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

A~oNou III HcT idCc, very HnuCu hS ne nau
done years before, in hopeless, voiceless
agony.
"He is right, my child. i have no
proofs" His voice faltered. ut is all
over"
"Not yet" replied a clear, firm voice,
and Valentine entered from Adrienne's
rooms. followed by the chanoinesse, Raoul
and Henri.
All eyes were turned upon her as she
advanced, calm, self-possessed, her dark
eyes shining with intense brilliancy, con-
scious power showing in every gesture.
She stopped, and her face softened into a
smile as Adrienne turned to her with i'm
ploring eyes, unable to express her de.
light at seeing her. Valentine bent over
her.
Courage" she whispered, "leave the
rest to u.s."
"What are you doing heref" demanded
the enraged count, recovering his voice.
~ told you expressly to keep away from
this housed"
"And ] asked you to leave Francew
said Valentine, with a perceptible shudder
II told you that I would not. Now,
obey me. Go to your own house. Go, /
say"
Valentine disengaged her arm with a
rapid motion, speaking softly, her eyes
fixed on his:
81 gave you the opportunity; you re-
fused to profit by it. Now, it is too late!'
"Will you go away?' he asked, threat
eningly.
"By what authority do you command
this child" asked the chanionesse, com.
ing between him and Valentine, and
speaking very quietly.
"By what authority am her fatherw
"You! Her father2"
The chanoinesse looked at the count
from head to foot with an expression of
mingled surprise and contempt. He bowed
slightly.
"Yes, her father. The Count de Nor.
nasse."
The duke would have spoken, but the
chanoinesse prevented him with a quick
gesture. The circle narrowed around her
and the count, Adrienne leaning on her
fathers arm, the duchess holding Valen-
tines hand, O'Rourke intent on each
speaker in turn, and the young men on
the alert awaiting events.
"You say you are the Count de Nor
nasse. Well, ms have taken care of Val.
entine de Mornasse for many years,
claim the right of asking you few ques-
tons so as to satisfy myself of your iden-
tity before surrendering my charge. Duke,
I submit it to you, whether this is not a
fair demand"
Certainly, madame, the count cannot
object to an action which does credit to
your prudence and zeal in behalf of Mad
emoiselle Valentine"
"Of course, any information you desire
that ! can supply is at your service" said
the count. looking uneasily from the chan
oinesse TO Valentines earnest face.
.Then, sir, look ut me and tell me if you
ever saw me until now!'
"Never madame" replied the count,
glancing curiously at the chanoinesse.
THAT is, not to my recollection. You
must do me the justice to remember that
] have been for years an exile, and peo-
pie change as time passes"
AT what school did you say your
daughter was placed2"
"Why,at Hyeres--the College d'Hyeres."
"Yes. you sent her there in charge of a
servant"
"Yes, Madame, one of my servants was
willing to risk his own safety, and leave
the child there with the directress Of the
college,
"Do you remember what message the
servant took 10 the directressr
"Why, how should /. after twelve years,
recall verbal message?" said the count,
appealing to the duke.
fortunately, do. Before repeating it,
1 wish. in the presence of this company,
to ask-Jean Remand a question. You
have all heard the Count de Mornasse re-
late how his daughter reached Hyeres.
OF course, we are not all gifted with men,
DRY in the same degree, and twelve years
is long time to remember; but can Jean
Renaud repeat what Alfred de Mornasse
said to him in reference to his childT
IL can," came the prompt answer, and
Remand turned eagerly to the chanoinesse.
ale told me that his daughter had been
at Lille, but that was to take the jewels
and papers to Arras, where she lived with
her aunt, the chanoinesse."
"You hear?" said the chanoinesse, look
ing around her. "Now will tell you my
story, and you can compare the three.
Twelve years ago the directress of the Col
lege d'Hyeres was the Chanoinesse de
Mornasse, Valentines grand-aunt. When
the family became prescribed. and the
Count de Mornasse and his son. Valentines
father. were about to leave France, the
chanoinesse was visiting the convent at
Lille. Alfred de Mornasse determined
that his little child should remain in
France. At that period was at the con-
vent at Lille. One day a man carrying n
sleeping child was admitted into the par
Tor. lie asked for the Chanoiressc de
Mornasse. and was informed that she was
at Arras. He then inquired for the direc-
tress of the school, and went to see him.