The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-10-31
BECH :. CORY :.

was startled. but, like true nobleman, he
was mindful of the obligations Of courtesy,
even in intercourse with his nearest rela-
tives and said: mile. Adrienne is in the
room opening from this terrace"
The boy ran up the steps. The marquis
continued his walk. wondering what the
contents of the note could be.
Adrienne WAS sitting alone in the mag
nihcently furnished room, dreaming and
waiting for her grandfather. On the table
that day. Hark! That was not the mar
Mile. Adrienne, a note-a note from the
young Count De La Vale. He is at La
Chesnen
The boy darted off and Adrienne stood
hand: her heart was throbbing SO violently
that sho could not open the envelope.
There, her grandfather was coming.
Adrienns involuntarily put her hand be-
hind her.
The old man looked SO grave and sat
hat or coat. What troubled the marqis?
Adrienne had started up. Now she was
standing before him; her fair locks foated
over her shoulders; her soft white dress re-
vealed the outlines of her slender figure;
two white roses from the chapel, which she
The note fairly scorched her hand. No,
her grandfather must know everything;
she must have no secrets from him.
"Grandfather," she began timidly. II
have a note: l must tell you about it
please don't say anything, grandfather
from you, and then we'll read the note to-
| Gether."
The story of her young love was pattiet-
ically simple. Her grandfather listened,
then he kissed Adrienne more tenderly
than he had ever done before and remained
lost in thought. He sat rejecting long
after Adrienne had hurried ont into the
sunny park to show the ancient lindens
over and over again the dainty billet: IL
am coming to my Adrienne. Your Paul!''
| SO brief and 30 full of meaning.
Monsieur 10 Marquis, am a sutton 70,
the hand Of your granddaughter, Adrieune
st. Roche"
rienne's hand"
impossible. Monsieur 10 Marquis
What objection can you find to me p
ITO you, the Sieur de la Vale? Nothing
You are rich, of ancient and stainless name;
You, serve France = though the .Rarb OF
modern France"-the old man glanced at
the glittering uniform-'has changed"
well then-Monsieur 10 Marquis ?''
Paul. Adrisnne 10 not my granddaughter;
she is not st. Roche"
Indeed, monsieur 10 marquis! Well, I
am sorry for tho house Of st. Roche, for
you, for Adrienne. and for myself. if in the
| future you will not love us and forbid us to
call you grandfather. For the rest, am q
nobleman by birth, soldier by choice, and
serve France from love of my natiye land.
| love Adrienne, not her name. and my
wife need be nothing but my wife, the
Countess de Ia Vale. ! should like to re-
ceive Adrienne's consent in your pres-
ence, monsieur 10 marquis. Shall We seek
her2'
"Stay, Paul; do not be overhasty. I do
not know Who Adrienne is. how can be
troth her to your When daughter in-law,
Blanche de st. Roche, died, her last words
were: 'father-Adrisnne-lov her. She
10 not mine-not Rene's child-ask Cesini.'
Death interrupted her words. My Rene
would tell me nothing more. Blanche ID
an angel; love Adrienne,' was all I learned
''Cesini! Did you know Cesini,' asked
the major.
''Once did. He was musician, and in.
structed Rene in violin playing. When
spent year with my children in Paris Ce-
sini left NJ. I have heard nothing from
But closed his eyes in death. Monsieur
10 Marquis. Cesini fell in the front ranks
Of the army at the battle of Aarengo a. an
officer Of the republic. sComrade,' he
Rroaned. I have attained nothing-the
portfolio-Helene-Bla and died"
Helene. he said 'Helene?' Whore i thu
portfolio?" gasped the marquis.
''At my chateau. have never opened it
But. my dear marquis, lot a 90 to Adri.
euns."
"Hy friend. nsss drive to La Chssn.
Dat oppose MI nusk ~ clearly. WIZ