The Morning herald., 1876-07-26

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It was the Countess de LiniGes.
''This is Mademoisslle Henriette Girard,
! believed" she asked, in kind tone.
'That is my name, madam" replied
Henriette, in great astonishment.
"You have been warmly recommended
TO me, mademoiselle.
Recommended to you, madame?"
81 am one Of society Of charitable per-
sons who, if the good report have heard
Of you be true, can assist you," said the
countess, thus hiding the real purport of
her visit.
II am not in need, madame-alas! lido
not mean that. mean that / am not in
want-I can work."
"Can L do nothing for youY'
Nothing" replied Henriette, and then,
as if suddenly recollecting herself, she ad-
ded imploringly: "What do I say? Yes,
madame, l accept your aid, nay, l implore
it,"
"What is it you wish ?? inquired the
countess, in kind tone.
Madame" said Hcnriette, earnestly
"I do not need money, l ask for some
shelter where | can live and work, far
from falsehood and calumny, and away
from him"
"From him? Do you wish to escape from
the persecution of some one?'
"From one who wishes TO make me his
wife" replied Henriette, sadly.
ellis wife? repeated the countess, with
view of causing the young girl to say
more.
IL have refused that title, and yet l dis
trust my courage to resist his entreaties"
"You have done we'll, mademoiselle, ,and
it is my duty to speak frankly to YOU, !
ain near relative Of the chevalier's. l
have known for some time of the attach
ment which exists between you, and de-
fend him against the wrath Of his uncle,my
husband. But reflection has shown me
my duty to both of you. The opposition
of his family renders this marriage impos-
sible."
MADAME" said Henriette, with tinge
of pride in her voice, "1 had determined
on my course before seeing you. Thepath
of sacrifice and duty"
81 shall not prove ungrateful," replied
the countess, touched by the young girls
words. 81 am rich and powerful"
Powerful" exclaimed Henriette, think
ing perhaps she might interest her in Lou
ise's fate.
"If at any time I can show my appreci-
alton, of your noble and disinterested con.
duct"
MADAME, you camp exclaimed the
young girl, eagerly, not noticing that she
was interruptlng the countess, 80 eager was
she. "Now, at this very instant you CAM
"How"
"Use your power to find the poor chile
who has been torn from my protection
Restore her to me, and you can ask me nj
sacrifice l will not make. will tear my
love from my heart, and disappear witt
her where you and yours shall never SET
me more. Do ask too much?"
"No-no" answered the countess quick
ly. 81 promise you not alone my aid, bu
that of the greatest power in Paris. Giy
me her name, age and description"
"a description, alas! madame, too easil..
given. She is but sixteen, and blind"
"Blind-blind p repeated the countess
while her thoughts went back to the blin'
girl she had met a short time previous.
"Her name is Louise"
"Louise!" exclaimed the lady, "tha
name is very dear to me. Be comforte
my child, we will find your sister,"
"She is not my sister, madame"
"Not your sister"
"No, madame! but l owe her the low
and tenderness of mother and sister com
bined, for she saved us all from misery an
want, my father, my mother and myself.
"How could poor blind child do that?
asked the countess, in great surprise.
"My father found her on the steps Of tn
church."
Henriette was interrupted by a low or
from the countess, and she saw that sh
had turned as pale as death. She stoppes
but the countess said; feverishly:
"On the steps of a church? Tell me whe
and where. You say she saved you a
from misery-how"
"From poverty so terrible that my IL
ther had not even bread to give us. AM
ious to save at least, the life Of his child
he took me, while my mother slept, an
set out toward Notre Dame. Snow covel
ed the steps of the church, and my fathe
stood weeping and irresolute, when sue
denly he heard plaintive cry. He az
preached and saw little baby half cove
ed with snow. He took her to his breas
to warm her benunbed and frozen limb
when the thought came to him, as tn
child would have died had he not arrive
in time to save it, so his own might die b.
fore help could reach her. l will lea7
neither Of them,' he said, and he returned
carrying both infants in his arms"