Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-02-15

answered she, with 4 well acted gaiety.
Have you forgotten anything, that
you look about you so?"
Yes" replied the duke, Il forgot to
tell you that ! was not a fool, and
therefore have come in person to prove
it to you.
Il do not understand YOU" returned
Nanon. calmly, pray explain" The
duke looked at the chairs placed at
the table. which was laid for two. and
grew red with anger. 81 wait your
grace's pleasure" continued she.
My grace's pleasure is. that you ex.
plain this supper"
Il have already told o that l
dreamed you would come back TO-
day, and, as my dreams never deceive
me, | ordered u supper"
S this preparation, and this charm,
ing negligee, is all for me- said the
duke, ironically.
All! mOnseigneur.' cried Nanon,
frowning in her turn, - really believe
YOU are jealous. Perhaps you wish to
examine the closets"
The duke took a dignifed air. Il
jealous! No, / am not SO absurd. Old,
and rich, / know 1 am naturally a
dupe; but to those who deceive me,
l will show that I know it,"
And how will you prove it to them?'
asked NanOn, 81 am anxious to hear"
"Oh, that will not be difficult; I have
only TO show this paper. Read it, it
is interesting"
Nanon took the letter with an in
ward shudder. on recognizing the hand
writing. and read
"Monseigneur, the Due d'Epernon is
warned that this evening a gentleman
will visit Madamoiselle de Lartigues.
To take away all uncertainty from NJ.
lie Due, this happy rival is Baron de
Candles"
NanOn grew pale, and murmured to
herself, ooh, Roland. Roland. I thought
l had got rid of you"
"Am I we'll infOrmed?' asked the
duke, triumphantly.
NO" replied Nanon, land if your
other police are no better than those
you employ in your love affairs [ pity
you; for you see that NJ. de Candles,
whom you do the honor Of believing
your rival, is not here; and you may
wait and see, for he will not come"
But he has come"
ut is not true cried Nanon.
Il mean to say that he is not four
hundred yards off, and that he stopped
in the inn, luckily for him"
Nanon, beaten ON this point, tried
,o41~1r "a -osl sJ. - 81 +loL
a nan like you should pay attention
to anonymous letters?"
Anonymous, or not. how do you ex-
plain it,"
"Ah, easily; it is from some of my
good friends at Agen. NJ. de Candles
asked leave of absence, on account of
family affairs; they knew he must
pass this place, and on that they have
built this ridiculous accusation"
Nanon saw that the c~ountenance of
the duke only became still darker; 81
might believe your explanation" said
he. "were it not for a certain post
script. that in your agitation you have
overlooked"
"a postscript" cried Nanon, with Il
shudder.
Yes. read: you have the letter."
Nanon tried to smile but failed, rs
she read the following:
Il have in my hand the letter of
Mademoiselle de Lartigues to NJ. de
Candles. by which the rendezvous I
spoke of is fixed for this evening. |
will give this letter in exchange for a
blank signature, which shall be given
by II man. in 4 boat on the DOrdogne,
in front of the little village of st.
Michael, 1t six o'clock in the evening""
and YOU had the imprudence?" said
| Nanol.
"Your writing is SO precious to me,
that did o think I could pay too
dearly for it."
"TO expose such a secret to the indis-
erection Of a contidant!'
These condolences, mademoiselle,
one receives in person. and so I receiv-
ed this. | went myself. on the Dor
dogne."
Then you have my letter?"
Here it is"
NanOn vainly made IN attempt to
remember what she had written. but
TX " lL1l " Htt LIZ
zy. She was therefore forced to read
it, and saw with joy that it did not
quite compromise her. and recovered
her smiles as she read:
Il shall sup at eight; are you free?
I am. IF you are free be punctual,
dear Candles, and fear nothing for u
secret.
Il hope this is clear" cried the duke,
pale with anger.
Il am saved thought Nanon, who
had rapidly arranged her line of con
duct. well, yes" replied she, 81
acknowledge I have a secret with this
gentleman"
you ayow itt' cried the duke.
"I must. since I can hide nothing
from you. Yes. I expected NJ. de
Candles"
"You dare to confesse it."
Eyes: and now do you know who he
is?' "A rascal. whom / will signally
punish for his ~impudence."
con the contrary; a brave and noble
gentleman, to whom you will continue
your kindness. I am sure"
Il Swear-"
DO not swear. till you have heard
me"
Speak quickly, them
Have you not remarked" said Ma
r1Nn .-~- IL 49, x@- hoo ~ co x-nt.