The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1867-09-25

aWho?" repeated Helene, mechanically
The marchioness turned and looked at he
attentively. "What is the matter with you
darling 7" said she, with disturbed air. 81
have. never seen you thus a8i'si Het
"Nothing, mother answered Helene.
cit is the heat" continued the marchion
ess. "Have you met the duchess? She i.
charming; but do not know that her ANAL
is in very good TASTE" 99 fy.
Helene shivered, and tottered to chair.
eff you are suffering" said the marehiop
ess, anxiously, will you return 2"
.sNe" answered Helene.
| Gone would swear that you had experien
heard what has happened here spoken Of p
Helene fixed upon her mother her sudden
ly terminated eyes. sss
"What has happened here?" she asked.
aChut p said the marchioness "here il
NJ. de Greeourt, who wishes partner"
The Viscount NJ. de Grecourt asked the
hand of Mademoiselle de Boistrudan for the
next quadrille, was refused, and withdrew
his hand upon the ivory handle of his knife
ri have promised to keep it a secret, pur-
sued the marchioness, answering Helene's
question. "Ah! what terrible affair Ifany
one should feel badly tonight, it should be
me- If you knew what Henri has told me y
Helene turned her head. The marchioness
took her gently by the arm, and said: cap
proach-come nearer. One cannot speak
Of these things except in ones ear. Do you
recolect yesterday story-about the French
man who betrayed poor Ellen, and his enemy,
the Count Albert de Rosen ?"
| Helene became attentive.
"This duel to the death" continued the
marchioness, happy to have produced an
impression-s'this compact of blool."
"Well p said the young girl, whose cold
"You are frozen! Well, keep calm. The
Frenchman and Rosen are here at this ball y
lis this possible. mother 2"
at is certain"
"But then" pronounced Helene painfully,
seeming to be "a victim of an extraordinary
agitation, s.they will meet Y
"They are looking for each other"
Helene was still more agitated.
eyes, yes" she said. 'They are looking
for each other.
] should have known that"
"Known what 2" asked the marchioness
elias any one been speaking to you of this ?"
.'Ahp she continued, you have been dam
cling with Mr.. George Leslie, darling. You
must have heard something. Have you per-
haps seem"
Helene passed her hand to her heart.
81 believe that have seen Count Albert
de Rosen, mother" she said, with choking
Voice
sWhere is he? Can you point him out to
me? Have you met him 2" bs
ssAnd I believe" continued the young
girl, 'that you have yourself seen the French
man who killed our poor Ellen"
The marchioness sprang up like lioness
s'Speak clearly" she cried. ~ desire it. !"
Helene sighed heavily Her lips became
white. Her head feel upon the shoulders of
the marchioness. She had tainted ie
CHAPTER XV.--THE NORTH STAR.
| The fainting Of Madcmoiselle de Boistru-
dan passed unperceived. When Helene awoke
she was seated upon a sofa in the duchess
boudoir The duchess had come herself to
give those little attentions which the hand Of
woman alone can administer.
| 'sBe treasured, marchioness, she said S'the
dear child is restored"
The first glance of Helene fell upon the
Viscount Henri de Villiers. She trcmbled
and closed ner eyes a..-..e
at is I, cousin" said Henri; care you
afraid of me ?"
/ The duchess kissed Helene on the forehead
and repeated, cheerfully: care you afraid of
him 2"
Helene did not answer, and the duchess
stole look at Henri. "Cone," she said,
''let me speak to you, viscount." Henri ap-
preached, and the duchess took his arm and
spoke some words to him.
sThe man that you wal, for cannot delay,
she said in low voice.
And as the arm of Henri trcmbied under
her own, she added:
eff all is not this night finished, warn
you that you are lost. Watch :"
They are near the door, and she closed il
upon the dismayed xiscount. Then she came
back gaily and seated herself by tie side Of
Helene. ~ us
/ :sMademoiselle de Boistrudan and myself
madame" she said to the marchioness, "are
henceforth, good friends. I have already a
secret to confde to her. Do not listen. =
And she smilipgly leaned and whispered in
the ear of Helene do not be afraid; he
has friends p s.s
Helene looked at her with timid and dis
turbed look.
| II do not speak Of the Viscount Henri
resumed the duchess, "Hope and courage
You are beloved, and you will love. When
the ocean shall be between us, think of me y
! And she kissed Helene again, who remained
silent and turned toward the marchioness.
II will call tomorrow to enquire for Made
moiselle de Boistrudan," she said; "excuse
INC for leaving you.' *.ef
The door opened at this moment and Su-
zanne entered. She came in search of hel
mistress.
"What did she say to you, asked the mar
chioness of Helene.
"What did she say to mc?" repeated the
| young girl sDo / know? There is as il
I were a mist around all my thoughts. While
she was speaking to me, mother, seemed to
be hearing the voice Of my good angel"
sAlways thus" said the marchioness
.young girls give to everything romantic
turn. What form! What eyes! | have
never seen more beautiful fall of the should