The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1897-02-12
~. MI.
s:S2SI;i EiIT.sl



former, turning to the marquis with
some quiet remark concerning the
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 goou seise
and intelligence of her remarks.
"What" thought he, us that ootuse
Languedoc ignorant of the superiority
nf the wife he treats so slightingiy!
He might have guessed that this very
superiority was cause enough lor siisn'
from such a little nature as the count 3.
The count came back in the hlgnest
spirits.
"That ia as remarkable as pro-
nitious" observed the marquis. Arc
you sure this man has means Oh opsei-
vation?"
"Certainly: a more faithful, trust
worthy fellow cannot be found IN dill
Europe"
The countess and her daughter eN-
changed chances. In the face OF tnelr
knowledge it was certainly paihiu,iy
ludicrous-this complaisance and SELL
sufficiency of the counts. The mar
ouis did not lose this little by-piay
of dumb talk between the ladies'
eve must not be over Comment
said he, there is too much at s'ahe ~
peril it lightly" ,,
ooh. no." responded the count, rup-
bling his hands briskly, and actlng llke
a person just emerging from nlsnl-
mare of horror into perfect security
"But we can afford to take Pierre 5
word, I will give warrant of that
The countess opened her lips, anu
then closed them again, casting at the
same time beseeching looks at felicie'
The latter spoke at once.
"But. papa, I do not in the least
share your confidence. l can tell YOU
something that will shake your laltn III
that odious M. Pierre" :.
"Odious M. Pierre! yes, that Is IT,
Your ladyship has used my aosence
skillfully; you have instilled INTO inc
girl YOUR own absurd and shameful an
tipathy to my favorite agent! eA-
claimed the count, turning angrlly 10
his wife.
She bit her lips ere she answered.
with the utmost GOODNESS:
"Felicie will assure you her pre]u-
dices are her own. But pray let us
leave so disagreeable subject. tnlnK
7 hear the bell which summons us TO
the dinirg-room; l am sure you must
be ready for the repast.
The marquis gave her his arm, anu
Felicie went out with her father. me
latter recovered his good humor at Inc
table. and drank to the health OF inc
future Marchioness De Berri. his
daughter received it in silence.
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
gentlemen to their wine.
Mamma" exclaimed Felicie, what
Is to be done? Papa will never credit
Dur story, so obstinately does he pin MS
faith unon M. Pierre. And if we tell 1t,
he will carry it at once to M. Pierre,
and will not that ruin all?"
The countess sighed bitterly.
az cherished the hope that he would
at least give me credit for veraclty
His mistaken confidence In that vlllsln
will greatly embarrass us. 1t will never
M 70 risk the destruction OF all by al
lowing M. Pierre to hear of our dlscov-
ery. see only one method"
know what that is, mamma. Wait
until Emile comes, and ask his advice.
shall look for the flowers every morn
ing and noon. 1t seems best TO me-
Also"
sYou have guessed my decision. And
about the marquis and the marriage,
Felicie?"
The girl dropped her head against
her mothers shoulder.
''I am a coward, mamma, after all
nv brave talk. I dare not oppose my
tather's will. Besides, since Emile has
seen him and pronounced him worthy,
do not Ieel 50 uc5pOAoI hAASNA'" N-S'
The countess kissed her fondly.
"Dear child, Heaven grant there may
be no risk. His father is very prepos-
Iessing."
Eyes. I wonder how he came to be
30 intimate with papa, ne is so differ
ent."
Flush. my child, do not forget your
hlial respect"
Felicie accepted the reproof without
comment, but as she contrasted this
careful respect of her mothers with
the tantalizing behavior of the count,
she 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 a foofs
GRAND" muttered he. do they expect
all the people to come forward and in
form them of the intended revolt?
Much wiser may they be on their re-