The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1867-09-18

lNOs Eve
t the alcalde, whose supreme beauty seemed to
heighten all these recollections.
} Heleue, pensive and silent, seemed to be
dreaming under the wing of her mother.
Sand take notice" said the marchioness to
} those who came near her-'stake notice that
we shall know the name of the scoundrel, the
frenchman. He is one of our acquaintance !
It makes one shudder to think that he has
been taken by the hand. Henri has positive
" promised to tell me his name"
s'Besides," she added, assuming a very
mysterious air, 'sthe Count Albert de Roson
is at Paris Something tells me that we arc
going to see him. We have two persons to
George Leslie"
! Many doubted the reality Of these fantastic
adventures but there was one circumstance
which shocked everybody: Tt was the am
aouncement Of the departure of Rosen from
Baltimore, eomiong to Paris to search for his
enemy
IA American duel in the Dcpartm ent Of
the Seine! One of those savage combats, tbs
recital Of which astonisIles us always, taking
place in IT,. Bots de Boulogne or the Plainc
St Denis This seemed curious and almost
impossible.
If Rosen and his adversary had gotten
permission of the project Of police, and struck
up hand bills, all Paris would have run to
the novel spectacle Of duel with carbines
more willingly than to the steeple- chase of
the Croix de Berry.
Al such a spectacle would be sought for,
especially the Viscount Henri de Villiers. who
would be u decided lion, by reason Of his par
ticuar knowledge of such affairs Aud also,
Mr.. George Leslie, parsonage somewhat mys-
BILE portion Of the Parisan world, wne eree4yygd
ed the saloons Of the e4nt5assy, would forget,
for one day politics and the Bourse.
- there is one word you know, which domi-
mates every crowd. The word varies according
to the crowd itself. Here, Notwithstanding
the heterogeneous character Of the assembly,
the word was the same everywhere Golden
Daggers- Daggers
There vas profound silence when the
Viscount Henri de Villicrs, in his Golden
Dagger costume, and carrying the famous
golden dagger, made his entrance with George.
costumed as a Vecino Of San Felipe dc So
nora
The viscount conducted George to Madame
the Duchess Of Riyas, who was standing, un
Masked at the entrance of the second saloon.
Every one remarked that the duchess, pale
as beautiful statue Of marble, received the
stranger with simple inclination of the head,
without speaking word.
George grew pale also, and then his fore
head became growingly red He gave his
/, 10 o,I Il
The viscount remained alone with person
Of curious appearance, who followed him like
dog and who, notwithstanding his mask,
had an air Of being afraid of him.
CHAPTER XIV.-THE Waltz.
The ball was in all its glory. The crowd,
brilliantand faneifully dressed, had just enough
space to move. The selection of costumes
was charming. Here and there lady, I'M
masked on the pretext of taking the air, dis
played the most respondent beauty Tho
ugly conntesses did not care to take off their
masks f; Ar~t
In this warm and perfumed atmosphere
you would have said there was an ocean of
velvet, Of jewels, and Of flowers. 1t was,
indeed, grand and beautiful fete
It was the first waltz. George Leslie took
his place by the side of Helene, and they
waltzed together.
The Viscount Henri de Villiers, held in
check by the marchioness, took the empty
place of Helene, and underwent an examina.
ton
Il hold you prisoner this time cousin"
said the parchioness. sYou are going to
tell me the name Of this Frcnchman-this
Edward"
Il am engaged" answered Henri "and
must keep my promise. And then, propriety;
duty-I am the friend Of the Duke de Riyas"
1.-The Duke dc Rivas J" repeated the march,
ioncss. "What has the duketo do with it?"
"You understand me-a scandal in the
midst of fete-" a-
"Cousn, exclaimed themarchioness whose
curiosity had risen to fever-hcat, II protest
that do not understand you at all ?" What
is this you tell me about scandal ?"
Henri put his mouth to her ear and muir
INJURED: "He is here !"
's.The Frenchnan Z" said the warehouses
starting.
ssilence!D said Henri, ''you see that this
is grave matter"
''But promise you to be discreet"
sFermit me one question only, my dear
cousin. IF you were Madame the duchess
of Rivas, and chance had drawn person in
to your saloons a person like him :. Z"
Il understand Understand: Then l
viii be silent"
Henri shook his head His gesture and
his manner were almost solemn
''De not insist, my dear cousin" he said.
ut would give me pain to refuse you. do
not wish to be an accompiice, even indirectly,
in what passes here"
There is, then, something going to take
place."
Il have already said too 'nuchs murmured
the viscount -
"Henri speak, in heavens naAe p beg
ged the marchioness. Il forewarhs you that
| viii penetrate this mystery in spite of YOU.
O'Brien is coming
g If the general is willing to inform. yeu,'
replied the viscount, $50 much the better, and
| will have clear conscience"
A light blush mounted to his check but
he smiled calmly. q.
At this moment the Unknown, who had co.
tered with George, and himself, approached
and whisperedsShim in tie ear Henri an