Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1911-12-12

1
as if the issue of this unhappy affair
depended solely upon my will. Do
you, then, imagine that M. Gerdy will
be so easily disposed Of, SO easily 81
fenced? And, If he should raise his
voice, do you hope to move him by
the considerations you have just men,
tioned?"
81 DIP not fear him."
''rhen you are wrong, sir, permit
me to tell you. Suppose for a moment
that this young man has soul suf-
ticently noble to relinguish his claim
upon rank and your fortune. Is there
not now the accumulated rancor of
years to urge him to oppose you? He
cannot help feeling fierce resentment
for the horrible injustice of which he
has been the victim. He must pas
sionately long for vengeance, or rath-
er reparation.'
"He has no proofs"
'tHe has your letters. SIR"
"They are not decisive, you yourself
have told me SC"
'That is true. sir; and yet they con-
vince me, who have an interest in not
being convinced. Besides, if he needs
witnesses, he will find them"
"Who? Yourself, viscount?"
Yourself, sir. The day when he
wishes it, you will betray us. Sup
pose, you were summoned before q
tribunal, and that there, under oath,
you should be required to speak the
truth, what answer would you maker
M. de Commarin's face darkened at
this very natural supposition. He hes
itated, he whose honor was usually SO
great,
81 would save the name Of my an
cestors,' he said at last
Albert shook his head doubtfully.
AT the price of lie, my father,
he said. "I never will believe it. But
let us suppose even that He will then
call Madame Gerdy.r
ooh, 1 will answer for her." cried
the count, her interests are the same
as ours If necessary, will see her.
Yes" he added with an effort, Il will
call on her. / win speak to her; and
/ will guarantee that she will not be-
tray u.s.
"And Claudine," continued the
young man: will she be silent too?'
For money yes7 and I VIII give hel
ho oyor ha al ~
'4And you would trust, father, 10 4
paid silence as If one could ever lbt
sure OF q purchased conscience? Wha
is sold to you may be sold to another
A certain sum may close her mouth
. larger one viii open IT.
Il VIII brighten her"
-'Ypu forget father that 'Claudint
Lerouge was Noel Gerdy's nurse, tina
she takes an interest In his happiness
that she loves him. How do you know
that he has not already secured hel
aide She lives ;Rt Bougfval. wen'
there, l remember, with you. M
doubt, he sees iher often; perhaps 1
was she who put him on the track o
this correspondence. He spoke to nj
of her. as though he were sure of he
testimony. He almost proposed m!
going to her for information"
"A1as!" cried the count. why is mo
Claudine dead instead of my faithfU
Germain?"
You see. Bir," concluded Albert
t.Claudine Lerouge would alene render
all your efforts useless
"Ah. no" cried the count; 81 shall
find some expedient.s
The obstinate old gentleman was nu
willing to give in to this argument
the very ,clearness or which blinded
him.
Albert this time broke the silence
which threatened to be prolonged.
u see. sir" he said, that you fear
above all things, the publicity of this
sal history; the possible scandal rem
ders you desperate. But, unless We
yield, the scandal will be terrible
There win be trial which will be the
talk of all Europe. The newspaper
will print the facts, accompanied by
heaven knows what comments of tncil
own. Our name. however the trial re,
suits will appear In all the papers oi
the world. This might be borne If We
were sure of succeeding; but we ara
bound to lose, my father, we shall lose
Then think of the exposure! think OF
the dishonor branded upon us by pub
lie opinion
II think said the count, that you
can have neither respect nor affection
for me. when you speak In that way
1T Is my duty, sir. to point out to
you the evils see threatening. and
which there II yet time to shun. NJ,
Noel Gerdy Is your legitimate son,
recognize him acknowledge his just
pretentions and receive him. We can
make the change very quietly. It is
easy to account for It through mis-
take OF the nurse. Claudine Lenouge.
for instance. All parties being agree
able. there can be no trouble about 1t.
What ia to prevent the new yiscount
de Commarin from quitting Paris, and
disappearing for time? He might
travel about Europe for four or FIVE
,,aarc. ~ h. AND - xAox xf,x,~ all