The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1859-03-10

of a gun-lock, the back door of his shop
was opened, and two men entered. They
were young men, dressed in costly furs, and
both of them stout and goodlooking. The
gunnaker recognized them as the Count
Conrad Damonof aid his friend Stephen
Urzen.
4 think speak with Ruric Newell said
the Count, moving forward.
You do returned Ruric, not at all sur.
priscd by the visit, since people Of all classes
were in the habit Of calling at his place to
order arms.
you are acquainted with the Lady Rosa
lind Falda : he said.
4 am,' answered Euric, now beginning
TO wonder.
well, SIR resumed Damonof, with
much hautincss, perhaps my business can
be quickly and satisfactorily settled. 1t is
my desire to make tho Lady RosaIind my
wife,
Ruric Newell started at these words, and
lie casped his hands to hide their tremulous
ness. But lie was not long debating upon
an answer.
And why have you come to me with this
information, sir 2 he asked.
Isuric Nevc. you shall not say that did
not make myself fully understood, and
hence l will explain The Count spoke
this AS speaks a man who feels that he is
doing very condscending thing, and in
the same tome he proceeded The Lady
Hosalind is Of noble parentage and very
wealthy. My own station and wealth are
equal with hers. l love her, and must have
her for my wife. l have been to see the
noble Duke, her guardian, and he objects
not to my suit. But he informed me that
there was al imlcdimcnt, and that was her
love for you. lie knows full well-as I
know, and rs all must know-that she
could never become your wife ; but yet lie
Is anxious not to interfere too much against
her inclinations. So simple denial from
you, to the effect that you can never claim
her hand, is all that is necessary. have a
paper here all drawn up, and all that re-
1urc is siml y your signature. IIcre-it
is only plain, simple avowal on your part
that you have no hopes nor thoughts of
seeking the hand Of the lady in marriage.'
As the Count spoke he drew a paper
from the bosom Of his martcn doubIet, and
having opened it lie handed it towards the
eunmakcr. But Ruric took it not. lie
| drew back and gazed the visitor sternly in
| the face.
Sir Count he said, calmly and firmly,
you have plainly stated your proposition,
and I will as plainly answer. i cannot
sign the paper
IIa! gasped Damonof, in quick passion.
DO you refuse g
| Most fatty
Isut YOU will sign it, hissed Damonoff,
turning pale with rage. Here it is-sign!
If you would live-sign!
Perhaps he cannot write,' suggested Ur.
zen contemptuously.
'Thcn he may make his mark rejoined
the Count, in the same contemptuous tone.
1t might not require much more urging
to induce Inc to make my mark in a man
her not at all agreeable to you, SIR the
youth retorted, with his teeth now sci, and
the dark veins upon his brow starting more
plainly out. DO you seek quarrel with
mc?'
Seek 81 seek what I will have. Will
you sign?'
'Oncc moreno! !
sIhcn, by heavens, you shall know what
IL is to thwart such as me! IIow's that 2
| AS these words passed from the Counts
lips in low, hissi whisper, he aimed
blow with his fist at Rurick's head. The
gunmaker had not dreamed of such das
tardIy act, and he was not prepared for it.
Yet he dodged it, and as the Count drew
back Isuric dealt him blow upon the brow
that fellcd him to the floor like dead OK.
beware, Stephen Urzen he whispered
To the Counts companion, as that individual
made movement as though he would
come forward. Il am not myself now, aud
you arc safest where you are."
The man thus addressed viewed the gun
maker n few moments, and he seemed to
conclude that he had better avoid person
| al encounter.
Conrad Damonoff slowly rose TO his feet.
and gazcd into his antagonists face few
moments in silence. His own face deathly
pale, and his whole frame quivered.
Isuric Newell he said, in a Kissing, mad
dened tone, you will hear from me. can
overlook your plebian stock
And with this he turned away.
Paul. said tho gunmaker, turning TO his
boy, after Tue nep lad gone, mot a word
of tEis to my mother. BE sure. .s
On the following morning., as Ruric was:
| preparing for breakfast, he SAW Olga, the