The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-12-14
CHAPTER VII.
THE CHANoINBSsE.

Adrienne decidedly had not forgotten
how to play with Raoul's heart. She knew
that she filed it, large as it was. and 80
she gave her caprices full sway over her
quick, impetuous impulses. Raoul had
refused her an expressed wish, something
quite new to this spoiled child, whose
slightest word was law in the household.
Raoul could do penance now for his firm
ness he could watch his idol from a dis
lance, and look the admiration and love
that she would not hear in words. During
the remainder Of his visit Adrienne de-
voted herself to her fathers comfort. She
hung around his chair, opened his papers
for him, dipped his pen in the ink, and
was so graceful and pretty in every atti-
tude she assumed that Raoul rode away
more in love with her than ever. She
dropped him one of her lowest courtesies
as he was taking leave, and he had to
content himself with this act Of conde.
scension for the present. Although quite
sure of his own feelings for her, Raoul
now began to question the real character
of hers for him. He tortured himself
during his homeward ride with these
painful doubts; and the more he reflected
on her extreme youth, their long separa-
tion, and the possibility that she might
now prefer another to him, the more hope
less seemed his love for her.
The Viscount Raoul de Langley, in spite
of his noble name. large estates, handsome
person, and agreeable manners, felt him.
self utterly unable 10 read the girlish
heart whose entire love he coveted. Adri-
enne had only grown into larger, more
beautiful Adrienne, the same lovely, ca
PRECIOUS, naughty problem that had won
his youthful heart, and kept it ever since.
Even the consent and approval Of her par
ents, which he had long since begged for
and received, did not much reassure him.
They would never interfere with their
darling's happiness. Now that she was
in position, as emancipated from school
duties, to meet the numerous young gen.
temen who surrounded her father and at
tended his receptions, to say nothing Of
those whom she might see during future
visits to Paris, Raoul considered his own
chances of winning her woman's love as
rather hanging inthe balance. Of course,
she had been please,l-uay. delighted-to
see him that afternoon. True, she had
been gentle and confidential with him,and
had even tacitly admitted the existence
of mutual love and understanding by
making request which he had at once
refused. But no open betrothal had ever
taken place. While permitting him to
worship at Adrienne's shrine, the duke
and duchess had stipulated that Adrienne
should make no promise through them.
When old enough to make n choice, she
should decide for herself.
Thus the affair stood. Raoul feared to
lose by being too hasty in his efforts for
securing his treasure. Still, to watch 1t
in its beauty, attracting other new, covet-
GUS admirers, was to be in condition OF
mind bordering on madness. Raoul felt
that such suspense would be unendura-
BILE. Yet, what TO dot There was one re-
source. He could return TO Paris, and in
absence seek forgetfulness.
Troubled by these misgivings, Rsoul
sought refuge in his friends society and
sympathy, and for several days he did
not visit ere duchess. Strongly suspect