Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1897-02-11
CHAPTER VIII.-fCoNTINuED.l

weather.
The count hustled away from the
room. The countess then earnestly in
quired concerning all the turbulent
movements in Paris, and the marquis
was much impressed by the good sense
and intelligence of her remarks.
"Whatw thought he, lis that obtuse
Languedoc ignorant Of the superiority
Of the wife he treats so slightingly?
He might have guessed that this very
superiority was cause enough Tor slignt
from such little nature as the counts.
The count came back in the highest
spirits.
"That is as remarkable as pro
oitious," observed the marquis. Are
you sure this man has means OF oOser-
vation?"
certainly; more faithful, trust
worthy fellow cannot be found IN all
Europa"
The countess and her daughter ex-
changed glances. In the race OF theiL
knowle6.S 1t was certainly palnIully
ludlcrous-this complaisance ana SELL
suficiency of the counts. Inc mar
uuis did not lose this little by-play
Of dumb talk between the ladies.
1--WE must not be over confident
said he, there is too much at stake 10
peril It lightly"
ooh, no" responded the count, rub
bling his hands briskly, and acting like
a person Just emerging from night
mare Of horror into perfect security,
"But we can afford to take Pierre's
word, l will give warrant Of that
The countess opened her lips ana
then closed them again, casting at the
same time beseeching looks at Feiicle'
The latter spoke at once.
"But, papa, do not in the least
share your confidence. I can tell you
something that will shake your raitn IN
that odious M. Pierre"
"odious M. Pierre! yes, that is It,
Your ladyship has used my absence
skillfully; you have instilled INTO tne
girl your own absurd and shametul an
tipathy to my faVorite agentF ex-
claimed the count, turning angrliy 10
his wife.
She bit her lips ere she answered.
with the utmost GOODNESS:
"Felicie will assure you her pre1u-
dlces are her own. But pray let us
leave so disagreeable subject. l think
hear the bell which summons US 10
the dinirg-room; 1 am sure you must
be ready for the repast."
The marquis gave her his arm anu
Felicie went out with her father. The
latter recovered his good humor at the
table, and drank to the health OF the
future Marchioness De Berrl' HIS
daughter received 1t in silence.
II Edward should be here to respond
said the marquis, gayly, but trust
a week from this will give him the
privilege"
The ladies retired early, leaving the
Eentlemen to their wine.
Mamma" exclaimed Felicie, what
"a to be done? Papa will never credit
hrr story. so obstlnately does he pin his
laitb upon M. Pierre. And If We tell 1t,
Ae will carry 1t at once to M. Pierre,
Ind will not that ruin allT
The countess sighed bitterly.
"I cherished the hope that he would
AZ least give me credit for veracity.
His mistaken confidence in that villain
will greatly embarrass us. 1t will never
do to rick the destruction of all by al
lowing M. Pierre to hear Of our discoV-
cry. / see only one method"
az know what that is, mamma. wait
until Emile comes, and ask his advice.
shall look for the flowers every morn
ing and noon. It seems best to me,
Also"
"You have guessed my decision. And
about the marquis and the marriage,
Felicie?"
The girl dropped her head against
her mothers shoulder.
81 am a coward, mamma, after all
my brave talk dare not oppose my
fathers will. Besides, since Emile has
,een him and pronounced him worthy,
do not feel so desperately miserable"
The countess kissed her fondly.
"Dear child, Heaven grant there may
be- no risk. His father is very prepos-
Bessing."
Eyes. wonder how he came to be
M intimate with papa, ne is so differ
emit"
"Hush, my child, do not forget your
allal respect"
Felicie accepted the reproof without
comment, but as she contrasted this
careful respect of her mothers with
the tantalizing behavior Of the count,
the found It impossible not to reiterate
her indignation mentally.
The next day the two gentlemen rode
over to Frejus, dressed very plainly,
and quite unattended M. Pierre watched
them ride away with malignant glee.
There go two simpletons on FOOLS
Grand" muttered he. do they expect
Ill the people to come forward and in
form them Of the intended revolt?
Much wiser may they be on their re-
turn"
CHAPTER TX.
~T HE marquis looked
NN grave as b