The Forrest City times., 1894-07-13

| had brought a Turkish fez with her. As the captain passed her. she whipped off his cap. and, substituting the fez, exclaimed: Behold the pashar
 A general laugh greeted this sally. Tavernier, at first surprised at this lack of respect, tore off the offending headdress. He grew pale; such ter rible expression crept into his eyes. that the light-hearted culprit trembled in fear. and her companions no longer | laughed.
 1 At length, pointing to the door, Tavernier thundered forth these three words, which sounded like nn anathe- E,a from heaven:
 Leave my presence."
 At the stroke of five, Tavernier brusquely stopped in his walk
 My dears,' said he, it breaks my heart to interrupt your conversation. but 1 am forced to Leg for five minutes silence
 He opened the window. sat down be- fore the piano, played for two or three rninItes. then leaned forward. anxious ly listening to the sounds without. Evidently satisfied, he returned to ! the instrument, and again executed several bars. then closed the window, and rapidly wrote something in his notebook.
 Now. my dears. pray continue your charming chatter" His feminine friends had not failed to comment upon the apparent cold ness of their host, whose friendship they would have been willing enough to meet more than half way. He. how ever, was evidently satisfied with their multitudinous presence. and had never eyinced an individual preference. In fact he was desperately in love. Opposite his house lived NJ. de Veimon whose young wife was the object of Tavernier's adoration. Strange to say. he had never spoken to her and had barely seen her. One evening her pretty silhouette had appeared out lined against the urtains-that was all.
 But the sounds of her piano had often 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 young man whose oes- potic nature blighted her life. She thanked him for his love; it was her one consolation and hope. He, on the other hand, swore an intending devotion, wished to live for her alone. to be her savior, to free her from her loveless l life.
 Every night Tavernier indited his imaginary conversations in his note book. The last leaf was found in his apartment after he had left it for good. | It read as follows: HE-I could not close my eyes all night. At the thought of your unhappiness my souls de- sire, 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. I will como to you at ten o'clock. The carriage will wait at the corner.
 Tavernier, in travelling garb. rang the bell at Mme. de Vermon's door.
 Announce Capt. Tavernier," said he to the servant.
 NJ. and Mime. 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.
 s.I have come for madame" You have come for my wife? How dare you. Captain, if this is joke, I swear to you"
 Ut is no joke. l am aware of madames sufferings in this house besides it is all arranged between us. :"
 What, My wife asked you?"
 Madame herself has said nothing to me, but her piano has spoken"
 It was then, for the first time, that NJ. de Vernon saw the restless look in his visitors eyes, and he took in the situation in a glance. Measuring Mme. de Vernon. who chung to him, frightened, he instantly added:
 .very well. I consent. My wife snail go and make her final prepara- tions for departure. But before she leaves. captain, will you allow me to give her little advice?'
 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 inn mediately."
 Then he returned and sat down near Tavernier
 .'So, captain, you are persuaded that my wife is unhappy here and you