The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-11-23

ing Iea, ures what her tongue refused 10
utter.
"Well, in which? There is q large
quantity of plate laid away in closet
which is sunk in the wall. The door
opens with spring. the secret of which
l have learned; but you can tell me in
which room the closet is. The family
and they are what l want. Come, you
shall tell mel"
"Never" cried Madeleine. "You are
strong man, and now a rich one, and have
beggared us. Take your plumber. and
leave me"
"Quick, answer me; the jewel room,
which is it 7"
He raised his dagger as he spoke.
"Have pity, and leave me-"
'The room-which is it? Tell me"
"Never! You can kill me; but you
cannot make me betray my benefactors."
'Then die for your obstinacyw he cried,
plunging the dagger into her heart.
With one low moan, Madeleine fell
backward on the floor. The murderer
stoOt ioI a. SONOid CIV hio WIN
then, with cry of horror. he pushed
back the bolt, opened the door, and rushed
down the pathway and out of the gate.
The lovely May moon soon threw its
soft, silvery beams over the quiet cottage,
and, quivering through the windows,
shone on the motionless form. struck
down in its full strength and beauty.
A1,.;a,pf, 81, l,a,o1 fhrnnrrh tho dark
hours. but the sunlight streaming over
her pillow disturbed her. and she awoke
with a start. sitting up and calling "Mam-
ma" with all the strength she had.
There was no reply. Adrienne burst
into tears. then examined her dress, which
had not been changed for the little white
wrapper, lying, as Madeleine had folded
it, near her pillow The child grew fright
ened, and again tried to open the door,
but in vain. Then she cried, and called
Mammal" till she was exhausted.
Suddenly the sound of Distant firing
broke on her ears. The cannonade had
commenced 1t was Il repetition of the
terrible noise OF yesterday. Thoroughly
frightened, Adrienne covered her head in
the blankets. and sobbed with terror.
Hours passed. the villagers were all on
the alert for stragglers who would bring
news from the front. Household duties
were done between animated discussions
as to the number. engaged, the probable
presence of Marshal de Sake with the
troops, and the chances of victory for
the French arms.
About nine o'clock Marie Meyer began
to wonder what Madeleine was so busy
about, that she did not join the gossips at
their doors, or in the road. At length,
when ten o'clock struck from numerous
clocks in the neghborhood, she could no
longer restrain her curiosity, but leaving
her children, and calling to her nearest
neighbor to join her. started for the cot
tage, followed by Annette Despard.
The open door invited them to enter
Then the two women uttered a cry of hor-
ror, and hurried to the quiet figure, Meth
er supposing Madeleine to be dead, but
rather fearing that fright had brought on
fainting-ft.
The wound was deep and narrow, hav-
ing been made by small. sharp dagger,
and had not bled much. The face of the
dead woman was peaceful. almost smiling.
Her hands were still clasped as if in
prayer for mercy on her murderer.
Sick with horror. the two women sank
on their knees and stared blankly at each
other.
"She is dead Madeleine is deadw they
said. "Who-who could have done this2"
"And the child My God! the child"
cried Annette, springing to the door of
the sleeping-room.
"Why. il is bolted on this side! Oh!
Marie. Marie, what can have happened
here2 And we heard nothing!"
go FOR help. Annette; call in some of
the men. Something must be done at
oncew
Marie brought pillow from the high
bed. and gently placed the dead woman's
head upon it.; then growing courageous
with action. she drew back the bolt and
looked into the next room. Adrienne lay
sleeping, her cheeks stained with tears,
her golden curls falling over her fore
head. Marie was hesitating whether to
waken her suddenly. when the approach
ing steps and voices saved her the trou-
BILE. Adrienne opened her eyes as the
people crowded into the cottage, and
jumping from the bed. ran out into the
large room, not needing Marie's "wait.
wait, Adriennew
The child knelt beside her mother, the
awe-stricken group watching her, no one
daring to break the terrible stiffness.
Mamma! mamma! Speak TO me, man.
ma! Oh, why did you 'not'come to mef'
She tried to open the marble eyelids with
her little hands, and failing, began to kiss
the cold lips.
"What is the matter with my mammaT
she cried at last. rising and looking about
her.
"Oh, Adrienne, my child, your poor