The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-12-21


TO her eyes, and then put her little hand
in Ranurs. There. need not tell You 10
love one another thas you have learned
to do without any lessons from me, and
having learned it, ] believe there is moth
ing to add to H." IL, turned away quick
ly and met Valentines fearful eyes re-
gaiding him with unspoken admiration,
the silent homage III 'red to good mans
emotion. Her glance seemed 10 remind
the duke Of forgotten charge, and he
soon rejoined the merry little group. MI
crowding around The duchess for kisses
and congratulations Even Visourke had
to press Adriennes hand in his, ana call
down upon her head all the blessings in
the calendar.
IL think managed that very judicious
ly." said the chanoineSse; although /
have lost my escort by the. act. How
ever. have often iourneyed alone TO
Paris"
Perhaps" said the duke, coming for-
ward, and speaking with emphasis, there
will he another young gentleman setting
ont for the capital. who eau act rs escort
in Raours place"
"lndeedl and who may he bel' asked
the chanoinesse. 'Do know himf'
'Oh. yes, quite well. The fact is, he
took me into his confidence, IA few days
since, in matter that closely concerns
his happiness
-You interest mr." said the chanoinessc.
although noble. handsome. and
brave soldier. the young gentleman is. at
present, quite embarrassed in regard to
fortune. What is worse. he is deeply.
passionaiely in love-"
"Qh, dear!--poor, and passionately in
love. pity him Bnt the young lady;
does she return his love9"
'Most decidedly"
"And is she richi'
"Alas! no; she has no dover. That is
the trouble. The young man would like
To try his chances of earning fame and
fortune at the court or in the field; but
before starting he would like to ask the
young lady'S guardian u favor
Proceed. This is really romantic
What is this booni'
"Simply that the young lady would tie
allowed to wait for him, until he is in r
position 20 offer marriage with the requi-
site observation-disclosures. jewels. and so
FORTH
well, should say that under such
very unusual circumstances the guardian
might say Yes"
Then. my dear chanoinessc, you must
pronounce the word. There is the gen
tleman, and Mademoiselle. here. ia the
charming prize he longs to win
The gentleman! Valentine
The Marquis de Calonnc bowed low be-
fore the astoniSbed chanoineSsc. Valen-
tine took her hand, but did not speak. her
eyes being eloquent enough in their ear
nest appeal.
"Well. Henri. this is indeed surprise.
l will not say that it is an unpleasant
one.'
The young man seized her hand and
pressed it to his lips.
"Do you know that Valentine mus: for
the present remain namelessl"
IL know all. Her name is to me mat
ter of no consequence; love her for her
self.'
spoken like your fathers son. All,
Henril / loved him; could hardly re-
fuse his son anything in my power to be-
stow upon him. Valentine is to me as my
own child; III giving her TO you l only
JOIN the two whom love most on earth.
There; and having put her hand in yours,
] can only recall the dukes words; if you
love each other you have the best gift
posshlc-the only security for future
happiness. And now let me toll yon my
story. When l was young loved Heuris
father. and he loved me. He was q
younger son. and 30 we were separated.
He married u lady with n large dover,
and devoted myself to my present call
ing. You see l can sympathze with those
whom poverty separates. All, well, that
is long time ago. As years went by ]
became rich. suppose because money
was no longer necessary 10 my happiness.
To-day / am REPAID for all NY disappoint-
mcnts. This wealth. which has too often
been heavy burden and responsibility
on my shoulders. l now divide equally Ee- |
tween you and Valentine. You will each |
have two hundred thousand francs; thus
the bride will have her dover, and the |
bridegroom viii he enabled TO regain his |
encountered estates
Valentine could only cling 10 the chanoi.
nessc. and whisper her thanks. The
marquis was quite overwhelmed with this
generosity.
You are my fairy godmother," he said;
"how shall thank you; how repay your
lover"
"By taking care Of my Valentine.
Henri Her future has sometimes troubled
me; now i can feel that IL is safe. can
trust my child with you. But l fear my
other escort is taken from me. Remem-
Der. no more Of Paris, the court, or the
army. Happiness avoids publicity"
IL have found mine in Providence" said
the marquis kissing Valentines hand.
where IL belongs" said the chanoinesse
with emphasis. "Now, as you are all alb
sorbed in bliss, must leave you and be-
gin my preparations for to-morrow's
Journey"
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