The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1914-10-15

Impaired, out COul0 discern tndJ uo
had begun to detach himself, with that
natural change which comes upon the
very old, from the more active and
external interests OF life.
believe that in my coming he be-
held a pardon for his crime In driving
my father from his rcof-a crime
which he had repented bitterly through
all those years that had elapsed since
that unhappy time.
Charles and set of for Paris by an
early train. We Travelled through the
pleasant, fertile fields OF Normandy,
among little old villages wkS-e Efe
seemed at once so simple sxS so
kindly that 1t required some little .:
fort Of will to realize that we were,
perhaps. rushing into an unknown dan
ger, that the activities of many enc
niles might even now have laid a trap
for our undoing. had revealed to my
fiance the story of Magniff's threats,
emitting, of course, his vile sugges-
tons thai Charles had been a traitor
and sold the treaty. Charles did not
receive the news so lightly as l had
expected.
Let US 60 straight ahead, confident
in our own integrity, Anne" he an
swered. Then let them do their
worst. They cannot harm us; treachery
always recoils upon itself, be 1t never
so cunningly contrived"
We were so fortunate as to have
compartment to ourselves. 1t was so
charming to be seated together, side
by side. Charles placed his arm round
me and drew me to him.
will you let me announce our en-
gagement, Anne?" he pleaded. "It is
surely realized at home. My GRANDPA
ther and mother know we love one an
other. Besides, II any danger does
threaten US, can protect you better
as my wife"
You travel very rapidly, monsieur"
| answered. "A moment ago 1t was
merely an announcement Of the en-
gagement that you required. And now
you end the sentence by proposing an
other relationship"
When we reach Paris l shall show
you the office of a registrar" he an
swered. There we shall be formally
betrothed. And then"
"Yes, monsieur" said, with
feigned coolness.
Il shall serve formal notice upon my
mother and grandfather of cMr be.
trothal, In accordance with tho pro
visions of the Code Napoleon" he
had listened with beating heart to
the unfolding Of these proposals., but
the mention of the code brought in
stantly to my memory the image Of lit.
tie Mr.. Spratt, presenting me with his
famous code. Take this volume
my life-work a COM
piliation of love you will need
it abroad" the little man had gasped
as handed Il to me. And now in every
crisis of my life, 1t seemed, the vision
Of Mr.. Spratt was destined to arise like
some specter confronting me. be-
came suddenly silent.
Charles carried out his program.
Upon our arrival at the terminus he
hurried me along maze of small side
streets, up a narrow staircase and into
the presence of the registrar. There
we complied with the formalities
which the famous code prescribed We
we're betrothed-an incident, merely,
in Anglo-Saxon countries, but here a
matter Of severe formality, and neces-
sary preliminary to marriage.
But l leaned happily upon his arm
as we descended the narrow staircase
The happiness, the perfect joy in the
Of the step, thrilled me.
seemed like distant men,
Dry of some former, dimly remem-
bered existence at that moment.
And now, should anything befall
me l shall be content" he said as we
descended to the street.
Often those words recurred to me
We arrived at the bank and sent In
DUR cards. could not avoid a thrill
Of expectation as to the outcome;
would Magniff refuse to see me? But
he did not. He would see both of us,
he said, and we were ushered almost
into his private office.
There he sat, half buried among his
edgers, as on the occasion of my for
ner visit to him; but this time he was
attended by a couple of severe-looking
in semi-uniform. He
bowed distantly to Charles and babe
is be seated.
THE Chevalier DIVES attends, l
AXE 1t, as an interested party" said
looking at me through his
gold glasses. There was peculiar ex-
preston upon his features; sort of
triumph, as though he held
he situation perfectly in hand.
We bowed our acknowledgment to
he suggestion. Then, at a summons
oy bell, messenger brought in the
agreement which / had signed three
weeks before.
Your name is Anne Ives" Magnif
'aid rapidly, glancing over the docu-
nent, "You claim to be the grand
laughter Of the Comte DIVES, Of Cli-
,hy, Normandy, and the possessor Of |
certain bonds now in one of our safes. |
You have sold these to me for $4,000
rancs, payable upon delivery"
AS admitted each of these several |
propositions the banker handed the
document to the functionaries, who
glanced at it. swiftly. and then at me
ind Charles.
"The Duplicate key has been fash.
oned," Magnifr continued, "and these |
,entlemen are the government officials |
whose presence at the unlocking of |
he safe is reuuired under the Code