The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-02-08

from HeavenT
Valentine looked steadily at the count,
but did not reply.
He spoke roughly, walking up and
down, without meeting her eyes,
"Pshaw! l am tired of all this nonsense;
have you selected your jewelsG" )
mo; l cannot wear them-I will not@
"You will not! Why, what is the fault
with them2 Are they not rich enough for
your"
Erich enough! They are too expensive
for me-"
ooh! now you are joking with me. You
are angry with me. Well, perhaps I am
severe. even unjust; but have reasons.
Come, Valentine. your poor mother used
to love so to deck herself in these. Come,
take these diamonds"
~ cannot! They all terrify me! See
this one. This seems to burn into my flesh
rs hold i'll"
She drew the necklace from her pocket,
and put it before the counts eyes.
He looked from her to it, as if he
thought she was losing her senses. Then
he held it for a moment, and pressed the
medallion to his lips.
Valentine eagerly watched the action
without letting go her hold
"That necklace! Why. that is the very
one your mother wore on our wedding
day. Why, something must have be-
wildered you, my daughters
"Yes; see."
Valentine again concealed the necklace;
and going to table, sat down and leaned
her head upon her hand in deep thought.
"Well, l am waiting your pleasure, Val
entine. Everything is in readiness for
our drive. We have delayed long enough
already
~ am not going to the presentation
"Not going2 But l insist upon your
going; you know, am your father"
ut is because you are my father that
now speak as do"
~ do not understand you. What do
you mean3'
81 mean that we must leave France"
leave Francel You must be ravinG.
Why, have only just returned, after an
enforced absence of twelve long, painful
years. have brought with me every
possible proof of my identity, so as to be
able to enjoy life and secure all these es-
tates to you. Leave Franco! ! should
like to know on what grounds-for what
reasonw
because justice must be done. The
man now suffering unmerited disgrace
and bitter shame must be released. ! ask
You to leave France. will go with you.
Once out of danger, beyond reach Of cap
ture, you can explain everything, prove
his innocence. and restore him to liberty"
"Why, what are you talking about2
Who is this man whom am to liberate by
all this sacrificed"
"Jean Renaud."
Valentine rose as she spoke.
The count stood for moment gazing at
her, an expression of cunning and curios-
ity meeting her steady scrutiny of his
face.
"Jean Renaud9 the galley. slave! What
are you insinuating2 Do you mean to ac-
cuse me-your fatherl"
Valentine clasped her hands.
"Do not-do not drive me to such an
DO W ultus w HIS
child! Has he not suffered enough for
you-for another's crime3 Must his in
nocent child die, broken hearted, because
no help can reach him3 Do you suppose
that will stay here quietly and look on
at another murderr -r
III think you have lost your senses, VAL
entine."
He turned away. Valentine followed
him, her hands clasped, her voice soft in
pleading.
"Will you not agree to my earnest
prayer9 Heaven, perhaps, has spared
you to make PREPARATION for this terrible
sin. Do it, and l shall love you! / will
follow you in your exile, work for you.
care for you, lie indeed your daughter
-"
I'll tell you no! Here remain"
"Ycu will not undo this injusliccl You
will not leave Francer'
: "Never! tell you. Never! What is
more, l command you to cease talking on
this subject, which seems to he depiiving
you of your senses, driving you into in
sanity. We must leave this place; and
that without delay. The presence of that
girl is simply maddening. 1t affects me
almost as much as it does you"
"Her presence may excite your fears,
but it has nothing to do with my agita-
ton
"Then may ask the cause of it?"
at is caused by your danger. doubt
my own ability to keep silent; am not
convinced that it is my duty to do So"
"What! do you threaten me7''
"No; implore you to do what is right,
what is kindw
"You must have discovered something
which you consider important evidence
against meY' said the count. approaching
his daughter and speaking in a whisper.
His eyes had a dangerous CLEAN in them.
Valentine faced him boldly.
"You are right; have"
"what is this proof Where did you
find it2"
"Do not ask me. 1t is enough that it is
sufficient for the purpose If / wish to use