Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1894-08-23

petic nature blighted her life. She
thanked him for love; it was her one
consolation and hope He, on the other
hand, swore an amending devotion,
wished to live for her alone, to be her
savior, to free her from her loveless
life.
Every night Tavernier indited his
imaginary conversations in his note
book. The last leaf was found IN his
apartmentaf after he had left it for good.
II read as follows
HE-l could not close my eyes all night At
thu thought Of your unhappiness my soul 5 de-
sire, wopt | must save you, Say the word,
and nm at your side,
SHE My life has become unbearabe come,
my beloved, await you,
liz Thank you thank you, will come to
you ut ton o'clock The carriage will wait at
the corner
That same night, about ten o'clock,
Tavcrnier, in travelling garb, rang the
bell at Nine. de Vermou's door.
Announce Capt, Tavernier," said he
to the servant
NJ. and Nine, de Vernon were seated
near the fire, She was embroidering,
while her husband read aloud
40 what may l attribute the honor
Of your visit, captain?' asked NJ, de
Vernon.
Il have come for madame.'
you have come for my wife? How
dare you! Captain II this is a Joke,
swear to you"
ut Is no joke. am aware Of
madame's sufferings in this house
besides it is all arranged between us"
"Whatl My wife asked your
Madame herself has said nothing to
me- but her piano has spoken
1t was then, for the first time, TINT
NJ de Vernon saw the restless look In
his visitors eyes, and he took In the
situation In glance Reassuring
Nine, de Vernon, who chung to him,
frightened, he instantly added;
"Ncry we'll, consent My wife
shall 90 and make her final prepare.
tions for departure. lut before She
leaves, captain, will you allow me to
give her little advice9'
Certainly, with pleasure
NJ. de Vernon led his trembling wife
to the door OF her room and said, In a
low voice;
"Tell Pierre to call an officer i'm
mediately."
Then he returned and sat down near
Tavernier.
$50, captain, you are persuaded that
my wife Is unhappy here and you
hope to better her lot by taking her
with you. You are positively noble in
your devotion to herr
mot at all--not at all. love her
with all my soul
"Where do you propose going2"
First to Italy, then to Spain, and
finally to Jerusalem"
Splendid But for such an extended
trip suppose you have ample fundsp'
"Of course and Taverrier poured
seven or eight fve-franc pieces, the
entire contents OF his purse, into his
hand exclalming: Judge for your
selflN
"Yon are indeed well provided In
that respect said Dc Vernon, Zone
more question = are your papers In
orderf'
II have no papers, said Tavernier;
besides, II any difficulty arises, shall
simply say that l am captain in the
Eighth artillery-that will suffice
"Still, have my doubts, y
At this juncture there was knock
at the door, md the officer entered.
II am glad to see You, sir, said De
Vernon; here is Capt, Tavernier, who
proposes TO abduct my wife, only his
papers are not in order"
"1'hen the captain will not be able
to go very far without annoyance, II
he will accompany me, will procure
the necessary passport
very well,' said Tavernler ., Int
be quick, for the carris~ =. ...ai,,.,, =
e 'p ''0' as eye fell upon the piano.
should like TO notify madame, so
that she will wait few minutes. "
He struck several chords, then followed
the officer
After they had gone, Nine. de YER
mon entered and threw herself trcm-
bling into her husbands arms.
''IIe was madp' said She
"Mad for love Of YOU" said NJ. de
Vernon, tcnderly kissing her. "Poor
Gabrielle, ! had no idea you were so
unhappy"
The next day, accompanied by one
of his friends, Tagcrnicr left for Paris.
They had persuaded him that the sane
ton Of the war department was abso-
lutely necessary for bis trip, lie was
first taken To Val-dc-Gracc for treat
mcnt. He became worse every day.
II you visit the hospital at charen-
ton you may see in the main ward q
poor maniac ineessantly walking, his
hands elasped behind him. Whenever
he reaches window he runs his fin
gers over the sill, as on the keyboard
OF a piano, leans back and listens, then
again resumes his walk.
This is Rene Tavernicr, "transferred
TO the Thirteenth. From the French
Ni.ta..s IL. l.. H.. Vt.l.. T., Gan