‘No, father, you must come with us,’ observed Jacques sadly.  ’You and I and Madeleine will find some quiet spot, where none will know of the past, and where we ourselves may learn to forget.  I have already saved enough to support us.’

‘And your wife, sir?’ said the young lady, who had not hitherto spoken.

’Leonie, you can never marry me now.  You are no fit mate for the son of a wrecker.’

‘Jacques,’ interposed the young surgeon, ’neither you nor Madeleine has any right to suffer for the errors of your father.  I made the acquaintance of your sister at my aunt’s school in St Omer.  I loved her; and before I started on this journey, I had from her a half-promise, which I now call upon her to fulfil.’

‘What say you, Madeleine?’ said Jacques gravely.

’That I can never give my hand to a man whom I love too well to dishonour.’

‘Madeleine, you are right, and you are a noble girl!’ replied her brother.

‘Children,’ said the old man, with a groan, ’I see my crime now in its full hideousness; but I can at least repair part of the evil done.  Now, listen to me.  Let me see you follow the bent of your hearts, and be happy, and I will go where you will, for you will have forgiven your father.  Refuse to do so, and I remain here—­once a wrecker, always a wrecker.  Come, decide!’

Madeleine held out her hand to Edouard, and Jacques to Leonie, his friend’s sister, returning from the colony where her parents had died.  The old man shut his eyes, and remained silent the rest of the evening.

Next day, conveyances were obtained from a neighbouring town, and the crew and passengers departed.  The reunited friends remained at Montreaux, awaiting the recovery of Pierre, Jacques excepted, he being forced to go to Havre, to explain events to his owners.  In ten days he returned.  Old Sandeau was now able to be removed; and the whole party left Montreaux, which was then stripped by its owners, and deserted.

The family went to Havre.  The father’s savings as a captain had been considerable.  United with those of Jacques, they proved sufficient to take a house, furnish it, and start both young couples in life.  Edouard set up as a surgeon in Havre, his brother-in-law was admitted as junior partner into the house of Ponceau, and from that day all prospered with them.  Old Sandeau did not live long.  He was crushed under the weight of his terrible past; and his deathbed was full of horror and remorse.[1]

FOOTNOTES: 

[1] This legend is still told by the peasants of Brittany, who point out the site of Montreaux.

LOWELL MECHANICS’ FAIR.