Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1894-08-02

and rapidly wrote something in his
notebook.
"Now, my dcars, pray continue your
charming chatter"
His feminine friends ha6. no. 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
evinced an individual preference.
In fact he was desperately in love.
Opposite his house lived NJ. de Vernon,
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. lie 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 des-
potic nature blighted her life. She
thanked him for his love; It was her one
consolation and hope. He, on the other
hand, sworc an unending devotion,
wished to live for her alone, to be her
life.
Every night Tavernicr inditcd his
imaginary conversations in his note
book. The last leaf was found in his
apartment after he had left it for good.
1t read as follows:
UE-l could not close my eyes all night. At
the thought Of your unhnpplness my souls de-
Sire wcpt. ! must save you. Say the word,
! end am at your side.
SuE-My life has become unbcarable; come,
my beloved, await YOU.
| HE-Thank yOu-thank you, ! viii come to
| you NJ ten o'clock. The carriage will wait at
the corner.
That same night, about ten o'clock,
Tavcrnicr, in travelling garb, rang the
bell at Nine. de Ncrmon's door.
Announce Capt. Tavernier," said he
to the servant.
M. and Nine. 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 NJ. de
Vernon.
81 have come for madame"
"You have come for my wife? How
dare you'll Captain, if this is joke,
l swear to you"
at is no joke. l am aware OF
madame's sufferings in this house
besides it is all arranged between us. y
"What! My wife asked your
Madame herself has said nothing tc
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
Nine. de Vernon, who clung to him
frightened, he instantly added;
every well, l consent My wife
shall go and make her final prepara
tions for departure. But before She
leaves, captain, will you allow me tc
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 nea
Tavernicr.
$50, captain, you are persuaded tha
my wife is unhappy here and yol
hope to better her lot by taking he
with you. You are positively noble il
your devotion to her."
"Not at all-not at all. I love he
with all my soul"
"Where do you propose going?"
First to Italy, then to Spain, ant
finally to Jerusalem"
splendid! But for such an extended
trip suppose you have ample funds?
"Of course" and Tavernier poured
seven or eight fve-franc pieces, tn
entire contents of his purse, into hi
hand, exclaiming: Judge for your
self"
"You are indeed well provided il
: that respect" said De Vernon. "On
more question - are your papers il
, order?'
. 81 have no papers," said Tavernier
"besides, II any difficulty arises, l shal
simply say that ] am captain in th
Eighth artillery-that will suffice"
"Still, have my doubts"
At this juncture there was knoc
at the door, and the officer entered.
! 81 am glad to see you, sir, said D
Vernon; "here is Capt. Tavernier, VIII
proposes to abduct my wife, only hi
papers are not in order"
, "Then the captain will not be abl
, to 90 very far without annoyance
he will accompany me, | will procur
the necessary passport" ="
! Every WE'LL" said Tavcrnier; ''bu
be quick, for the carriage is waiting.
, Just then his eye fell upon the piano
, 81 should like to notify madame, S
that she will wait few minutes.
lie struck several chords, then followe
| the officer,
After they had gone, Nine. dc Vel
mon entered and threw herself trem
bling into her husbands arms.
G "IIe was mad!" said she.
, MAD for love of you,' said NJ. d
!. Vernon, tcnderly kissing her POO
Gabrielle, had no idea you were S
! unhappy"
r The next day, accompanied by on
of his friends, Tavernier left for Paris
3. They had persuaded him that the sanC
q ton of the war department was absC
: lutely necessary for-his trip. He wa
first taken to Val-de-Grace for trea
ment. lie became worse every day.
r If you visit the hospital at Charer