The gazette-times. [volume] (Heppner, Or.) 1912-1925, 1914-05-07
The Tragedy In The Rue Cresol
Remarkable Short Story Adapted from the French and Offered
to Readers of the Home and Farm Magazine Section.
p HAT NEW YEARS DAY viii long
be remembered in the quiet little

be remembered in the quiet little
house in the Rue Crusol, where,
eight days ago, there were only smiles
and happiness, but where today all is
DISSOLUTION and horror. On the second
floor, where so many merry birds twit-
tered amid the foliage Of hanging bas-
kets filled with growing plants and
flowers, giving the windows the ap-
pearance of bright and fragrant bow
ers, lawyers, mourners, and officers of
justice have entered; and while cof-
fin is being borne away to Pere-La-
chaise, and carriage is rolling toward
the Maison- Blanche, legal seals are af-
fixed to everything-to the cages and
the baskets; and little placards, stamp
ed in black, announce the administra-
tors sale for the following Thursday.
One year ago two young men lived
there in that familiar intimacy which,
commenced at college and cemented by
a similarity of tastes and character,
occasionally produces strong and sim
cere affection. Paul was studying en-
gineering; Emile was notary's clerk.
They had been school companions, and
meeting again at the beginning of the
battle Of life, resolved to pass together
through that period of trials which in
tervenes between the happy days Of
boyhood and the experiences Of after
life, when it is so difficult to form new
ties. The perfect harmony of their
friendship was undisturbed by single
unkind word or action. Could it, then,
have been other than sincere and strong,
faithful and devotedf
Paul was engaged to a sweet, sim
pie girl, and though very much in love
with her, he never thought of being
astonished that Emile should converse
with her on the easy terms Of familiar
acquaintance; while Emile, who would
have thrown himself into the fire to
save the young girls fan, never dream
ed that his want Of formality could sur
prise Paul. Their friendship was found
ed on esteem and confidence-a con-
fidence so great that during the early
part of April Paul, who had for some
time been in communication with an
American company for the construction
of railroad, said to his friend:
can opportunity presents itself by
which 1 can prove my ability, and
establish myself in my profession. The
superintendent of railroad in Louisi.
ana is offered to me. I shall be obliged
to be absent for at least year. / can
not take Hortense, and the thought Of
leaving her breaks my heart. In love,
jealousy is a virtue. / will not confide
her to my brothers. care, but I place
her in your charge. You will guard her
as you would sister, and in one year,
when l return, 1 shall find her faithful
to her promise, and l shall make her
my wife,"
"You can depend on me-" Emile
said, simply pressing the hand Of his
friend. And Paul departed, free from
care, and full Of trust.
They were left alone-she with all
the charms of youth and beauty; he
with all the fervor of young and
tender heart Of twenty years, suscept.
ible to all the uncomfortable emotions
of affection. Emile and Hortense re-
nounced all selfish interests and pleas.
ures in order to concentrate all their
thoughts, all their purposes, all their
wishes in the supreme qualification Of
performing an accepted and acknowl-
edged duty. When Hortense would re-
turn from the studio, at the end Of her
lesson, Emile would go to meet her and
conduct her home. They talked of love
and mutual affection, he supporting the
cause Of the absent lover, she allow.
ing her heart to be deluded by the soft
music of his voice, which filled her soul
with insidious delight. On Sunday,
when there were no lessons, and the
studio was closed, he accompanied her
to the environs of Paris, to fetes and
to places Of amusement, and the passers-
by, stopping to look 1t this couple, SO
young and, 80 beautiful, on whom radi-
ant happiness seemed to smile, ex.
claimed:
"Two loversl All, they are in para.
dise."
This paradise became hell.
By dint of spea' NJ Of love to the
young girl Emile telt awaken in him
a ma1nafic achn a world Of atranna