The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1894-08-10

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whose Young wife was the object of
Tavernier's alteration. 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 curtains-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 a young man whose des-
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 unending 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
apartmrD after he had left it for good
1t read as follows:
HE-I could not close my eyes all night. At
the thought Of your unhappiness, my souls de-
sire, wept- 1 must save you. Say the word,
and am at Your side.
SHE-AIV life has become uubearabIe; come,
my beloved, l await you.
IIE-Ihank you-thank you | will come to
you at ten o'clock. The carriage will wait at
the corner
That same night, about ten o'clock
Tavernier, in travelling garb, rang the
bell at Mime. de Nermons 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.
TO what may l attribute the honor
of your visit, captain?" asked NJ. de
Vernon.
Il have come for madame"
"1ou have come for my wife? How
dare you. Captain, if this is a joke,
l swear to you"
1t is no joke. 1 am aware of
madame's sutferings 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"
1t 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. Reassuring
Mime. de Vernon, who clung to him,
frightened, lac instantly added:
Very well, | consent. My wife
shall 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 "
NJ de Vernon led his trembling wife
to the door of her room and said, in
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. TOu are positively noble in
your devotion to her"
Not at alI-not at all. 1 love her
with all my soul"
Where do you propose going?"
First to Italy, then to Spain, and
finally to Jerusalem
Splendid. But for such an extended
trip suppose you have ample funds?"
''Of course" and Tavernier poured
seven or eight five-franc pieces, the
entire contents of his purse, into his
hand. exclaiming: Judge for your
self
You are indeed well provided in
that respect" said De Vernon. ''One
more question are your papers in
order?'
Il have no papers," said Tavernier;
''besides. if any difficulty arises, / shall
simply say that | am captain in the
Eighth artillery-tha will suffice"
still, have my doubts"
At this iuncture there was knock
at the door. and the officer entered.
Il 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"
Then the captain will not be able
to go very far without annoyance. If
he will accompany me, l will procure
the necessary passport"
VERY we'll" said Tavernier; but
be quick, for the carriage is waiting"
Just then his eye fell upon the piano.
Il should like to notify madame. SO
that she will wait a few minutes"
He struck several chords, then followed
the officer.
After they had gone. Nine. de Yer
mon entered ana Threw nerSelt tren-
bling into her husbands 5 arms.
He was mad!" said she.
Mad for love of YOU" said NJ. de
Vernon, tenderly kissing her. Poor
Gabrielle, | 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 sane
tion of the war department was abso-
lutely necessary for his trip. He was
first taken to Nal-de-Grace for treat
ment. He became worse every day.
If you visit the hospital at Charen-
ton you may see in the main ward
poor maniac necessarily walking, his
hands clasped behind him. Whenever
he reaches d window he runs his fin
gers over the sill. on the keyboard
of a piano, leans back and listens. then
: again resumes his walk.
This is Rene Tavernier. transferred
to the Thirteenth. Prom he French
of Victor Jolly by Alice ZiskI, in San
Francisco Argonaut.
The common polypus has the most
wonderful power of life. Cut one into
a dozen pieces and dozen creatures
are the result Two have been sliced
and joined together, producing mon
sters with two heads When turned in
side out like a glove finger they do not
seem To notice any change or sustain
any Inconvenience.