Transcriber's note: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed. [Illustration: He felt that he must make his presence known. (Chapter XV.) _Adrienne]_ _[Frontispiece]_ BY THE SAME AUTHOR —————————————————— MY HEART'S IN THE HIGHLANDS "The vividly human and moving story of Rowena and her wonderful power of influence in the lives of others will do every one good to read. Charmingly told in Amy Le Feuvre's best manner."—_Northants Evening Telegraph._ "A romance of a most pleasant and captivating character."—_Ladies' Field._ A GIRL AND HER WAYS "Miss Le Feuvre writes with much charm and insight of the escapades of a modern girl who is fortunately possessed of the right spirit that enables her to overcome her difficulties."—_The Record._ "Likely to become a popular book."—_Methodist Recorder._ JOCK'S INHERITANCE "Miss Le Feuvre has never written anything more beautiful or more amusing. The tone is as usual, excellent, and the story cannot fail to interest one and all."—_Church of England Newspaper._ NOEL'S CHRISTMAS TREE "Miss Le Feuvre has a classic style, and seems to be able to pierce straight into the heart of human beings. It is a humane book, written by a brilliant novelist."—_Cornish Echo._ ADRIENNE BY AMY LE FEUVRE WARD, LOCK & CO., LIMITED LONDON AND MELBOURNE 1928 Printed in Great Britain by Butler & Tanner Ltd., Frome and London CONTENTS CHAP. I. A LETTER II. AN ACCIDENT III. GODFREY SPEAKS IV. THE COUNT'S ARRIVAL V. AT THE CHÂTEAU VI. HER AUNT'S CONFIDENCES VII. THE LOSS OF AN HEIRLOOM VIII. LITTLE AGATHA IX. A CONTEST OF WILLS X. A MORNING RIDE XI. A SUMMONS XII. AT HOME AGAIN XIII. WHY THE COUNT WENT AWAY XIV. THE NOTARY'S DEFEAT XV. ILLNESS AT THE CHÂTEAU XVI. LOVERS XVII. WED XVIII. HUSBAND AND WIFE XIX. ALAIN'S TUTOR XX. AGATHA'S WARNING ADRIENNE CHAPTER I A LETTER SHE stood at the dining-room window looking out upon a snowy world. The cypresses and firs at the end of the lawn were bowed down with their weight of purity. There was great light, great stillness in the atmosphere. And there was majestic grandeur in the groups of snow-laden trees, and in the white hills that held tiny villages in their folds. The girl's eyes were dreamy, and a trifle wistful. Her dark curly hair was unfashionably twisted up into a thick knot at the back of her small, well-shaped head. She had straight determined features, and a slim dainty figure. Her dark wine-coloured jumper and skirt suited her.