The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-02-22

eHOtlOn tnat NJ times chokeu his utter
ance. "a soldier came to his aid; the
soldier was 1.-The man WAS" Reuaud
stopped. The count made no attempt to
supply the missing word. Renaud looked
perplexed.
1.-THE man was" he repeated. with
an accent Of despair in his powerful voice I;
an anguish that increased as he continued
his appeal. "The night was dark-the
wounded mans face was covered with
blood-I would not be able to recognize
him after 30 many years-but he told me
that his name was Alfred de Mornasse
-
80 far you have stated the truth" said
the count, coldly.
Renaud turned to Adrienne, a ray Of
hope illumining his features:
"You hear, Adrienne, you hearw
Adrienne tried to return an answering
smile, but in vain; her imploring gaze
rested doubtfully on the counts pale,
averted face.
The attentive listeners became more
absorbed than ever; the count seemed
rather embarrassed by this quiet, con-
centrated scrutiny. He turned, with an
impatient gesture. to Remand, who still
seemed to expect some expression of en-
enlargement, some kind recognition, from
Alfred de Mornasse. But they were not
uttered.
Renaud's voice trembled as he again
proceeded with his appeal.
"Well, then you gave me n reward, your
purse; it contained three hundred louis,
in gold"
ayes, yes ! remember. also told you
my fathers name, and requested you to
convey to him the tidings OF my DEATH"
Eyes" Renaud's voice rose in tri-
umphal joy. "And then you confded to
me your"
"Stop there, my man. Now, you are
going to repeat that old story about valu-
able papers and jewels"
"But you did give them to me, title
deeds, diamonds, pearls, your signet-ring
-"
Mot at all; you have told that story
70 often that now You imagine it to be
really true
Jean Renaud, instead Of shrinking away
from tue count. took several steps for
ward and stood quite close to him, his
features expressing extreme astonish-
ment, even incredulity. The count met
the glance quite umoved.
lyon say that you did not confde to me
jewels and papersf"
Certainly not. have all my valuable
jewels and papers with me-"
"You have them with your"
Renaud's voice trembled with amaze
ment, his eagle gaze was fixed on the
counts impassive features; the intensity
of his emotions thrilled his listeners. Adj
rienne rose. and leaning on the duchess.
with hands clasped in mute agony,
watched the two figures, one on fire with
long suppressed, outraged feelings, the
other cold and indifferent as marble
statue.
ayes; all of them-all of Them
Then you recovered them in some way
IL tell you-no"
"They were brought TO you, them"
"Never! tell you, never! They have
never been out of my possession"
Renaud rose to his full height, and
leaning forward, looked full at the counts
restless eyes. His voice rolled out in
thunder tones, his gestures were as men,
acing as his emphatic denunciation was
threatening.
''And tell you, that if those papers and
jewels were never brought 10 you-never
bought by you from stranger-that you
you took them from the keeping of my
murdered Madeleine! Yes-yes. 1 see it
all Look! colonel, Adrienne, O'Rourke-
do you not see what do? There stands
the murderer Of my wife! The mar who
is killing my child! The man who, for
twelve long years, has condemned me to
the torments Of the damned! Yes, shrink
away, but you shall not escape me again!
tell You. that you are not the Count de
Mornasse! You are murderer-a mean.
cowardly wretch, who could murder an
innocent, helpless woman, and force from
her lips a false charge! Yes, who but
you made my dying wife speak the words
that condemned me: III an icM your
tdthor!'
A shrek from Adiienne for a second
stopped the torrent of words; but the
counts features had contracted as if with
spasm of agony, and he shrank behind
the duke, and put his hands before his
face.
Jean Renaud sprang forward, painting,
gasping, dragging his chain like some
great wild beast that has broken from his
keeper.
"You have destroyed my wife, ruined
my career blasted my home! You have
so far escaped! You have put me out of
the pale of society! reduced me to the
lowest depths of infamy! See this shame.
full livery-it is yOu who should wear it!
this chain-it is you who should drag IL!
tell you, if could not have law then. 1
will have justice now; and, If that is de-
MED me, then let me have--revengew
He would have sprung like tiger on
the trembling count, but ORourke, who
had watched every motion, caught him
around the waist and held him back.
"a r Al 4 II