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

cNth ttAhc my
"Oh, do not touch me! dare not-r
cannot"
Valentine clasped her trembling hands
and drew back; but then, as if fascinated
by Adirienne's gaze. stood immovable. and
the two girls eagerly looked at each other
Valentines face was battling. Adii-
cnne 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 it's 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 to
sustain her with pleasing hopes. This
was the girl who had put her arms about
her on that terrible day and promised to
help her. What had come over Valentine7
What had caused this change ip one who
had vowed consistency and never-failing
sympathyY Adrienne's 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. "rhe 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"
"And can you believe that. Adrienne?
Can you thus reproach me? If were in
your place and you in mine, is that what
you would Think Is that the way you
would treat met"
from you'll would love you more than
ever, Valentine. 1 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. l would still sus-
tain you with hope. and whisper of cour-
age; for l tell you. Valentine, that in spite
of the overwhelming testimony of yonr
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
Adri.nne 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 a moment softening into
one Of wondering admiration for the gen.
tie girl before her.
"Adrienne, your heart teaches you the
truth. Cost what it may, 1 will tell you to
follow its Dictates; they will show you
what is right"
"what-what have you discovered
Why do you speak so decidedly, Valen-
timer"
because, Adiienne, am now as strong
ly convinced as you are of your fathers
innocence!"
'Oh, Valentine, can you speak to me
thus"
Adrienne caught Valentines hand and
tried to kiss it, but Valentine drew it
away, and shrinking, again showed Ad.
rienne face distorted with terror and
despair.
"No, no! you must not! do not de-
serve it -wait--wait."
"Again, valentinel Alas, what have I
-done2"
"Nothing. You have only suffered. the
victim of cruel mans heartlessness."
"Why does ydar voice change SO, valen-
tinef Surely you do not blame my fatherf
1 am the cause of all this wretchedness"
"You, Adrienne! Oh, no; if your father
were here would fall on my knees be-
fore him, as do now before you. would
tell him how bonored him for his noble
conduct; how grieved for his long, bit
ter punishment. would assure him that
his innocence should yet be made manifest
to the world; that he should be restored
to his liberty, to his country, to his child
-"
Valentines voice broke in sobs.
Adrienne gazed at her, as if doubling
the evidence of her senses. Valentine on
her knees, her hands clasped, her eyes
raised as if invoking help and guidance,
was sight so strange, so inexplicable un-
der the circumstances, that Adrienne
sank into chair and covered her face
with her hands.