Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1894-05-21

reached his ear and soothed his poor sick
BRAIN He was satisfied with that ideal
language which she and he alone might
understand He never doubted that her
condolences were sent to him through her
music, and that she alone understood him.
Her piano told him all her life. She was
unhappy. She was married when very
young to a man whose despotic nature
blighted her life. She thanked him for his
love. 1t was her one consolation and hope
He, on the other hand, swore an unending
DEVOTION wished to live for her alone, to
be her savior, to free her from her loveless
life.
Every night Tavernier indited his imag-
mary conversation in his notebook. The
last leaf was found in his apartment after
he had left it for good. 1t read as follows:
Hell could not close my eyes all night. At
the thought of your unhappiness, my souls
desire, l wept. I must save you Say the
word, and am at your side.
she-My life has become unbearable. Come,
my beloved. await you.
He-Thank you. thank you. will come 10
you at 10 o'clock. The carriage will wait at
the corner.
That same night, about 10 o'clock, Tav
erlller, III TRAVELLING SnAO1 rang eiO DCii az
Nine. de Vermon's door.
Announce Captain Tavernier," said
he to the servant.
NJ. and Nine. de Vernon were seated
near the fire. She was embroidering while
her husband read aloud.
"To what may attribute the honor of
your visit, captain?" asked M. de Vernon.
II have come for madame"
"You have come for my wife? How dare
you'll Captain, if this is joke, swear to
you"--
ut is no joke. am aware of madame's
sufferings In this house; besides 1t Is all ar
ranged between u.s."
What! My wife asked you'"
Madame herself has said nothing to me-
but her piano has spoken"
1t was then, for the first time, that NJ
de Vernon saw the restless look in his WIS.,
itor's eyes, and he took in the situation at
glance. Reassuring Mime. de Vernon,
who chung to him, frightened, he instantly
added:
Every we'll, consent. My wife shall
go and make her final preparations for de-
parture But before she leaves, captain,
will you allow me to give her a little adj
vice?'
Certainly, with pleasure"
M. de Vernon led his trembling wife to
the door of her room and said in low
voice:
''Tell Pierre to call an officer Immediate
ly."
Then he returned and sat down near
Tavernier.
$50, captain, you are persuaded that my
rzytfo 10 hon hoy nd M, hoy, RI, hot
ter her lot by taking her with you? You
are positively noble in your devotion to
her"
mot at all-not at ALL love her with
all my SOUL"
Where do you propose goings"
First to Italy, then to Spain and final
ly to Jerusalem"
Splendid, but for such an extended trip
suppose you have ample fundss"
"Of course, and Tavernier poured seven
or eight franc pieces, the entire contents
of his purse, into his hand, exclaiming,
Judge for yourselfp'
'You are indeed well provided in that
respect" said De Vernon. lone more
question, Are your papers in order?"
"Ihave no papers, said Tavernier. "Be
Sides If any difficulty arises, Ishall simply
say that am captain In the Eighth artil
lery. That will suffice"
"Still have my doubts"
At this juncture there was knock al
the door, and the officer entered.
II am glad to see you, SIR" said d.
| Vernon. Here is Captain Tavernier, who
proposes to abduct my wife, only his pa
pers are not in order"
"Then the captain will not be able to q
very far without annoyance. If he will &C
company me, will procure the necessary
passport"
'Very WE'LL" said Tavernier, "but b.
quick, for the carriage is waiting"
Just then his eye fell upon the piano.
IT should like to notify madame, SO thai
she will wait a few minutes. He STRUCK
several chords, then followed the officer.
After they had gone Nine. de Vernon
entered and threw herself trembling into
her husbands arms.
s'He was mad," said she.
mad for love of you," said M. de Yer.
mon, tenderly kissing her. Poor Gabri
ellie, had no idea you were SO unhappy!
| The next day, accompanied by one Of his
friends, Tavernier left for Paris. They had
persuaded him that the sanction Of the wa,
department was absolutely necessary fol
his trip. He was first taken to Val d.
Grace for treatment. He became worse ev
cry day.
| If you visit the hospital at Charenton
| you may see in the main ward a poor ma
MAC necessarily walking his hands claspe<
behind him. Whenever he reaches win
dow, he runs his fingers over the sill, as OF
the keyboard Of q plano, leans back ant
listens, then again resumes his walk.
This is Rene Tavernier, transferred tt
the thirteenth. Translated From tn
French Of Victor Jolly.