The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1902-12-03
The Tu0 orphans,
By DsEnnSTy
tHAPTER XVIII.
AN HONEST LOVE.

>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-~~@~
CHAPTER XVIII.
AMONGST LOVE.
We will return to Henriette, who,
like her sister, was living in the hope
of meeting the one who had been so
cruelty torn from her by the rude
hands Of unScrupulouS men.
She is Seatedin poorly turnlShed
attic rQosTengage0 at sewing, While
Gg6ughtS wander back to the fatal
night when, strangers in the great
city, the two unprotected girls were
doomed by a hard, unyielding fate to
wander apart, seeking. but never lind
ing the other.
While she was thus engaged. . low
knock was heard at the door, ana the
Cheyalier de Faudrey entered.
a careless observer would have seen
that he was lover, and that the ob-
iect of his alteration was before him.
"Henriette," he said, tenderly, TAX
ing her hands and pressing them to
his lips. Have you heard anything?
You seem agitated."
II was expecting you, I. mean-1
thought perhaps you would bring me
news CO Louise" replied the fair girl.
in pretty confusion
mo, have heard nothing" replied
the chevalier, regretfully. Yet You
know have occupied myself unceas-
ingly for the past three months in vain
endeavors to ascertain her fate. But
today, Henriette, wished to speak TO
you Of something elSe-of myself
81 know, monsieur, all that you
would say to me-" replied Henriette,
in a low, sweet voice. Il know that
YOU rescued me at the risk of your own
life, from a frightful peril, ana believe
me, am not Ungrateful.'
'sHenriette, do you feel no other
sentiment than gratitude? Do you
not understand my heart? Until yes
terday, I was bound in honor to i'm
pose silence on my love; circumstances
have released me, and today can,
and dare, avow with pride that | love
you"
The young man paused for mo-
ment, as if expecting the young girl to
speak; but as she kept silent, he con-
tinued, in a deep, manly voice:
"Henriette, mine is not trifling.
frivolous love. l loved you from the
moment when l first saw you courage
ouSly defending your honor with pray
erS, with threats, and with tears. l
loved you from the moment your in
nocence Appeared to my manhood, and
I swear to you before Heaven, that
this love, born IN an instant, shall end
only with my life -,
''Oh, this is Wrong-wrong, SAID
Henriette, as the great tears Of graft
tude came yelling up in her eyes. Il
have known too long al! that your
heart was striving to hide from NE,
and have been guilty to allow 1t to
distract me from the only duty I have
in life. You should not compel me to
confess my weakness"
''Henrletle." exclaimed the cheva-
lier, reporachfully.
leave me to my sacred task, and
when Louise is restored to my arms, l
shall have earned the right to be hap
s'Henriette, dear Henriette-'' be-
gan De Vaudrey, but he was inter-
rupted by a knock at the door, and
an instant after, the round, smiling
and inouisitive face Of Picard was seen
at the half-opened door.
Picard" exclaimed the chevalier,
in surprise at seeing his valet.
Eyes, monsieur, it is Picard, only
Picard said the valet, as he entered
the room.
''What do you want? What brings
you here::" and De Vaudrey's voice,
usually so soft, was now harsh and
angry. os,,a
in a low tone, to Henriette.
Eyes, mamzelle," said the valet,
with an eQuiyocal bow. Il am Pic
ard, the discreet" and he thought to
himself, this must be the chamber
maid, and he is in her room. Oh, he is
doing we'll"
What brings you here?" asked the
chevalier, impatiently.
"A communication for you: sir, OF
the greatest Importance" anwered
Picard, with an important air.
81 must take my work downstairs
they are waiting for it." said Hen
riette, thinking that the valet hac
something Of private nature tosay t(
his master.
You will return?" asked Vaudrey
Very.anXiouSly.
''Oh, yes, in few minutes.
'.She will return" said Picard, tt
himself; well, that is good. Nistres:
below stairs, and a pretty chamber
maid up here. This is the young mar
=. who studied philosophy" and self
satisfied smile passed over his face a;
he thought that his master was walk
ing in the way he admired.
"Nen, sir" said De Eaudrey, a:
soon as the door closed and they were
alone, I'VE are alone now. What
brings you here?'
II took the liberty Of following you
monsieur" replied Picard, in d Saucl
voice.
"Following me, you scoundrel!" eN
claimed the chevalier, in an angry
tone.
'scoundrel is good: very good. sait
Picard, N low voice. Nov he l.
something like a master
What do you say
Il was saying, monsieur. that scOun
drel is not halfstrong enough. particu
larly when come to find out that, at
ter ALL,
after all. What"
And De Eaudrey was fast losing hi;
temper: a state in which the vale
seemed most anxious to see him.
Good, he will kick me in q minute,
thought Picard, as he said. in an impu
dent sort Of way:
You must know. monsieur, that
had become so disgusted with youl
conduct that l begged your uncle tC
relieve me Of serving you any longer
and if he had n0f insisted on NY re