The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-01-25

$780,,
did not7"
"You paid him. Valentine clasped her
hands, speaking to herself. swell, and
that money, too, disappeared with the
other valuables! The man must he part
ly right; some wretch must have broken
into his house, murdered his poor wife,
almost before the eyes Of her child, and
taken those thingsl"
"Stop! silence, say" The count
caught Valentines arm in grasp like
iron, and Missed his words into her face,
his eyes cleaning like those Of a wild an
imal. "I'll hear no more-no more, say
Never speak to me again of that wretch
ed woman-that girl, the daughter of a
vile assass-"
The count seemed unable to finish his
word. He broke from Valentine, and
paced up and down the long room like a
chained beast.
Valentine forgot the pain caused by his
strong pressure, and turning, watched
him. He gesticulated like mailman
his convulsed features worked in fright
full giimaces. which his efforts at self con-
troll rendered all the more horrible.
Terrified, dreading she knew not what,
Valentine went to his side.
''Calm yourself, father. 1 will do as
you say; but cannot understand your
agitation-your sudden anger. did not
intend to excite you"
The count sat down on n sofa, and put
his handkerchief over his face.
Valentine stood near him. afraid to offer
any caress, and yet longing to show him
some little tilial attention. 1t was duty
trying in vain to kindle love.
Jean Remand had stood before his
daughter in a convict's dress, and she had
thrown her arms around his neck, and
laid her head on his breast, in simple,
childlike confidence, nothing doubling.
Why could not Valentine weep out her
disappointment in her fathers arms2 In
depriving her of Adrienne's love, surely
his should make up for the loss. She,
however, could not find courage to 60
humbly and lovingly to this trembling,
unreasonable man. who evidently had no
feeling for those in disgrace, even though
he owed to the soldier n heavy debt Of
gratitude.
She was in the midst of these problems,
when the count spoke, with studied calm
ness:
"You are right, Valentine; should not
allow myself to lie so easily aroused. For
give me, my daughter. 1t is so long
since have had any soothing influences
about me; you must charm away these
fearful gusts of passion that sway me 30
terribly"
He took her hand and kissed it.
"And may 90 to Adriennef-it is 80
hard to give her up"
"There-that name again! Valentine,
my decision on this point is irrevocable.
Listen TO me; will try TO explain my
meaning clearly and coolly. But a few
days since we were a prescribed family;
now, on returning to possess ourselves OF
the estates we have 30 long been deprived
Of, we must be careful"
Careful"
Valentine drew herself up TO her full
height.
ayes, careful. Our conduct must defy
criticism"
~ trust shall never do anything TO
bring shadow of shame on the family
honor"
mot willingly. know, Valentine; but
the Countess de Mornasse, the heiress OF
half dozen noble names, can hardly
choose for a companion the daughter Of q
convicted murderer, now serving out .
life's sentence at the galleys."
Valentines proud glance met the counts
restless eyes.
1.-THE honor of the family must he easily
furnished, If the companionship of one like
Adrienne can injure it. Your explanation
is not convincing"
ut is enough for my purpose, however,.
/ shall use whatever means l think best
to preserve the credit of this house. AS
my daughter, you owe me respect and
obedience"
~ shall try to show you respect; and it
is my duty to obey YOU"
"And this subject we will never again
recur to. If you make your preparations,
we will start ut an early hour for the city,"
With deep bow, the count left the
room. Valentine sat for some minutes
completely overpowered by the weight Of
conflicting emotions.
To be Continued