United States or Cook Islands ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"But don't you see, father, that it is this woman who wants your fortune, and that she does not like us, and cannot like us?" "Why, if you please?" Once before, Count Ville-Handry had asked this question of his daughter in almost the same words. Then she had not dared answer him; but now, carried away by her bitterness at being insulted by a woman whom she despised, she forgot every thing.
"You have been to see my father?" "No, madam. A week ago already, Count Ville-Handry left his palace." A mad thought, the hope that her father might have separated from his wife, crossed Henrietta's mind. "And the countess," she asked, "the Countess Sarah?" "She has gone with her husband.
He hastily added, "After all, I could not resist the temptation to read the directions, and to draw my own conclusions. Who is Count Ville-Handry? I suppose he is your father. And M. Maxime de Brevan? No doubt he is the young man who called to see you so often. Ah, if you would but trust me! If you but knew how a little experience of the world often helps us to overcome the greatest difficulties!"
At this very moment she is called upon to choose between me and a much younger man than I am, whose fortune, moreover, is larger than mine, Mr. Wilkie Gordon." How did it come about that Count Ville-Handry seemed to appeal to Daniel, and to plead his cause before him? Daniel did not even think of asking himself that question; his mind was in a state of utter confusion.
Still he tore open the envelopes, and glanced at the signatures. One of the letters was signed, "Maxime de Brevan;" the other, "Countess Ville-Handry," nee Sarah Brandon. Daniel commenced with the latter. After informing him of her marriage, Sarah described at great length Henrietta's conduct on the wedding-day.
Faithful to her system, Sarah wrote volumes; and from line to line, in some way or other, her real or feigned love for Daniel broke forth more freely, and no longer was veiled and hidden under timid reserve and long-winded paraphrases. She gave herself up, whether her prudence had forsaken her, or whether she felt quite sure that her letters could never reach Count Ville-Handry.
She was seized with spasms from head to foot, but, making a great effort, she cried out, "Free at last, Daniel; we are free!" And, rushing to the door, she opened it. She opened it, but instantly shut it again violently, and uttered a terrible cry. On the threshold stood Count Ville-Handry, his features terribly distorted, a smoking revolver in his hand.
For the development of Pennsylvania petroleum wells. Capital, Ten Million of Francs. Twenty Thousand Shares of 500 Francs each. The Charter may be seen at the Office of M. Lilois, N. P. President, Count Ville-Handry. The books for subscription will be opened on the 25th of March. principal office, Palace of Count Ville-Handry, Rue de Varennes. branch office, Rue Lepelletier, No. 1p.
After a short pause, he seemed to rouse himself, and said, suddenly changing his tone, "I guess what you think, my dear Daniel. You say to yourself, 'Count Ville-Handry was in love. Well, I assure you you are mistaken." Daniel started from his chair; and, overcome by amazement, he exclaimed, "Can it be possible?" "Exactly so; I give you my word of honor.
Daniel felt as if his reason was giving way. Still he had the strength to say, "But unfortunately you are not a widow." She drew close up to him, and said in a strident voice, "Not a widow? Do you know what Count Ville-Handry is doing at this moment? He is beseeching his stockholders to relieve him from the effects of his mismanagement.
Word Of The Day