The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1856-02-20

- Oh, count. what do you know
what is, known2"
d" Do you think" said the count. "that
I watch my advantage so servilcly2" and
his tone was tender and sincere. " | will
see and hear nothing Enjoy in peace
what you have dearly enough bought by
a sacrifice of two years But, dear cUun-
tess I have children who may hereafter
complaint of my pliability and indui-
gence I must therefore do something
to fulfil the duty Of fath'r Another
in my place would require He would
lay before you proofs on which 10 ground
his claims but 1 spare your heart and
respect your secret Tho friend is ST.
lent-It is the father only entreats ~
Alas !" cried the countess, and tears
streamed from her eyes, "what do you
require of me ?"
The graud chamberlain drew a paper
out Of his pocket.
"You know" he continued. calmly,
"that my property is greatly embarrass-
ed Your husband left YOU large estates
and great fortune. | am silent on his
will. of which I make no use but this
wound which I give to my interest must
not continue bleeding in my children.
Sign. therefore. this writing, my dear
friend. You undertake therein to dis
charge part of my debts, which have
been occasoned by my service in the
state, and your secret will ever remain
concealed ~
III fetched a pen. The countess in
the meantime recovered her presence Of
mind.
ALLOW me-" said she, more tranquil
", " to request that you will present ne
the proofs on which you ground your
suspicious ?"
"Why so ?" said he. smiling; the
government will perhaps soon comnuni-
cate some to you y
Tho government ?" said the countess,
terrified.
"You know" continued he "the
steady course Of justice; you will be
cited 1t is certainly only form, but
still unpleasant You must appear and
take vour oath !"
"Oh, heavens !" cried the countess and
her voice faltercd again.
"You take your oath" said the grand
chamberlain, and remain in possession
of your property !"
The countess seized the pen hastily.
"Your children shall lose nothing !"
said she, and signed.
The grand chamberlain kissed the
hand which returned him the paper and
went gaily to his carriage.
Herr Won Welt returned the next day
ave are betrayed ~ said the coun
tess, AMI threw herself weeping into his
arms.
" betrayed 2" said he. astonishcl,
"Thc old priest must have chattered"
said the countess.
Indeed p said Welt; she has not
spoken these nine montLs-for he is
dead !"
The countess looked confouulej.
She related to him the visit of the grand
chamberlain, his behavior and her sigma
turc
" That is deception !" cried Welt;
she has taken you BY surprise. hut he
shall not long enjoy his triumph !"
lie FASTENED ont of the room, ordered
his horse, and rodc to the grand cham
berlain. The count came TO meet him
on the steps.
~ have a word to say to you count"
said Welt " but should wish it to be
in private -
" \ word also With you for it is time
to sit down to dinner, and you must be
our guest !" said he grand chamberlain,
affably, and led him into the room.
"Count," said Welt, "you expressed
suspicion yesterday to the countess in
which am concerned ?"
"Qnlte right !" replied the count
people told me of these onjcctures and
| repeated them to the countess"
" Count" said Welt, shy what can
you prove your oniectures ~
" We will talk about it after dinner"
said the grand chamberlain :" it is al
ready on the table Our copvcrsing
longer may occasion surprise-and you
do not, of course, wish that we should
furnish the people with moro materials
for conjcctures ?"
Welt bowed. embarrassed.
"After dinner, them said he-and
his tone was somewhat milder. The
grand chamberlain opened the dining
room door, and introduced him to his
/ wife
Two sons Of the count were at the ia
BILE with them. The youngest-the
mothers darling, sat next to her, and
amused himself by getting under the
table to pinch the calf of his fathers
leg The count drew up his feet sever,
al times, making a wry face; but the
strength of the darling seemed to
increase-for he clung like a crab to
the calf. The grand chamberlain at last
kicked him from him with an exclama-
tion, and the darling fell screaming at
his mothers feet.
The child grows unbearable ~ cried
the grand chamberlain, as Ire rubbed the
calf Of his leg, which was smarting with
/ pain; and the mother wiped the tears
from the cheeks of the little one.
"Poor child p said she 'has he hurt
you p
"Go on spoiliug him" said the count,