The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-02-22
G ON D E M N E D;
The Story Of a Galley Slave.
Adapted from the popular play, "A CHLE-
DRAFTED CASE"


certainty.
"Yes, Adrienne. I am very sorry to
find yon so weak, so unhappy
"Oh. 1t is not / whom you should pity
it is he! ! have such lovely dreams. We
are together in garden; he is in a uni
form like Raoul wears he looks so bright,
so happy, and am so proud of him, my
own father! But when 1 waken. he is
gone; it all comes hack to me; know
that my dreams only mock me! Oh, il
could but see him! hear him speak to me!
But am not able to drag myself to his
feet, and he-he can never. never come
10 mel"
"Adrienne, my child, you will never get
well il you do not cease this terrible fret
ting; this brooding over grief that can
not he cured" the duchess said, gently.
"That is it! it cannot be cured, and
cannot endure it. Death would be a
mercy; for in death they could not separ-
ate us! thought little while ago that
Valentine was going to help me; but
must have been mistaken; that hope is
over"
The duke and Raoul coming in, inter-
rupted the conversation, and changed the
current of Adrienne's thoughts. They
were delighted to find her able to walk
about the room, and Raoul had twenty
things to tell her, while the duke and the
chanoinesse exchanged greetings.
But Adrienne listened like one in
dream.
"Raoul still persists in loving me-" she
said, looking sadly at him and the chan
oinesse. III cannot convince him that
am utterly untitled to be his wife, even If
could accept the sacrifice"
"Do not talk Of sacrifice. With you life
would be delightful to me; without you,
it holds nothing worth living for. The
old fame and distinction that I coveted in
a soldiers career have lost their charms
for me. have determined to renounce
them and devote myself TO one object-the
vindication of your father. BE my wife,
Adrienne. and we shall work together for
his sake!" .-l.
Adrienne gave him her hand. but her
smile was dreary, and she shook her head
as she spoke.
II dare not accept this noble offer,
Raoul; it would be useless! You heard
Valentines father speak; what is a con-
vict's word against his2 Even the duke.
who loves me and pities me, refuses to be-
lieve my father!"
"Adrienne. am almost sure that by
laying petition before the king, can
obtain your fathers PARDON" said the
duke, attracted by Adrienne's voice.
His former bravery. and his good con-
duct in prison. would go far to secure it."
"Why, yes, Adrienne, that would be the
most sensible thing to do Once liberated,
your father could seek some secluded
part of France; there he could live in
comfort and forget the SORROWS Of the
past twelve years"
Adrienne listened patiently to the chan
oinesse; then clasping her hands, she
turned to the duke.
"That would be mercy to the guilty !;
but my father is innocent. He would not
accept his freedom on such terms, nor
would agree to it."
"You see," whispered the duchess, at is
useless! Nothing can shake her faith in
her fathers innocence; and now Raoul is
entirely convinced Of IT,"
"Have you seen Valentine7' asked the
duke. turning to the chanoinesse.
"Not yet"
..You had better see her, then, to. day.
Tomorrow the count intends TO start with
her for Paris and Versailles"
"What! take her away from us, her old
friendsY Quite strange proceeding! I
must see this gentleman. think have
some claims on him that he cannot over
look.
"He says it is necessary for her health
TO remove her from these scenes and as
sociations. The girl has undoubtedly
been excited, and he may be right"
81 will go to her at once" said the
chanionesse. II have something to say in
this matter"
.'Go with her. Raoul," whispered Adri-
enne. "See Valentine, tell her that ! will
love her. no matter what distance they
put between us, and bring me some mes
sage from her."
Raoul, pressing the lovely girl to his
bosom, assured her he would deliver her
message and entreated her to have cour-
age, and as the chanoinesse left the room,
leaning on Raours arm, Adrienne went to
the duke, who put his arms around her
and kissed her tenderly.
II did not mean to be ungrateful. but
v
II understand, my darling; have an
other plan 10 propose; but first, wish to
ask You IL you think you are strong
enough to see your fatherr
.See him! but how2 wherei"
"There, excited again! Now. my child,
try, promise me to control yourself"
"Oh! will; but tell me, shall 1 see
him and speak tn himY'
"Yes, he will he here presently. You
so cried and prayed to see him again,
when you were delirious, that I sent
O'Rourfe 10 the city with an order to
have him brought here to-day"
Adrienne was beside O'Rourke in an in
slant, her eyes sparkling, her cheeks
glowing.