The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-01-25
"Heayen fnrlli,i.

HCl 'uittI ICmOiSts anu ltS COuSlstllL weight
upon her heart. She accuses herself, and
all the world could not convince her that
| she was blameless."
at is most awful condition of life,
grant; but, il this man murdered his in
nocent wife, Heaven, in raising up his
own child as the one powerful. fatal wit
ness against him, inflicted its heaviest
punishment"
"You said ifY"
ayes, but recall ii. The duke be-
lieved him guilty for twelve years. For
little while his conscience troubled him,
owing to what the chanoinesse said. Now
he has returned to his old convictions,
and they are settled firmly"
"Poor Adrienne!" Valentines eyes filed
with tears. "Minutes will seem like hours
until tomorrow. Then, will try to COM
fort her." g.
The marquis left Valentine looking and
feeling very sad. Do what she could, the
girl could not keep her thoughts from
dwelling on the subject.
As the hours passed, and her clear
brain regained its powers, she found her.
self recalling, without mental effort, the
scene OF the morning. Again she saw Ad-
rienne's mobile features changing, with
the rapidity Of thought from delight to
despair; again she heard the sweet voice,
now rich and musical with joy, then
broken and full Of tears in its moaning
cry of anguish. Her fathers appearance,
manner, voice, and words. all returned
with painful exactness, and she tried to
put from her the work of coolly Analysing
them.
In vain; conscience forced the task
from her unwilling faculties. She fell in
TO n troubled Sleep haunted with pban-
toms that assumed the well known shapes.
and seemed to plead to her in favor Of or
against the soldiers innocence.
Valentine was glad when morning broke
and the feverish dreams were ended. The
magni6cence surrounding her next chal-
lenged her admiration, and the contem-
plation of the sudden change in her own
circumstances occupied her for some time.
A summons to breakfast with the count
suddenly brought back all her perplex-
ties. Valentine entered the luxurious
dining room, intent on one object-to find
a quick mode to winning the counts con-
sent to visit to Adrienne.
The count was equally intent on his own
pet schemes. He was seated at the table,
slowly dropping Jumps Of sugar into his
coffee. when he saw her standing in the
doorway; but he at once rose, kissed her
forehead, and handed her to her seat.
Valentine saw that he had recovered his
appearance and self-control.
The count had very little small-talk at
his disposal. Valentine, at that moment,
possessed none whatever. They, however.
found the improvements q subject Of easy
discussion. Valentine was pleased with
everything. and was quite willing to leave
the whole matter to the counts tastes and
decisions. The servant being dismissed,
the count began:
"Can you 60 TO the city with me this
morningi"
"Why, yes"
This presentation will take place as
soon as possible after the Duke de Choi-
seurs arrival, and want you to be
dressed in accordance to your rank and
wealth"
''Oh, yes; the duchess was speaking Of
our dresses only yesterday
~Well, we can decide without consulting
her. suppose. The tradespeople in Tou-
Ion can supply you with all you will want
in the way Of stuffs, and, Of course, who
ever makes them up will suggest the
style and form of the Dress"
"Would it not be more polite TO mention
the matter to the duchessf She is SO
kind, and she has taken such an interest
in me. Besides, Adrienne-"
"Why do you mention that girlf"
"Mention Adrienne3" Valentines eyes
and voice were full Of wonder.
ayes, it annoys me very much. The
sound Of her name, and everything con-
nected with her, are distasteful to me-"
"Why, Adrienne and have been like
sisters for four years. There is no one in
the world like Adrienne."
The count stared at his daughter very
much as II afraid for her reason.
mo one in the world like Adrienne!
Why, you are talking nonsense, sheer
nonsense"
Inc count rose, ana WalKeu 10 the
window.
ut is the truth, however" said valen-
tine, calmly.
"The truth, Ell no one in the world
like Adriennef" The count laughed
scornfully. 'The child Of miserable
convictv'
Valentine rose and approached the
count
"Is she TO blame for thatr che asked,
proudly, her voice growing frmer and
clearer.
II did not say that she was. Why do
you argue with met tell you, you must
forget this girl-forget her, sayr'
"But whyf What has she donei"
"Nothing! Did say anything against
heri I only say this. you can have moth
ing moro to do with herr
"But whyi"
because ! wish IT,"
there Il no reason in that" said VAL
entine.