Weekly Clarksville chronicle. [volume] (Clarksville, Tenn.) 185?-1857, 1857-03-27
CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.
IT is needless to inform the reader that
the most of the story told to Durand, by
D'Orville, was a fiction, invented for the
purpose of getting him out of the way
It is true, that Mr.. Jones had been un-
tiring in his efforts to unravel the mystery
of Hodges disappearance, and had salts
fed himself that Durand and the Count
knew more about it than any one else; but
the evidence was not sufficient to justify a
direct charge. The circumstances, too,
which his investigation had elected also
satisfied him that the Count was a very
suspicious character, and he had taken
occasion, more than once, to express that
opinion to Fanny Orme; but its effect was
the opposite of that intended. AS the
friend Of Winters, she was suspicious of
him, and set down whatever he said to the
credit, rather than the disparagement of the
Count"
Through Fanny, D'Orville had learned
the estimation in which he was held by
Jones, and upon this fact, had based the
statement made to Durand, whilst, in
truth, it gave not the slightest uneasiness
to himself But, having made up his mind
to marry Fanny, if possible, and not desir-
ing to be reminded, constantly, of his
treachery, by the presence of its victim,
he had devised the plan, already unfolded
by which he hoped to ensure Durand's
fight.
After the interview as related in the
foregoing chapter, the Count ordered his
carriage, and drove to the house where
Fanny was in ''durance vile" resolved to
release her at once, and carry her homo,
before her father should be apprised of his
absence, and thus stiAe the noise that
would be made about it, and prevent the
investigation that might follow His
scheme had already given him all the ad-
vantages he had right to expect from it,
and to delay its complete consummation,
might be productive of mishief.
On entering the house, he was shown to
the room which Fanny occupied, and
knocking at the door, was promptly chal-
lenged by the frightened girl, whose heart
beat painfully, when she heard the key
turn in the lock. But his we'll known,
and now welcome, voice, in reponse, pro-
duced a happy reaction, and she flew to
the door-ppshed back the bolt and ex-
claimed
ooh, Count; is it indeed you?" And
before he could answer, she continued, in
the fulness of joy-"Only deliver me safe
ly from this horrid place, and restore me
to my home, and this hand shall be yonr
reward"
"And for such reward, dearest Fanny"
he said, placing his arm around her waist,
"what would not do But let us hasten
away--my carriage is below, and l am
eager to perfect my title to the reward by
placing you in safety under the shelter of
your own roof,
They passed from the house. unqestion-
ed, its inmates well knowing the Count,
and his agency in the abduction of the
young lady. When they were seated, and
fairly under way, the Count resumed:
~ regret exceedingly, dear Fanny, that
Winters should have betrayed to you his
unworthness, by step so outrageous
had not deemed him quite so base; but
dearly shall he account to me for the cruel
deed /"
'sNo, Count; you must recall that threat
there must be no bloodshed for me.
have cause enough to wish him punished
but that punishment must be the infection
Of his own conscience, and of public ex
posure"
"rhe latter inAiction," said the Count
"must be studously avoided, He can moi
be exposed, without letting the world know
where you were secreted, and however in
nocent, scandal will seize upon the fact as
a pretext for idle stories l hope, there
fore, you will not even let your father in
to the secret, for which there ia no necessi
ty since you can quietly enter the house