The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1902-12-31
CHAPTER XNEITI.

PREPARATION.
Let Us for few moments YlSit the
private office Of the minister OF police.
The Count de LiniereS is seated al
his writing-table. engaged in deep
thought. Around him are all the evil
dences OF luxury which wealth can pGr-
chase. and yet he does not appear com
Portable. He has just received word
Of commentator from the king, and
yet he is not satisfied with himself.
Picard had called at the office ct the
minister a few hours previous. and by
asserting that Henriette Girard mad
been taken from La Salpetriere. and
was then on her way to the prison ship
in company with the other condemned
prisoners. and also by producing the
certificate Of the guard. the valet had
received an order for the release 81 tie
Cheralier de Naudrey from the BaStile.
The count had asserted the author
ity Of the family. and the power Of his
Office. and yet there were many things
on his mind which he could not ban
iSh.
He reviewed his conduct toward
Henriette, and in his heart he could
not congratulate himself for the part
he had taken in the prosecution OF the
poor girl.
He had arrested Henriette and sent
her to La Salpetriere as fallen wOm-
an. and now she was on her way to
lifelong exile, branded with crime
Of which he knew she was innocent.
and for which she suffered because Of
his pride and ambition.
While he was thus indulging IL these
gloomy thoughts, his wife entered.
She had not heard that Henriette
was condemned to exile. and had come
to interoede for the unhappy girl.
IL a few words she explained the O5-
iect OF ler visit.
1t is too ate replied the count.
abruptly.
Too late. Why?'
Because she is now on her way to
the place of her exile" replied De
Linieres. in q low voice, as if half
ashamed 20 allow his wife to know
how far his pride could control his Of
ticial duties.
Exile" exclaimed the countess,
sinking into chair, while deathly
pallOr came over her face. alarming
the count more than he cared to show.
WHY have you done this wicked
thing"'
Her husband made her no answer.
and for many moments the countess
remained with her face covered by her
hand. shuddering with horror at this
most unjust deed that had been COM
mitted against q defenSeleSS. innocent
girl.
4 great struggle was going on in her
mind. Should she at this time confess
all her past life to her huShand-Show
what Henriette had done for her own
Child, and for that reason urge her
pardon?
She trembled as she thought OF what
her husbands wrath might be when
he learned all. and for some time she
could not bring herself to say those
things which would ALLEVIATE herself
from him.
When was she sent away?" asked
the countess, in voice trembling
with emotion.
Two hours ago"
Then there is yet time to save her
from being carried TO that dreadful
place"
There is time. if I wish TO use it,"
replied De LiniereS, in Il significant
tone
She must be sent for" exclaimed
the lady. in a firm tone.
Must be?:" and the count elevated
his eyebrows in manner peculiar to
him when diSp!eased.
Yes, must be. repeated his wife.
y will tell you why. if you will not
interrupt me: for in that case my
courage might fai? me-" and in arapid
manner she continued: Before
met you, Count de LiniereS. ! mar
ried without my parents consent, and
secretly. q poor man. Ny parents
discovered our secret. and almost be-
fore my very eyes they murdered my
husband. Soon after | became a
mother. Ny child was taken from NE
and lett on the steps OF Notrc Dame.
\ poor man. Iienriette Girard's
father. found the Child. carried ii 70
his humble house and brought II up as
one Of his own. That child is the blind
sister that itanriette was separated F.
from. and whom We should have /
fpuCG had van DOt r,rnvnn+aG nc frr~o !