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

The tradesmen whose money had
been squandered by Raoul. refused TO
give credit any longer, and insisted
upon their bill being paid at once:
saying they could not understand how
a man of NJ. Fauvel's wealth and posi-
ton could keep them waiting for such
insignificant sums.
The butcher, grocer and wine mer-
chant had bills of one, two and five
hundred francs only; but. not having
even that small amount. Mime. Fauvel
had difficulty in prevailing upon them
10 receive part on account, and wait
n little longer for the resideu.
Some of the storelceepers threat
ened 20 ask the banker for their mon
ey, If everything was not settled be-
fore the end of the week.
Alasi Nine. Fauvers Indebtedness
amounted TO $4,000 francs.
Madeleine and her aunt had de-
clined all invitations during the win
ter, 20 avoid purchasing evening
dresses; having always been remarka-
bic for their superb toilets, seldom APP
pearing in the same ball dress twice.
they dared not give rise to comment
by wearing their old dresses. and
| knowing that NJ. Fauvel would be the
first TO ask the cause of this sudden
change, as he liked to see them ALWAYS
the best dressed women in the room
But at last they were obliged TO ap-
pear in public. Mime. Fauvels most
intimate friends. the Messrs. Jandi-
der, were about 20 give a splendid
ball, and, as fate would have IL, a
fancy BAH. which would require the
purchasing of costumes.
Where would the money come
from?
They had been owing a large bill
TO their dress maker for over a year.
Would she consent TO furnish them
dresses on credit? They were ashamed
TO ask her.
Madeleine's new maid. Palmyre
Chocareille. extricated them from this
difficulty.
This girl. who had suffered all the
minor MS Of life-which. after all. are
the hardest TO bear-seemed 20 have
OWNED her mistress anxiety.
At any rate. she voluntarily in
formed Madeleine that friend OF
hers, "a hrst-class dress maker. had
just set up for herself and would be
glad 20 furnish materials and make
| the dresses on credit, for ths, sake of
obtaining the patronage OF Mime
Fauvel and her niece, which would az
once bring her plenty OF fashionable
customers.
But after this dilemma was settled.
! "a still greater one presented itself.
Nine. Fauvel and her niece could
not appear at a bali without jewelry;
and every jewel they owned had been
taken by Raoul, and pawned.
After thinking the matter over.
Madeleine decided 90 ask Raoul TO
take some OF the stolen money, and
redeem the last set of jewels he had
forced from his mother. She in.
formed her aunt OF her intention, and
said. in tone that admitted of no
contradiction:
Appoint an interview with Raoul:
he will not dare 20 refuse you; and
will go in your stead"
The next day, the courageous girl
took cab. and, regardless Of the In
element weather, went 10 vesinet
She would have been filled with con
sternRtion had she known that NJ
Nerduret and Prosper were following
close behind. and witnessed her inter
view from the top of ladder
Her bold step was Ruthless Raoul
swOre that ne had divided with Pros.
per; that his own half OF the money
was spent. and that nc had not "A ma.
poleon wherewith 90 redeem any
thing.
He even refused TO give up the
pledges. and Madeleine had 70 resort
10 threats of exposure, before sh,.
could induce him TO surrender the
tickets OF four or five triaing articles
that were Indispensable 20 their.
toilet
Clameran had ordered him 20 refuse
positively to give mp single ticket,
because he hoped that in their dis
tress they would call upon him for
relief
The violent alteration witnessed
by Clameran's new valet, Joseph Du-
bois, had been caused by the exaction
Of this promise.
The accomplices were at this time
on very bad terms. Clameran was
seeking safe means of getting rid
of Eaoul; and the young scamp, hav.
ing a presentiment of his uncle's in
tentions, was determined TO outwit
him.
Nothing but the certainty of inn
pending danger could reconcile them
The danger was revealed TO them both
at the Jandidier ball.
Who was the mysterious mounte-
bank that INDUCED in such trans
parent illusions TO Nine. Fauvel's pri-
vate troubles. and then said with
threatening significance 10 Louis:
Il was the best friend of your
brother Gaston?"
Who he was. where he came from,
they could not imagine; but they
clearly saw that he was a dangerous
enemy, and forthwith attempted 30
assassiDate him upon his leaving The
ball.
Having been followed and watched
by their would-be victim. they Oe-
came alarmed-especially when he
IA n