The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-02-01
lied by him as The Count dc Mornasse.

hiuCu III 'tii tueSc !ohTS!
The count darted rapid glance at Val
entines face; but hers was perfectly
frank in its expression.
III have altered very much; several OF
my former acquaintance met me in Paris.
and they all declared that they should
not have recognized me-"
us it possibleH" Her voice was quite
sympathetic. "You must have had much
trouble in your exilel"
"Yes; but that is over. We will think
only of the future. My old friends in this
neighborhood went into exile with me.
Many of them are dead. care nothing
for society; l always did lead rather
solitary life. If l care for change, | can
interest myself in public affairs"
Like the duke. suppose"
Eyes; he finds pleasure and occupation
in public service. 1t is better than to
rust out in private existence, surround
ed by luxuries. Besides, it would wean
my thoughts from the past"
This allusion sent Valentine into long
everie, and she found it difficult thing
TO give all her attention to the count and
his affairs. Whatever reasons he might
have for forgetting the past. sire. on the
contrary, loved 10 recall it. Adrienne and
the chanoinesse filed it with happy men,
cries.
For the remainder of that day, and the
whole of the next one, nothing was thought
of but the preparations for the reception.
Valentine became mere lay figure. on
which were hung garments in all stages
Of manufacture. The count took far more
interest in her appearance than she did
herself-vanity being, as yet, an unde-
veloped passion.
He discussed the arrangement of her
hair; suggested rouge and little black
patches on the face, as he had noticed
them on the most beautiful ladies of the
court. Valentine, aided by Henri de
Calonne-who was present at this import
ant counsel-decidedly rejected the rouge
and patches The count had to be con-
tent with her natural color, and Henri de-
clared that no amount of patches could
make her eyes any more brilliant.
On the all-important day-which was
us lovely as any one could wish for-Val-
entine rose, with smile on her face, and
Joy in her heart.
The hours would fly until afternoon, and
then she would see Adrienne. The hour
appointed for the reception was two
o'clock in the afternoon; but it would con-
tinue for hours, probably until late in the
evening.
For certain reasons, which the count
did not explain, he told Valentine that he
would prefer arriving at the Hotel de Vile
as soon after two o'clock as possible. The
duke would present him and Valentine to
the prime minister, and Valentine could
easily imagine that if it were done before
the rooms were very full. the Duke de
Choiseul would have an opportunity of
exchanging few words with her father.
She commenced her toilet very soon af-
ter breakfast, her maid being in state Of
delight that bordered on distraction. VAL
entine listened kindly to the bursts Of adj
miration, and now and then glanced at her
own reflection in the mirrors. She was
principally occupied with the idea that
Adrienne was at that moment in the hands
of her maid. and she began to long for
sight of Adrienne; she wanted to see her
fair face, and decide for herself what had
been the effect of the counts denunciation
of the convict.
She was dressed and was standing be-
fore the mirror, surprised and wondering
at her own brilliant appearance, when the
bell rang in the crimson pailor. This was
a summons from the count, who strictly
observed the etiquette in vogue, and
never entered his daughters suite of
rooms.
For moment, thinking of his critl-
cisms, Valentine fingered and examined
herself, from the top of her masses of
powdered hair to the tips of her little
white satin slippers.
The result was very satisfactory. Her
eyes were certainly bright, her cheeks
were like fresh roses. Her lovely neck
and arms were shaded by delicate lace.
which but partly concealed their beauty
The long, Vatican train of white brocade,
on which lay lunches of pink roses, fell
away from the white satin petticoat,
which was softened by founces Of rich,
yellowish lace.
Valentine took her fan and gloves. and
passing through her boadIoir and a small
ante-room. entered the crimson parlor.
The count, richly dressed, was seated at
a table, engaged in opening heavy
wooden box. He rose, met Valentine, and
taking her hands in his, slowly and adj
miringly scanned her figure from head to
foot.
allow beautiful you are!" he said, at
last.
Valentine laughed and blushed.
80 beautiful that the jewels have
brought you seem quite unnecessary.
Still, they were your mothers, and would
like you to wear some of them to-day"
"Jewels! never had any on me; they
will feel strange to me-"
"They will complete your toilet, how
ever, and it is time for you to assume
what suits your rank. So, my daughter,
make yourself even more beautiful. You
will find variety of gems, but take your
choice; all will equally become you.
will return for you when the carriage is
reodv One word Valentino That girl