The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-01-03

up his eyes. DO you know what I am
capable of doing? Do you, brother,
trust to the outward man and think me
good because of what you see? Alasl
am a guilty, wicked, miserable sinner!
However great may be the crimes laid to
my charge, 1 have neither the wish nor
the pride to deny them. Everybody takes
me for a good man, no doubt; but the
truth is, I am worthless. Call me per-
fidious, Infamous, reprobate, thief Load
me with still more ignominious names
do not gainsay them. I have deserved
them ALL On my knees I will suffer the
punishment due to my sinful life!'
"Ah, how dare you sully this man with
your wicked falsehood!' said Orgon.
Elmire had fed, and Damis, seeing him
self left alone to assert the truth, said
furiously: What! The feigned meek
ness of this hypocrite will make you give
the lie to me?"
Hold your tonguer shouted Orgon. IF
you say one word more
Brother! Do not forget yourselfr cried
Tartuffe, falling to his knees. IT ask for
giveness for him.
'"Oh, what goodness!" said orgon. fall
ing to his knees opposite Tartuffe and
embracing him. Quick, Damis! To me,
and ask this admirable mans pardon?
who? I?' remanded Damis. ASK
forgiveness of the villain who has by his
impostures-"
He was not permitted to finish. Orgon
leaped to his feet for a cudgel and
drove Damis out of the house, warning
him never to set foot in it again.
let me go away. brother" said Tar
tuffe, when Orgon returned. II think.
brother, my duty is to leave your house.
They hate me, and they will make you
doubt my good faith toward you"
Never never" said Orgon.
"Ah, brother" replied Tartuffe sadly
"a wife can easily influence the mind Of
her husband
you will stay here" said Orgon. You
will see and speak to my wife whenever
you are inclined. The better to brave
them, I will go at once and draw up a
deed Of gift for all my possessions. You
shall have them all. A true, faithful
friend whom take for son-in-law is more
precious to me than an ungrateful son."
Alas" said Tartuffe. II would rather
go away. But heavens will done, even
though I must do violense to myself"
Come, comet said Orgon, on fire with
his idea that would show his family what
his will was. Come and let us draw up
this deed and then let envy burst with
rage!'
He allowed nothing to interfere with his
sudden project AS soon as the deed had
been signed he hurried to his daughter,
whom he found with Elmire. When he
told them that it was his desire to ratify
the engagement at once, Marianne threw
herself at his feet and implored him not
to make her wretched.
Father said she, lin the name of all
that can move your heart, do not exact
this obedience from me! Do not render
miserable the life 1 owe you. If you for
bid me now to belong to the man love,
beg you to save me at least from the
misery Of belonging to one whom l alb
hor"
Orgon looked down on her and said
fercely to himself: Stand firm! No hui
man weakness
II do not reproach you for your tender
ness to him. continued Marianne. Act
as your heart prompts Give him all your
possessions, and add to 1t what is mine.
give it to him with all my heart. But do
not dispose of me in the same way. Let
me go to a convent rather than force me
into this!''
"The more your heart recoils from this
match, the better it will be for your sal
vation," said Orgon. Il am determined"
Elmire now stepped forward. II really
admire you for your blindness" said she.
You must be bewitched by the man to
deny the truth of what took place to-
day
Madam" said Orgon, II am your
humble servant. but know how lenient
you are toward my rascal of son, and
I can see that you are afraid to dis