The Honor of the Name by Émile Gaboriau
page 68 of 734 (09%)
page 68 of 734 (09%)
|
yourself?"
The wretched man smiled sadly. "Oh," he replied, "we are not as destitute as I said. I exaggerated our misfortune. We are still landed proprietors. Last year an old cousin, whom I could never induce to come and live at Sairmeuse, died, bequeathing all her property to Marie-Anne. This property consisted of a poor little cottage near the Reche, with a little garden and a few acres of sterile land. In compliance with my daughter's entreaties, I repaired the cottage, and sent there a few articles of furniture--a table, some chairs, and a couple of beds. My daughter designed it as a home for old Father Guvat and his wife. And I, surrounded by wealth and luxury, said to myself: 'How comfortable those two old people will be there. They will live as snug as a bug in a rug!' Well, what I thought so comfortable for others, will be good enough for me. I will raise vegetables, and Marie-Anne shall sell them." Was he speaking seriously? Maurice must have supposed so, for he sprang forward. "This shall not be, Monsieur Lacheneur!" he exclaimed. "Oh----" "No, this shall not be, for I love Marie-Anne, and I ask you to give her to me for my wife." |
|