The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-01-18
G ON DE M N ED;
The Story Of a Galley Slave.
Adapted from the popular play, "a CELE-
GRATED CASE"

good preservation, and while externally il
retained all the peculiarities of the age in
which it was built, the interior had I'M.
dergone successive alterations under its
wealthy owner until 1t possessed some Of
the most beautiful halls that the arts of
each period could devise.
The southern front of the chateau look
ing toward the Chateau d'Aubretot, was
full of large, pleasant apartments, and
these had evidently been selected as the
most fitting and cheerful to occupy.
The walk home was rather silent one.
Adrienne was absorbed in the mystery
that surrounded and troubled Valentine,
and the duchess and Raoul could not help
discussing it.
They found the duke on the terrace,
anxiously awaiting them. He had i'm
portant news for them. The Duke de
Choiseul was on his way to Provence, and
would be entertained by the Duke and
Duchess d'Aubretot.
To give tue Minister of France fitting
reception would require much preparation
on the part of the governor, and the
duchess was needed for advice and coun-
sci.
Adrienne and Raoul followed the duke
and duchess into the large drawing room,
but Valentine fingered without, under the
cool air and shady trees. The discovery
OF the morning had awakened tide of
recollections, and Henri de Calonne was
willing and tender listener to Valentines
new hopes and fears.
Meanwhile the duchess discussed
amusements and invitations, and O'Rourke
was called in to give an opinion as to the
size and qualifications of the dukes ret
inue. EC
"And Adrienne must look her best, if
the Minister of France is to see her for
the first time," said the duchess, playfuly.
"Raouls lovely diamonds will look charm
ing with white-satin court-dress."
"Must be presented" said Adrienne,
flushing painfully.
ayes, indeed, and Valentine also. I
shall see about your dresses the first
thing tomorrow" EF
at seems such mockery, Raoul. I
have no claim to any share in this pageant.
and my heart is not in it,"
"Still, your absence would cause more
remarks than you have any idea of. The
Duke de Choiseul is aware that a Madem-
oiselle d'Aubretot exists; he would inquire
for you, and that would lead to explana-
tons. think that until something def
mite is discovered, OF some arrangement
made for your fathers release, that these
should be avoided. Then. again, the
duchess is miserable without you!"
"Yes, and for her sake l must forget my
own feelings. They take my thoughts
far away from all this. But, Raoul, how
much longer can / bear this suspense7 1t
is wearing me out. Every morning when
Iwaken think that before night there
will be some news from the chanoinesse;
but night comes and nothing more has
been heard from Paris. What do you
think, Raoulf'
at is difficult to give an opinion; the
chanoinesse is very determined, very per-
severing, and she has great influence at
court. But twelve years, Adrienne, is
long time; and If no direct news has come
from this Count de Mornasse, she will no
doubt seek out some of the returned
exiles, and inquire from them whether he
has been heard of in England or Ger
many. 1t can only be slow search"
"Oh, Raoul. perhaps we are pleasing
ourselves with false hopes. My fathers
words. my own heart tells me that this
man did not survive"
"The Count de Mornasse Graves an au-
dience," said servant, entering, and adj
dressing the duke.
"The Count de Mornasse! shrieked Ad-
rienne, running to the duchess, who took
the girl in her arms.
1.-The Count de Mornasse!" said the
duke, completely puzzled.
"The Count de Mornassev' repeated the
& duchess.
"The Count de Mornasse" Raoul echoed,
with reassuring glance at Adrienne.
who in vain tried to speak.
The servant looked Mt the duke.
"He is outside, sir, in his carriage. ]
told him you were engaged, but he said
he had important BUSINESS with you."
.'Oh, let him come inl' cried Adrianne.
"Do you not hear2 1t is the Count de
Mornassel the man my father aided-the
man who can restore him to freedoml
Obi is not this salvation for bim-for met"
Crying and laughing in turn, Adrienne
threw her arms around the dukes neck.
s'Calm yourself, my child; will see this
gentleman. Why, Adrienne, in tears
againg"
"But these are for joy"
swell, stay with your mother. and
will bring the subject up as soon as we
have listened to his business with me.
Can you be patient for few minutesG"
slave not been patient9"
"You have, indeed, my child" The
duke was agitated, with an effort he
turned to the servant. "Well, show the
gentleman in. First, we must hear him."
In few minutes the servants flung wide
the great doors of the room, and one Of
them announced: ~ 80
"The Count de Mornasse.e WN II
As he did so man appeared In the
doorway, and, with a comprehensive
glance around him, entered the room.