced from his mother the key of
the money safe, and stole $4,000
francs
Madeleine crimsoned with shame
and indignation. She leaned over the
sofa, and sewing her aunt's wrist
shook it violently, and in a hollow
voice cried:
1T is false. is il not, aunt? Speak,
Alas! alas!" groaned Mime. Fau-
vel. What have / done?''
you have allowed Prosper to be
accused" cried Madeleine. "You have
graced for life"
Forgive met" sighed Nine Fauvel
He was about TO kill himself; was
so frightened Then. you know-Pros-
per was TO share the money; he gave
Raoul the secret word"
Good heaven Aunt. how could you
believe such falsehood as that?''
Clameran interrupted them.
Unfortunately. what your aunt
says Of n. Bertomy Is the truth" he
said. in sad tone.
Your proofs. Monsieur; where are
your proofs2"
"Raours confession"
"Raoul is false"
THAT is only too true; but how did
he find out the word. If NJ Bertomv
did not reveal IL? And who left the
money in the safe but NJ. Bertomy? 80
These arguments had no effect upon
Madeleine.
And now tell me- she said. scorn-
fully. what became OF the money!
There was no installing the signifi-
canee of these words. They meant:
"Nou are the instigator of the rob
berry. and. Of course. have possession
of the money"
This harsh accusation from girl
whom he 80 passionately loved. when.
grasping bandit. az he was. he gave
up for her sake all the money gained
by his crime. SO cruelty hurt Clameran
that he turned livid. But his NORTH
cation and anger did not prevent him
from pursuing the part he bad pre-
pared and studied.
a day will come. MademoiseIle.'
he said. ~ hen you will deeply regret
having treated me so cruelty. l un-
derStaud your insiuuation; you need
not attempt 70 deny It,"
Il have no idea OF denying any
thing, Monsieur"
"Madeleinel" demonstrated Nine
Fauvel. who trembled at the rising
anger OF the man. who held her fate
in her hands. Madeleine, be carefuli''
Mad, moiselle is pitiless" said Cla-
meran, sadly. "She cruelty Furnishes
an honorable man whose only lault
u having obeyed his brothers diving
inJuncttous. And I am here now. be-
cause believe in the joint RESPONSE
bility OF all the members OF the fam
lily"
Here he slowly drew from his peck
ct several bundles Of bank notes. aud
laid them on the mantelpiece.
"Raoul stole $50, 900 francs" he
said. Il return the same amount. IL
is more than half my fortune. willing
ly would 1 give the rest 10 insure this
being the last crime committed by
him."
Too inexperienced 10 penetrate this
bold. yet simple, plan OF Clameran's,
Madeleine was dumb with astonish-
ment; all her calculations were upset.
Nine. Fauvel, on the contrary. ac-
cepted this restitution as salvation
sent from Heaven.
"Oh, thanks: Monsieur: thanLs,"
she cried. gratefully, clasping Cla-
fneran's hand in hers "lou are good
ness itself"
LOUIS eye liz ap with pleasure. But
he re1oiced too soon. 4 minutes re-
hection brought hack all of Made
leine's distrust. She thought this mar
nanimitN and generosity unnatural i'm
man whom she considered incapable
~
clnded that "a must conceal some
snare beneath.
What are we 70 do with this mon
ey? she demanded.
Restore il 10 NJ. Fauvel, Mademoi-
seIle''
We restore it. Monsieur, and how?
Restoring the money is denouncing
Raoul, and running my aunt. Take
back your money, Monsieur. We will
not touch it,
Clameran was too shrewd TO insist:
he took up the money and prepared
10 leave.
comprehend your refusal, made
moiseile, and must find another way
OF accomplishing my wish. But, be-
Tore retiring, let me say that your in
justice pains me deeply. After the
promise you made TO me, had reason
10 hope for kinder welcome"
i viii keep my promise, monsieur: