The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-12-21
CHAPTER VIII.
PLEASANT DREAMS.


PLEASANT DREAMS.
The chanoinesse was the most delight
full Of chaperons, the most sympathetic of
friends, always ready for n drive to the
city, or a ramble through the woods. As
she had expressed it, she too had been
young. and she knew precisely how to
make time pleasant for the bright Great.
ures before whom life was now so happily
opening.
The duke was expecting visitors from
the capital. and series of receptions, in
honor OF the guests, was under discus
sion. The girls were soon absorbed in
the attractive subjects Of presentations
and suitable dresses for these brilliant oc-
casions. For days they spent their morn
ings inspecting brocades and satins. laces
and flowers. Fortunately. their difference
in complexion. eyes and hair, prevented
all chance OF rivalry. Both were beauti
full; hut Adrienne chose delicate blues
and pinks in the flowers on her heavy
brocales, while Valentine selected ambes
tints and crimson hues TO enhance the
splendor. OF her dark, brilliant eyes.
Days and weeks had slipped by; the
chanoinesse seemed in no hurry to return.
to her quiet duties at the college.
One morning she came out ON the ter
race. followed 10y Raoul and the Marquis
de Calonne.
"Bad news, girls" she cried, holding ur
an open letter. Il am called 10 Paris, and
must leave You 70 morrow"
''Oh, dear" cried the two voices; and
the girls left their embroidery and hast
ened to hear her reasons for going away
just when most needed there.
"But Valentinei- said Adrienne. catch
ing her friends hand.
"You must not look so startled, Adri-
enne. Valentine will remain with YOU"
: "Oh, charming! delightful" was the re-
ply.
"But when will yon return p asked Val
entine, with serious eyes and sad tones.
ut is very uncertain. my dear. But DO
not fret about me; shall have a pleasant
visit in Paris, and shall enjoy it all the
more knowing how happy you are here"
"And viii you so alone, that long, tire
come journey"
mo; l am TO have an agreeable com
panion. In fact"--here the chanoinesse
looked at "Raoul has proposed
&c be my escort"
"Raoul!'
1t was Adrienne's voice, full of astonish
ment.
"Yes;' and the chanoinesse sighed.
"Raoul intends to return TO Paris."s
ITO PARISH" echoed Adrienne, with
quick glance al Raoul's averted face.
swell. you see. Raoul loves young
lady who does not love him"
but she does love him! She Adj
rienne suddenly bit her lip and hid her
flushed face on Valentines shoulder.
"You hear, Raoul9 think you had
better settle this affair with the young
lady"
ayes, Adricnne, you must decide now.
once FOR ALL said Raoul, approaching. 81
can bear this suspense no longerl To-day
believing myself beloved. tomorrow, fear.
ing that but deceive my own heart with
false hopes. You know my meaning, l
love you; but unless can feel that my
love is returned, must leave you"
"You need not" said Adrienne, giving
him her hand, and smiling in HE earnest
face. II would rather have my cross old
Raoul here than in Paris"
.what is all tbis7r asked the duke,
making his appearance on the terrace.
Raoufs animated features, and Adri-
enne's bushes, were suspicious. The
chanoinesse stepped between them.
I'VE have been discussing very-very
interesting question; how a young gentle
man should ask for the hand Of the lady
whom he loves"
..Oh. the easiest thing In the worid.'
said the unconscious duke, seating him
self. and looking directly at the marquis.
aust call on the father, or proper guar
dian Of the young lady. and say: Sir, 1
love your daughter, ard am honored by
her affections; ask you for her hand In
Then, of course, he mentions
his fortune, and 30 forth. The parents, Of
course, have been quito aware Of what
was coming. aud freely give their con.
sent"
"Tben. have only 70 cay that here h
The gentleman. you are the father, and
there stands the vounG lady," said the