The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1883-05-13

"There cannot be the slightest doubt
then. This is the necklace Let me
think. Given by the duchess to Made.
leine; placed by the soldier in box with
the money, the jewels and the papers
taken with them--stolen by the murderer
of Madeleinel Oh, what-what is this
mysteryR On one side OF the other is
concealed fearful crime. Which story
am to believer On the one hand. con-
vict, galley-slave-a man whom every
circumstance pointed to as the murderer,
even the testimony of his own child. On
the other, gentleman, respected and &C.
cepted as the Count de Mornasse, return
ing, after an absence Of twelve years, TO
claim his family estates, and bringing
with him this-this irretutable proof that
the soldier did not perjure himself; that
his theory was right! Another did the
deed! But who3 Why do tremble So
My brain seems on fire! You will do
iightp The duchess said 80 as she left
me, Yes--I will do right! Adrienne
shall not suffer any longer! Is it not she
not she who is to bear this misery and
disgraceY No, her father is innocent [;
another man murdered her poor, helpless
mother and that man is-my fatherv
Overcome at the horror of her own
conviction, Valentine fell back. nearly
fainting, on chair. She still grasped the
necklace, but all her physical and mental
power seemed paralyzed by the weight Of
the secret that tortured her. She tried to
think of some explanation for her fathers
possession Of the necklace, but her reason
would not accept what her fancy suggest
ed. The dull heavy torpor Of despair
was settling down upon her. The counts
manner and words were his worst &C.
cusers.
NJ must see Adrienne," she murmured,
over and over again; and while she was
speaking the door near her again opened
and Adrienne stood before her. -,-,~
Adrienne was vision Of loneliness in
her white satin and brocade draperies.
Her eyes sparkled with pleasure, her lips
parted in her own bright smile as she saw
Valentine, and stretching out her arms
she would have embraced her friend.
With a cry Valentine sprang to her
feet and shrank away from Adrienne's
touch. ,psr>--a
Adrienne's arms fell at once, her eyes
filled with tears.
81 see you do not wish for me, valen.
tine. / should not have come, but the
hours are so long, so weary without you.
/ have been so weak, 80 i'll! Will you not
even take my handi"
"0h, do not touch mel I dare not-I
cannot"
Valentine clasped her trembling hands
and drew back; but then, as if fascinated
by Adrienne's gaze, stood immovable, and
the two girls eagerly looked at each other.
Valentines face was battling. Adii-
enne could not read the drawn, set fea-
lures, the clear, searching eyes, in which
were reflected in turn agony, despair and
grief Love and hope were no longer
shining in their dark depths. Adrienne
had seen her own features when sorrow
had taken its strongest hold upon her,
but they never expressed the fear mingled
with terror that she now perceived in
Valentines beautiful face. Yet this was
her Valentine, the friend who had listened
to her griefs, shared them, and tried Ia
sustain her with pleasing hopes. This
was the girl who had put her arms about
her on that terrible day aud promised tc
help her. What had come over Valentine
What had caused this change in one who
had vowed constancy and never-failing
sympathyY Adriennes heart failed her
before Valentines earnest, silent scrutiny.
She shivered and putting out her hand,
chung to the chair for support.
"You are right. quite right, Valentine
she said, sadly. "The daughter of gal.
ley-slave should not hope to associate
with the daughter Of an honest, noble
gentleman, am sorry to have disturbed
you. will not trouble you again."
sand can you believe that, Adrienne
Can you thus reproach met If / were in
your place and you in mine, is that what
you would thinkf Is that the way you
would treat met"
mo, no, Valentine! I would not turn
from you'll would love you more than
ever, Valentine. would say that human
judgment is liable to error; that men be.
fore this have been accounted guilty, al
though the evidence was purely circum-
stantial, and later discoveries proved
them TO be guiltless. would still sus.
tain you with hope, and whisper of cour'
age; for tell you. Valentine, that in spite
of the overwhelming testimony Of yoni
fathers evidence against the truth OF my
fathers word, my soul still cries out, my
mind refuses to accept the conviction Of
his guilt; my heart assures me, teaches
me- that he is innocentw
Adrienne raised her hands to Heaven
as If to clothe her assertion with the
solemnity of an oath.
Valentine drew near her. speaking in
low, steady tones, the stern expression Of
her features for moment softening into
one Of wondering admiration for the gen.
tie girl before her.
"Adiienne, your heart teaches you the
truth. Cost what it may, l will tell you tc
follow its dictates; they will show you
what is right
"What-what have you discovered
Why do you speak 80 decidedly, yalen.