The Portland daily press., 1894-05-07

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 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
he 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, wept. / must save you. Say the
word, and am at your side.
She-My life has become unbearable. Come,
my beloved. l await you.
He-Thank you. thank you. will come to
you at 10 O'Clock. The carriage will wait at
the corner.
That same night, about 10 o'clock, Tav-
ernier, in travelling garb, rang the bell at
Nine de Vermon's door.
Announce Captain Tavernier," said
he to the servant.
M. and Mime. de Vernon were seated
near the fire She was embroidering while
her husband read aloud.
ITO what may I attribute the honor of
your visit, captain?" asked M. de Vernon.
81 have come for madame"
"You have come for my wifeP How dare
you! Captain, if this is a joke, swear to
you''-
''It is no joke. am aware of madame's
sufferings in this house; besides it is all ar
ranged between u.s.
esWhatl Ny wife asked your"
sMadame herself has said nothing to me,
but her piano has spoken.
1t was then, for the first time, that M.
de Vernon saw the restless look in his Wis.,
itor's eyes, and he took in the situation al
q glance. Measuring Nine. de Vernon,
who chung to him, frightened, he instantly
added:
Every well, consent Ny wife shall
| 20 and make her final preparations for de-
| parture But before she leaves, captain,
will you allow me to give her little adj
vice."
Certainly, with pleasure"
M. de Vernon led his trembling wife to
the door of her room and said in low
| voice:
stTell Pierre to call an officer Immediate
ly."
Then he returned and sat down near
Tavernier.
$50, captain, you are persuaded that my
wife is unhappy here, and you hope to bet
| ter her lot by taking her with you? You
are positively noble in your devotion to
| her."
"Not at all-not at all. love her with
all my SOUL"
'sWhere do you propose going?"
"First to Italy, then to Spain and final
| " to Jerusalem"
Splendid, but for such an extended trip
suppose you have ample funds?"
| cot course, and Tavernier poured seven
| or eight franc pieces the entire contents
| of his purse, into his hand, exclaiming
"Judge for yourselfl'
etYou are indeed well provided in that
| respect" said De Vernon. lone more
| question, Are your papers in order?"
| 'tIhave no papers, y said Tavernier. "Be-
sides, if any difficulty arises I shall simply
say that am captain in the Eighth artil-
lery. That will suffice"
''Stin have my doubts"
At this juncture there was a knock at
(, the door, and the officer entered.
1T am glad to see you, SIR" said De
Vernon. 'Here is Captain Tavernier, who
proposes to abduct my wife, only his pa
Spers are not in order.
e'Then the captain will not be able to go
very far without annoyance. If he will &C
company me, will procure the necessary
passport.
Every WE'LL" said Tavernier, shut be
quick, for the carriage is waiting"
Just then his eye fell upon the piano
''I 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 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, I 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 wal
department was absolutely necessary fol
his trip. He was first taken to Val de
Grace for treatment. He became worse ev.
cry day.
If you visit the hospital at Clarendon,
you may see in the main ward poor ma
MAC necessarily walking, his hands clasped
behind him. Whenever he reaches win
dow, he runs his fingers over the sill, as or
the keyboard of a piano, leans back and
listens then again resumes his walk.
This is Rene Tavernier, transferred tt
the thirteenth Translated From the
French of Victor Jolly.
| d..