, 1874-01-25

cadet OF the family Of Pivardiere, was poor,
staryelng noble, whose means, barely sufficient
to support lis rank in the country, we're bevond
the ext1avaganco Of residence at Court. t1et.
ting over his narrow means, chatting at his forced
absence from that great centre OF all that is de-
sirable in Franco, chance brought him IN intro
duction to Madame de Merou, the widow OF
late lamented Sieur de Billy. The widow was
well Off and owned q tine mansion. The Chateau
de Narbonne. The property VAS good and t,a- VEL
inperlous, yet afTable; 80 M. de Ia pivardiere
whispered love- and nfter. more assuredIv, mar
rage. The widow thought OF his noble blood
and good manners, received his graceful atten-
tions with pleasure, and, III short,
MAnn1ED HIN.
T.h;s was at the close OF 1857. But, when he
Thought her wealth was fairly within bis grasp,
tile maak OF m assumed tenderness dropped OH,
and he acted the indifference lie felt. Their two
children seemed to form no secure bond for his
eradually-cootug affections. Madame de Ia
Tiyarciere after while, returned with usury
the growing neglect shown to her love; perhaps,
too, sno had takcn too good care to control the
purse-strings. Monsieur had one resource,
which was not so readily hers; his duty led hl'n
to attend upon the King, and he could escape, At
yexatlons Of 3 1oveless homo.
But they had, too,
FRIEND.
The Prior OF the neighboring Abbey Of Mizeray
LIZ
Chateau dc Nasbonne while II. de In pivardiero
was absent. The poor Prior had tho sole re-
ward Of sharing the danger Of tho terrible per-
secution which some years later ]eopardlzed the
ladY'e Life. Her anger aud bitter disappointment
over her husbands neglect, md her proud, self
absorbed % thoughts. ali blinded hcr to the posai-
bilty OF having her conduct misconstsued, and
closed her cara to the tales which wero too
eagerly listened to By u. de Ia Pivar-
diere. The siour, weary Of ealing
yoke. not caring to play the TOO pubic
apces we're too well known,-and not aplo to re-
main very long at Coust, betook himself to
wandering life. 1t would be relief for both to
bo apart. His absences apparently continued
for some time, with regular periods Of rcappear-
when at home. But one luckless evening ho VAS
etrolling upon the ramparts OF tho pretty Town
OF Au1erre, when he cav. and Immediately fell
in love with the gentle and modest daughter OF
q certain huissier of the city. His infatnatlon
was 40 great that be not only concealed his rauk
from the girls father. but, the honest tipstaH
was falling married the girl. aud took the otco
rs her dowry. II. de Ia Pivardiere, Siaur do
Bouche.. became
ploAM1sr AND TOWN CONSTABLE.
This was ir 1G94-'95.
For two years be was happy with his new wife.
Every s1x mouths be disappeared from Au1eEre,
presented himself at tbs chateau, drew part OF
The rents, loungcd about Is became gentle
man. and then posted back to the constaDulary
Of Auxcrre, aud the pretty wife attached. In
his visits home he always found the Prior at the
house. but asked no dsagreeable questions
made no remarks. Madame, too caring as little
to retain !. husband whose indifference WIS
reciprocated, never attempted to de.ain him by
withholding what money he wanted. But his
duplicity was gradually nearing denouement
Monsieur's escapado came to his 1ife's ears
But gossip could not tell her OF his place Of re-
treat. Her domestic infelcity. she bore anu