The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-11-16

majority OF French cottages OF the period,
called pise;; that is of clay, compressed
and hardened. cut in blocks and laid in
mortar, like stones. These houses are
sometimes three stories high. and have
window frames of stone. Madeleine's up
per floors were seldom used she and Ad-
rienne slept in pretty little room to the
right OF the large, middle apartment. or
''grande ehambre," as il is called. On the
left was the Kitchen; both rooms being
shut off by strong wooden doors from the
main one. The back windows Of the "best
room" were wide and low, opening on. a
small patch of ground used as kitchen
garden. Vines carefully trained, almost
concealed the gray walls, and the lawn in
front was bright with early spring flow
ers, which Madeleine had brought from
the lovely gardens of the Chateau d'Au-
bretot.
Beyond the kitchen-gar1en stretched
the orchard, the trees Of which were
white with blossoms; in the high grass,
daisies and butterups raised their heads
as il coaxing Adrienne to come and gath
er them for garland; but Adiienne was
not to be attracted. For months her faith
er's return had been the grand topic Of
conversation, and now, any minute his
tall form might come up the road, and Ad-
rienne wanted to run and meet him.
However, the long afternoon passed
away, twilight was creeping like haze
over the landscape, and Adrienne began
to lose hope. Madeleine, in her low seat,
tried in vain to fix her thoughts on every
day employments. They would wander
off to the days Of her couitship, and the
stormy period that had constantly separ-
ated her and Jean since their marriage.
Campaign after campaign had he left
home to follow Count d'Aubretots fortunes
in the field, and Jean Remand was consid-
cred one of the bravest men in the Guards
Tall and powerfully built, the stories OF
his prowess and daring seemed almost
fabulous; but Madeleine never tired of
hearing his praises. no matter by whom
they were sung. This very natural and
feminine weakness had caused the only
cloud in their short married life. Made
leine's beauty and intelligence had won
her many admirers, both in Antoin and in
Paris; but Jean also belonged in Anton,
and Madeleine had known him always, and
cared only for him. But. when his COM
panions in arms sat down to dilate npon
his deeds, Madeleine listened with delight,
and Jean. installing her pleasure for that
of grattied vanity, often grew furiously
jealous, and being quick tempered, was
apt to express his temper in loud tones,
Poor Madeleine had nothing to meet his
torrents OF passionate jealousy but her
girlish innocence of wrong and her love,
which in his heart Of hearts he never
doubted; only. he was a man Of strong
passions, and the constant society of men
made fierce by the barbarism Of war. did
not tend to teach him self-control or the
gentlcness needed in dealing with sensi-
tive woman.
Dear with him. Madeleine" Countess
Claire would say. MEN are queer crea-
turoe When he is older he will learn to
trust YOU. and feel ashamed of his old
suspicious. l am quite sure that il men
knew how we women value confidence and
trust they would never weaken the feel
ing by doubling u.s.
On the other hand. Marie Meyer, not
being as romantic as the countess, was
more practical in her view of the subject.
BE careful, Madeleine. he will do you
mischief ono OF these days, and then re-
pent his passion for the rest of his life.
Let sleeping dogs lie. You know what he
is nova chained tiger when he is at
home. The battle field is the best place
for men, after all. There they can let
loose their passions and win fame by for
getting that they are human beings; ut
home they have no use for their grand
talents, and we women arc good enough
for them TO vent their humors onr'
Which good advice fell on listless ears,
for Madeleine loved too truly TO be eau
tious. and was constantly falling into
fresh pitfalls. Recalling the events of
that day. she knew that Jean would have
preferred another woman than his young,
pretty wife to wait upon jacques Latour,
and, no doubt, should jacques mention
the matter in camp, Madeleine would be
taken to task for her action. Yet, were it
to happen again-a soldier needing help
she knew that she would risk scolding
and obey the dictates of her kind heart.
"Were Jean in distress, / would bless
the woman who would come to his relief;
and why should not do the same for the
husband of some other poor creature.
sitting alone as do now, wondering if
she will ever see her loved one again.
Mamma, mamma! you must not cry"
said Adiiennc. "Papa will surely come;
know he will" and Jumping from the
window-seat, Adrienne threw herself on
her knees at her mothers side, and
stretching her slight arms around Made
leine's neck, drew her face down for
kiss
At that moment heavy steps were audi
bic on the path. the door was flung wide
open, and. rushing in, Jean Renaud threw
his arms around wife and child, and
pressed them 10 his heart.
CHAPTER II.
WHAT DETAINED JEAN RESAup.