The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-02-01

ayes, madame; but do not thlnk-i
mean it will he better not to call for me-
mot to call for you! why, Valentine,
what is it that agitates you so muchf Are
you not willing to tell met"
"Oh, madame, would be only too hap.
ny to go with you. but my father
"What, the count obiects9"
~ suppose he will; he wishes me to go
in the carriage with him."
"Well, of course you should consult his
wishes; but surely that is not what You
are fretting about2"
Valentine shivered, and drawing her
hand away from that of the duchess,
turned away.
The duchess looked at her, trying to
seek some explanation of the complete
change in this strong, self-reliant girl.
"Will you come in and see Adriennc for
few minutesl She has been pining to
talk with you, Valentine"
"Alas, madame, dare not"
"Dare not. Valentine! What has Adri-
enne done2"
''She, madame, nothing! My father has
forbidden me to speak to her. He says
that the daughter of the Count de Nor
nasse can hold no intercourse with the
daughter Of convict"
The scorn in Valentines tone drew the
attention Of the duchess to her flashing
eyes and crimson cheeks. She seemed 10
gasp for breath; every word came with
difficulty.
Poor Adrienne! / knew she would
have to suffer. but did not expect this!
Well. Valentine, however hard it may be.
my child, do your duty, obey your father.
Adrienne would tell you that a fathers
wish should be daughters most sacred
care"
II know it, madame; but"
Poor grill she would devote her life to
her fathers service if she could"
sand must she suffer on forever2 Can
nothing be doneY"
"Alas, Valentine, nothing
"Then you think the soldiers story en-
tirely false2" Valentine had faced the
duchess now, and her eager eyes were
filed with meaning. "Those papers and
jewels that he persists in speaking off"
"Child, your own fathers words COM
pletely contradicted his statement"
"But his theory of the murder-the
disappearance of the money
"Lies, all lies!"
"That necklace that You gave his wife 2"
"The miserable man mus, have de-
stroyed it or hidden it to avert suspicion"
ut is curious necklace, believe; it
onn,pocnl IF turrrnica ~
"Oh, not at all. 1t was made of rubies,
emeralds. and sapphires."
"Yes, madame-no doubt there were
others made like it."
"What duplcates?"
Valentine seemed too much Interested to
speak. The duchess shook her head. .'Oh,
no."
"No--madame?"
ut is very improbable. You see. that
necklace was made to order; the design
was my own. OF course, person who
could afford to wear such necklace would
not care for duplicate of mine. Orna-
ments should be unique, or they lose one
of their principal charms"
Valentine stood speechless, her eyes
AuSlcHcu Ou Vic uuCueSSS ucT VOlCc, WucA
she gained control of it, was husky and
uneven
MADAME, you would recognize that
necklace"
anywhere! 1t had my likeness set in
diamonds in the medallion; the clasp had
three diamonds; you pressed the centre
one and it opened. My Christian name
Claire-was on the inside piece"
Valentine tottered, and caught at the
nearest chair for support.
"Why, Valentine, what is it that agi-
tates you sol Are you y
"a sudden thought! Adrienne-her
grief, my own duty"
"Ah! you love her-you would help her
il you could2"
"Yes-if I-madame-see, those jewels
there. My father-brought them TO inc.
am to wear some of them; if you-would
select"
"Why, certainly; but, Valentine. in
deed. you must control this grief, this
emotion"
The duchess turned away to look at the
treasures of the former Countess dc Nor
nasse. Valentine softly drew the neck
lace from her pocket, and put her finger
on the center diamond Of the clasp.
TO be Conttnued.I
Belle Boyd the "rebel spy" as Mrs.