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

ne oeen guilty.
Mime. FauNel opened her lips TO
confess all: fear kept her silent
What can these wretches want >"
said Madeleine; what new sacrifice
do they demand? Dishonor Prosper,
Good heavens, why did they not kill
him at once? He would rather be dead
than disgrsced!"
Here the entrance of NJ. Fauvel in
terrupted Madeleine. The banker was
50 angry that he could scarcely speak.
THE worthless scoundrell" he
cried: ito think of his daring TO &C
| cuse me. to insinuate that i robbed
my own safei And that Marquis de
Clameran must needs doubt my good
faith in keeping my engagement 70
pay his money!"
Then, without noticing the effect of
his story upon the two women, he
proceeded TO relate all that had oc-
CURED downstairs
II was afraid this extravaganza
would lead 10 something terrible"
he said. in conclusion; YOU know
told YOU last night that Prosper was
growing worse in his conduct. and
that he would get into trouble"
Throughout the day Madeleine's de-
votion to her aunt was severely tried.
The generous girl saw disgrace
heaped upon the man she loved She
had perfect faith in his innocence; she
felt sure she knew who had laid the
trap to ruin him; and yet she could
not say a word in his defense.
Fearing that Madeleine would sus-
pect her of completely in the theft. IL
she remained in bed and displayed 20
much agitation. Nine. Fauvel arose
and dressed for breakfast.
II was a dreary meal. No one tasted
morsel. The servants moved about
on their tiptoes. as silently "a il i
death had occurred in the family.
About two o'clock a servant came TO
~ Fauvel's study. and said that the
Marquis de Clameran desired 20 see
him.
What" cried the banker, docs he
dare to"
Then. after a moments reflection,
he added:
ASK him 10 walk up"
The very name Of Clameran had suf-
feed 10 arouse all the slumberinR
wrath of NJ. Fauvel. The victim of a
robbery. finding his safe empty at the
moment that he was called upon 20
make heavy payment. he had been
constrained TO conceal his anger ard
resentment. but now he determined
10 have his revenge upon his insoIent
visitor
But the marquis declined 10 come
upstairs. The messenger returned
with the answer that the gentleman
had particular reason for seeing
NJ. Fauvel in the Office below. where
the clerks were.
What does this fresh impcrtinencc
mesn2" cried the banker. as he an
grily jumped mp and FASTENED down
stairs.
NJ. de Clameran was standing in the
middle Of the room adjoining tn.
cash-room; NJ. Fauvel walked up 10
him and said. bluntly:
What do YOU want now. Monsieur.
You have been paid your money, aud
have your receipt"
To the surprise OF all the CLERKS.
and the banker himself. the marouis
seemed not in the least offended at
this rude greeting. but answered in a
deferential, but not at all humble.
manner;
You are hard upon me. Monsieur:
but deserve il. and that is why /
am here. A gentleman always ac-
knowledges when he is IN the yvron@.
IN this instance am the offender.
and / tiatter myself thar my pat viii
permit me TO say so without being
accused OF cowardicc or lack OF self
respect. insisted upon seeing YOU
here instead Of in your study. be-
cause, having been rude 10 YOU i'm the
presence OF your clerks, wished
them TO hear me apologize for my be-
haNior OF this morning"
Clameran's speech was so different
from his usual overbearing, naughty
conduct. that surprise almost stupc-
ned the banker. and he could ONLY
stammer:
Il must say that l was hurt bv YOUR
doubts, insinuations. suspicious of my
honor"
This morning" continued the mar
quis, " was irritated, and thought
lessly gave way TO my temper. Al
though l am gray-headed, my dispo-
sition IS as excitable as that of fiery
young man OF 20 years: and / hope
you will forget words uttered in
moment Of excitement, and now deep
~ regretted"
". Fauvel, being a kind-hearted
though quick-tempered man, could APP
preciate Clameran's feelings: and
knowing that his own high reputation
for scrupulous honesty could not be
affected by any hasty or abusive Ian
guage uttered by creditor, at ono.
Gained down before so frank an apol-
ogy, and holding out his hand 10
Clameran. said:
Let us forget what happened, Mon
sieur."
They conversed in a friendly man
ner for some minutes, and, after Cla-
meran had explained why he had such
pressing need of the money at that
particular hour OF the morning,
turned TO leave, saying that he would
do himself the honor "a o.r1..