The daily gazette., 1878-03-16
noh, he dare not tell me soro

nave saudeneu my heart"
"Thank Heaven / arrived when didp
replied the young artist.
Madame Duvivier entered: the CONVEX
sation became general, and when Jules
left the re called to the mind of Athenais
hig words.
Two weeks had elapsed since the ball
OF Madame Delaney, and the Count
Henri Des Essarts, stretched upon an
Immense fauteuil, was presiding at a
| breakfast which he had given to several
OF his friends. They were already giddy
with wines and their voices becoming
loud and noisy, when Emanuel raised
himself saying:
"To-morrow the time expires"
"What's that?" chimed their compan-
| ions.
"For the braceletw Emanuel then
related the challenge given and receiv-
ed
"By Jove" said one of them, "this
| is history worthy of tho regency. Count
| Henri, do you give the proof?"
81 have agreed to do it, and you know
/ am never wanting in my PROMISES
| Tomorrow, at three o'clock precisely,
Emanuel, the proof will be in yonr
hands"
"But where shall we reassemble ?"
"Here. You understand it, gentlemen.
| Tomorrow at three o'clock.
| no sOOh dS ne IOulu HlIlSelI dlOnc
| Henri began to reflect uDon his situation
He had seen Athenais the day before at
Madame Delauney's and she had treated
him coldly. What was to be done? he
thought to himself Suck a short time
was left, too. "Well, no matter, MY
pride will not be crushed for such trihe
and either by force or stratagem | shall
win my wager. | must repair instantly
to Madame Duvivier's in twenty-four
Ia l.a 1ip1,. Ia
dressed himself and started.
In the meantime Jules had made in
quiries. and Emanuel whom he met acci-
dentaly, had related to him the particu-
lars of his wager with Henri, and asked
him to be present at the rendezvous the
next day.
The young man understood the horrid
plot at once. He remembered the ball,
the two weeks that followed the frequent
visits of the Count to Athenais, and the
truth was discovered.
"Ohw said he to himself, "presenti-
ments seldom deceive. Let us go to
Madame Duviviers. L may still be able
to save her daughter"
Count Henri was received by Madame
Duvivier with her usual politeness, but
Athenais did not look at him. The adj
vice of Jules had produceda a good effect,
and she already perceived that the
"When one loves" she would say,
"he is silent, for his emotion STILES
him. But the Count, he is always flatter-
ing me-"
Notwithstanding his cold reception
Henri was not discouraged. He seated
himself by the piano. Athenais was
putting in order her jewelry casket. The
the eyes of the Count.
,Iulps entered
81 arrive just in time," he said to him
self
"Again that man." thought the Count.
They saluted each other with a con-
temptuous air and conversation was re-
sumed. Jules did not take his eyes from
the Count.
"Mademoiselle," said Henri, "Wir
you favor me with one of the songs to
which your voice adds SO many charms
Athenais blushed and looked at jules
as if to ask him his advice. Then
seating herself at the piano commenced
singing.
The Count complimented her in his
usual manner, and at the moment when
he thought no one observed him he selz
ed the bracelet which was concealed un
meath n music book, and rose to depart
As he was on the point of opening the
door, Jules rushed forward and stopped
him.
sYou will not go out, sir" said he.
"What do you mean, sir"
"Jules," said Madame Duvivier, "whai
are you doingY
"There is thief in the room," replied
Jules.
i "a thief?"
"And that thief is yourself, siI
Count"
"Impudent rascalp' said Henri, turn
ing pale. ,. ...,o, .,,o h.ooo,o+ % a.,
"My bracelet" said Athenais, and she
ran TO the piano-it was gone.
"Your accusations" said the Count
"ealls for an apology. My honor"
} "Slencew replied Jules.
And selzing the Count he snatched the
bracelet from his hands.
"What do you now think of your hon
or, Sir Count?"
The Count was obliged to sit DOWN
his strength failed him.
r "Thiefw muttered Athenais.
} awe must have him arrested" sal,
} Madame Duvivier.
"No, Madame" replied Jules, "I dt
not wish to send the Count to the prison
Such a thief deserves it well, but it is
3 matter to be settled between us. Hav
t L spoken the truth, sir?"
= The Count could not answer; his prid
stified him. AT last he sald-"all is true.
Q 81 knew that you were a villain, but
c did not think you such coward. &c
: Sir Count, and remember that you
h friends are expecting you tomorrow
/ Endeavor to procure another bracelet,
n and taking the Count by the shoulder
s he hurled him ont of the room.
"But," said Madame Duvivier, "tha
> man Is still capable of injuring m
daughters reputation"
eff you will allow me, Madame" re
J., piled Jules, she will not dare speak c
= my Wife"
= "What. you love my daughter ?"
e "I do, and have saved her"
& "Thank Godp said she. 81 leave he
r free to act her own choice"
= Athenais looked at her mother. Their
are glances which contain world c
thought. Madame Duvivier took th
d hand of her daughter, and giving it
Jules, said:
Take her and make her happy"
l. Jules kissed the hand which was give
n to him, saying:
N "You will forget him, will you no
Y Athenais 2"
"To love but you, dear Jules you VIII
IS are so good and generous"
"Because have not mingled with til
n gay and fashionable world. 1t harder