The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-02-15

AOuioh iOr dyereS- .f
Meanwhile, Adiienne became utterly
Frustrated, and before morning was in
high fever, and, at times, delirious.
The day that had commenced so bril-
liantly, had brought trouble and alarm
toward its close. Valentine was i'll and
denied to all visitors, and Adrienne was
threatened with the miseries of BRAIN
fever.
The whole household was affected by
the condition of its young mistress. The
duke snatcned every moment from his
state affairs to devote to the suffering
girl, the duchess hung over her night and
day, carrying out all the physicians in
structions, and realizing, as she saw her
danger, how dear the lovely, helpless suf-
ferer was to her notherly heart.
ORourke watched and waited in the
large ante room beyond. ready to perform
any service without moments delay.
Raoul came and went, anxious, misera-
bic, besieging every one in turn for an
opinion, and opposing every unfavorable
suggestion with almost angry vehemence.
What would the end be2 How long
would the delicate form sustain such
mental and physical exhaustionf In
dreams, Adrienne lived over the sorrows
of the past weeks, the suppressed hopes
and fears found vent in passionate words,
in heart breaking appeals for help, OF for
justice. AT times she was with her father,
calling him by endearing names, soothing
him with her own hopes, and blaming her.
calf f@,,h se,x al
Valentine, praying for support and com
fort, and often it was the Count de Nor
nasse to whom she appealed for mercy
for vindication Of her fathers words.
From these'attacks Of delirium she would
awaken, conscious of all that was taking
place around her. but physically weak
and indifferent to her own condition.
Every day came messenger for Valen-
tine to inquire for Adrienne, and report
that her mistress was better.
AS Valentine had copjectured, the
count did not trust himself TO another in.
terview with her. He c0ntented himself
with inquiring for her frequently, and
sending kind messages. He had been in
vited by tho Duke de Chniseul 10 bring
his daughter to Versailles, and he was
rapidly completing his arrangements to
leave Provence,
Once at the brilliant court where he
could surround Valentine with new faces
and novel amusements, he felt that her
interest in Adrienne would gradually
cease.
His preparations kept him away from
La Grange. his other estates requiring his
personal supervision. Thus relieved of
his presence, Valentine rapidly regained
her usual appearance aud old strength of
will.
One sultry morning the duchess was
sitting, sad-hearted and worn out with
watching, in the large room adjoining Adj
riennes. This was long apartment,
beautifully fitted up in the luxurious
style then in vogue. Low windows opened
on the park; the high ceiling was sup
ported by strong pillars of polished mar.
BILE. At one end folding-doors opened into
the main hall of the chateau, while the
doors on the side opposite the windows
opened into Adrienne's suite Of rooms.
At one OF these doors O'Rourke was
standing, listening to the broken sentences
that Adrienne uttered in her sleep. A
slight noise near the main entrance at
tracted the attention of the duchess, and,
turning, she saw the chanoinesse. She
rose, an exclamation of delight upon her
lips. and pleasure beaming in her fea-
lures. . -.
"You are welcomed! thought you
hoo IL 10
'.Indeed. my being here to-day is due
to Henri de Calonne. was going first to
Hyeres, but he met me on the road. and
showed me that was needed here"
HE has told you, then, how unhappy
we are here. And you left us so merry"
"Adrienne, he told me, was quite i'll,
and Valentine in great mental distress.
But now, Adrienne is betterl"
1.-Two nights ago we were afraid she
would not survive until morning. The
crisis is over, but she is so weak--oh,
have almost lost hope! She thinks of
nothing but her fathers condition; she
only talks Of him. Listen! even in her
sleep she answers himw
Father, father, yes, am coming"
the quiet room.
"You heart" said the duchess, her eyes
filing with tears. THAT is her unceasing
cry, night and day. And nothing can be
done, nothing!"
do not cease to hope. have succeed
ed in my efforts far beyond my most san
guine expectations. 1 must see Valentine
as soon rs possible"
"Poor Valentine! You know Adrienne's
grief so worked upon her mind that she
was attacked with delirium. at least so
her father explained her condition. l
think that he excited her by forbidding
herto have anything to do with Adrienne.'
The chanoinesse looked Mt the duchess
with n curious expression in her usually
quiet features.
valentine will no doubt confide her
troubles TO me. l am far more anxious
about Adrenne."
"But you must have been very much
surprised when you heard that the Count