The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-12-14

Excuse me if l differ with you. Adj
rienne's rapid impulses very often make
her appear needless. even daring. You
will find her SO in trihes, in any serious
matter. Adrienne eau he as cautious and
~ determined as event. will say, Valen-
tine. In few words, Ad,ienne is care
less as 20 speech, but careful rs to actions.
Valentine is guarded in both
"You surprise me, my dear chanoinesse.
Still. you would probably know more Of
our chilTs disposition than we. rs you
watched her when she was really ,level.
oping from childhood into wmnanhool.
She loves you and Valentine so dearly! j
would like to ask you to leave Valentine
with us as long as she cares To remain.
She is a lovely girl, as dark as Adrienne
Ia fair; they make pretty contrast. No
doubt You, as Valentines guardian, will
wish to establish her well; u suitable
marriage would be the best arrangement
you could make for herr"
"You are, perhaps, right said the
chanoincsse, thoughtfully. ITO tell the
truth, hal not taken the subject Of Val
entines marriage into consideration"
There is, however, no real objection to
such proposal 2" said the duke.
There is this: Valentine has no fort
une, and cannot suppose that she ever
will have one. For twelve years l have
heard nothing of her family. 1t is all \
blank"
"Then all the more reason. my dear
chanoinesse, for leaving her with us. Her
beauty will win admirers of rank and
wealth, aud you can vouch for her family.
1t will be only justice to her to leave her
with us in Il position to meet and mingle
in society. Al the college she will he iso-
lated, deprived Of all the advantages that
young lady Of rank should have secured
to her. said the duke, decidedly.
well. you are very thoughtful and
very kind, generous, indeed. will think
it over. and give you my decision after II
few days. We will see if Valentine enjoys
society,"
absurd! II lovely girl Of seventeen can
not be on bad terms with world whose
attractions are just opening before her.
Let her develop little in this pleasant
atmosphere. and. believe me. she and Adj
rienne will appreciate what is most de-
lightful and valuable
The duke rose and gathered up his pa.
pers.
II wish that boy would make his APP
rearance. He could save me long ride
Tomorrow. He and Adrienne must post
pone these little tiffs until they will affect
only their own comfort"
The duke hustled away. calling on
O'Rourke and Joseph, and stopping to he
kissed by Adrenne. while he exchanged
few words with her dark. eyed, clever
friend. The duchess and the chanoinesse
had much. to say to each other. The form
er explained Raours long years of devo-
tion. and Adrienne's capricious method of
viewing a love SO passionate and so sim
cere.
The chauoinesse smiled and looked az
ter Adrienne.
"They will learn to read each others
heart. Adrienne is very young, very
childish"
"fou are quite right, and for that mat
ter, we do not care to press matters be.
tween our lovers. We have only just re-
ceived our daughter from you; we are
not at all anxious to part with her."
The Viscount de Langley and the Mar
Quis de Colonne.' announced Joseph, ap.
pearing on the terrace ;and the twoyoung
officers approached.
The chanoinesse rose quickly, her feat.
ures beaming with pleasure.
What, Henri You hcre?'
The marquis took the offered hand, and
bowling. pressed his lips upon it.
"Ies. Marrami, hut only within tho
week. Raoul and left Paris together"
The chanoinesse explained as she pre-
sented the marquis to the duchess:
"This is my godson, whom have not
seen for years. How delightful to have
you here with us! This is an unexpected
pleasure. see the young ladies coming.
Raoul, go and meet them; you and Adri-
enne can make the introductions much
better than We cam
The two ladies returned to their CONVEX
sation, quietly watching the low bows and
graceful courtesies interchaDged between
the young people.
Seeing Raoul back again, apparently
unaffected by her GOODNESS, Adrienne, af-
ter very few words, left him TO valen-
tine, and turned the whole battery of her
charms on Henri dc Colonnc,
He certainly justified Raoul's encomi-
ums as far as appearance was concerned.
Tall, well-formcd, and singulnrly grace
full in his bearing, he wore his beauty as
he did his proud name, with apparent I'M
consciousness of its possession.
Attractive as Adrienne was to him, as
his friends constant theme of converse.
ton, he found himself turning around to
watch Valentines flushing cheeks and
brilliant eyes, glowing with the pleasure
which the novelty Of the situation Afford
ed her.
10 emerge from the quiet monotony Of
school-life. and find herself transported,
as it were, to fairy land, with two beauti-
full princes waiting upon her and her dar-
ling Adrienne, would but feebly express
what she was experiencing. The reality