The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-02-01
c. ON D E M M E D !;
The Story of a Galley Slave.
Adapted from the popular play, "a CELE-
DRAFTED CASE


to respect and awe. His Office, and the
knowledge OF his good life in his daily in
tercourse with his paiishioners, command
ed these feelings. Once at the Chateau
dAubretot, opportunities for studying
men, as they appeared in the society of
ladies, were frequent. Thrown into daily
companionship with the duke, Raoul, and
Henri, Valentine had formed u very high
estimate Of men of rank and position.
The duke had been brave soldier, and
now stood high in political affairs. IN
doubtedly he had at times much to ruffie
his temper and arouse has anger; yet VAL
entine had always observed that he
treated women, and particularly those of
his own household, with the most gentle
consideration and respect The duchess
did not seem to have ever had harsh
word spoken to her, she seemed to have
lived in an atmosphere of love and peace.
Even the discovery of Adrienne's parent
age, instead of annoying her and her hus-
band, had only the effect of making them,
If it were possible to be so, fonder of the
unfortunate child. And Raoul and Henri7
Vhe expression, "Noblesse OJSige," seemed
10 be the watchword of all these noble
gentlemen. Even had Adrienne been a
stranger to them, their very nobility would
have obliged them to treat her with deli
cate tenderness.
What, then, actuated the Countde Nor
nasse TO turn from her with horror and
disgust in every featured He, q noble
man of ancient lineage, a gentleman by
right of birth, wealthy, in full possession,
apparently, of his faculties, to denounce
and cry down with bitter, scornful invec-
tive, this innocent girl, the lovely victim
of an inexplicabe mystery?"
Valentine was shocked at the lack of
manlness. the dearth of moral courage
thus displayed. The counts passionate
anger and recent violence with herself,
she ascribed wholly to his wngovernable
temper, accounted for fully by the wound
he had received. But this injury could
not have affected his heart, and it was the
decided lack of gooi-heartedness that
she deplored. When he was in trouble,
the soldier went to his aid at once, volun-
tarily. Now, the poor convict was suffer-
ing unjustly, and the count, instead of
seeking to help him in his terrible strait,
quickly turned away, even prohibiting
the mention of his name, or that of his
hapless child.
Worried, perplexed. Valentine dressed
herself for the coming drive. and with all
these emotions at intervals rising to tor
ment her, she joined the count, and to-
gether they rode to the city
Once interested in the various pur-
chases to be made, the count grew talka.
tive, even genial.
Nothing was too expensive for Valen-
tines use. He chose the most delicate
laces, the heaviest brocades, the richest
satins, for her wardrobe. His tastes
seemed to depend more on the cost of the
article than it's pattern or coloring; but
Valentine knew the shades she liked, and
he let her decide for herself.
The intense admiration in the glances
he gave her, and his complimentary re-
marks, gradually broke down the reserve
at first so decided in her manner. After
all, he was her father, had, perhaps, been
bitterly tried in his long exile, and he ev-
identity loved her. Valentine had pinned
for his presence; why not accept the
good, and forget what troubled herr
So the shopping expedition was means
of establishing more cordial relations be-
tween this strangely-united father and
daughter.
On their way home they met the duch-
ess. She was alone in the carriage, and
coold only stop for few moments
Adrienne was so much better that she
was preparing to attend the reception.
The Duke de Choseul had reached Tou-
Ion, and would hold court at the Hotel de
Vile.
The presentation would take place on
the second day following. and the duchess
exchanged few words with Valentine in
reference to her dress and ornaments.
Nothing was said about Valentines alb
sence from the Chateau d'Aubretot The
duchess evidently thought it proper and
right for the count to monopolize Valen-
tine ut first, and the important subject OF
visiting Adrienne was not alluded to.
Valentine breathed more freely after
the duchess had kissed her and driven on.
At least, Adrienne was much better
The coming presentation would so absorb
her time and thoughts that she would not
miss Valentine. They would meet on that
day in Toulon; there was joy in the
thought.
Valentine looked at her father. His
eatures were softened by his agreeable
reflections; he seemed capable of being
just, il not kind.
Perhaps Adrienne, who had the gift Of
winning hearts. would in time win her
way to his. Valentine could not contem-
plate an existence in which Adrienne
would have no share. Their lives were
bound together by 80 many close ties-by
such curious, interviewer threads-that
to suddenly separate them seemed an i'm
possible, unnatural action.
The count surprised his daughters ear
nest scrutiny Of his features, but he did
not look annoyed; he asked her a per-
picking question:
.would you like TO visit the court at
versailles7"
.Not inst Mt pYesent" Valentine said