The Argosy — page 221: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

204 The Burgomaster’s Daughter. Madame, I understand nothing of this.» Comeand explain it to me, I entreat you.” She passed round the counter, and led the way to the sanctum beyond the warehouse. Madame Warenne followed. “Do you really say you know nothing of M. Rennelon’s will?” — “Nothing! Nothing!” ‘“‘Then I have done you an injustice,” said the lively little mummy, in a more genial tone. ‘‘ But when I explain the facts, you will see it is an injustice, which the whole world is likely to do you.” Thereupon, in rapid words, she told that M. Rennelon had left Lucille his two millions on condition she married within a year of his death. If she remained single, it was to go to certain hospitals ; but if she took the veil it was to go to Jules Bastoigne. ‘“And she becomes a nun to give it him,” concluded the little woman in a dry tone. ‘‘ But she can marry !” cried Madame Bastoigne, aghast. ‘“‘ Unfortunately, M. Rennelon has zamed the person she is to marry, if she wishes to keep the money. If she weds any other, it goes to the hospitals.” ** And this person $5 ‘Ts, again, Jules Bastoigne.” For a moment Jules’ mother was speechless ; she trembled violently, and stretched out her hands like one clutching the air. ‘What is to be done ?” she said, at last, with shaking lips. “It is for you to say, Madame,” returned Grandmamma Warenne. “Do you intend to let my grandchild bestow two millions on your son, by immuring herself in a convent ? ” ‘No! no! O why was I not told of this before ?” “‘T thought you knew it.” This was a story, of course. ‘‘ But even if you did not, Lucille could not well inform you of it. After what had passed, it would have had the appearance of flinging her- self at your son’s head. And I suppose my son hadn’t sense enough to tell you. As for Lucille, the poor girl has done her best. She has waited nearly a year. You have had every chance given you to behave honourably, but I suppose Jules prefers the money without the wife, and Lucille freely gives it to him. She might remain at home, you know, and let the hospitals have it, but in her romantic love she has resolved os “Hold, madame! I cannot bear this. Jules! Jules!” The young man, much amazed at the tone of his mother’s voice, crossed the warehouse hastily, and entered the parlour. ‘Jules, Lucille Warenne goes into the Carmelite convent to- morrow for love of you. She takes the veil to give you her fortune, which, by Monsieur Rennelon’s will, is forfeited to you if she becomes anun. This cannot be, my son. Go to her, and say I wait here to ask her to be my daughter.” With face flushing to burning crimson, Jules gazed first at his mother, then at Madame Warenne. Pete eines yaaa Reb ry} — Eomicbooks.co