The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1860-1863, 1862-01-23

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bears witness to our last meeting"
30 my DEAR" interrupted the countess
"do not on any account enter into the de-
tails Of the affair. It would be very
dreadful for me to be obliged to listen to
the particulars of that distressing event."
at cannot be helped" replied the
count. Il shall relate the whole occur
renee; he knows how l offended his
friend; now let him know how he reven.
ged himself"
The count drew his chair toward me
and with the most excited curiosity l
heard the following account:
About FIVE years ago l married. The
honeymoon I spent here, on this estate.
In this home spent some Of the happiest
moments Of my life: but it Las been also
the scene Of an event of the most painful
remembrance. One evening we went for
ride on horseback; the horse on which
my wife rode became restive, she being
alarmed, gave me the reins, and having
dismoua,ed walked home alone. On
reaching the yard saw travelling teleoa.
My servant informed me tina. there was
man in my cabinet who wished to see
me; he did not give his name; saying
simply tha, he bad business of import
snce to transact with me. hasteded to
ths room, and saw in the gloomy light a
man covered with dust, whose outward
appearance gave evident tokens Of care
lessness and neglect. He stood here. by
the chimney piece. went up to him
and endeavored to recognize him. "You
do not know me, counl?" said he, with a
trembling voice. At the sound of his
voice, which well remembered, was
struck dumb, and my hair seemed to
stand on end. With an effor,,I exclaim.
ed, "Silviol" i am Silvio.' he replied
L am come to settle an account which
has long been standing between US, Are
you ready2" l measured twelve PAGES
placed myself at that corner. and begged
him to fire quickly, before my wife retur
ned. He fingered and, after some hesi
y tation, asked me for light. l procured
-. him a candle, and shut the doors again
t after ordering that 40 one should disturb
It US. once more begged him to FIRE. H
n took out his pistol. and aimed it. coun
(, ted the ssconds-I thought OF hero tn
g terrible agony Of those momenlsP Silvi
/ dropped his hands. Il am sorry, h
d said. that my pistol is not loaded wit
|. cherry stones; you will find this bulle
Is very hard. But it appears to me tina
,f this is not duel; but mere asssssina
d; ton. Where is your pistol? l am nc
l accustomed to fight an opponent who
ne unarmed. Let US begin from the begir
Ut ming; we will cast lots for the first shot
he l was giddy with excitement, and at fir
OF refused but dreading to prolong the ha
~ rowing scene. 1 at last loaded anoth'
Of pistol, tore off two bits of paper, land thre
il into his cap, which remembered haVin
shot through on previous occasion. 0
e drawing. found that had again the lu
ky number. You are still as lucky
ed ever. count observed Silvio with smi
b which shall never forget. My excit
,e. ment was so great, that / know no! ho
,ot | cid it. but fred, and hit that picture
ga The count pointed 10 the picture in que
ton, his face burning with the exciteme
caused by the recital OF this most nome
l." tous circumstance. The countess W
lid paler than the white handkerchief whi
at she was holding in her hand, and co
not refrain from giving vent to my ie
ed. ings of astonshmsnt.
out II fred, continued the count, "al
lis thank God. missed. Silvio was TAXI
his aim, "when, or sudden, the dc
Il opened. my wife rushed in, and will
Tou shrek fell on my neck. With Ler pr
,es, ence. all my former courage returned
ice. "My DEAR said. do you not see that
was are only jesting. Why are you SO alar
eg' ed2 Go. drink little water; calm yo
f self and return, and then | will in,rod'
tolls You 10 this gentleman, who Is an
you friend and companion of mine. My '
first scarcely credited all this. and turning
,ty- Silvio, whose stern and rigid counten
our was not calculated 10 produce very
the vorable impression, she said "Tell
It to is il really true that you are only jokir
ev' He always jokes, countess, snswe
very Silvio. 'On one occasion, lie gave q
ner blow on the cbeek--a joke in auol
n as Joke he sent bullet through this
har' which I wear; and in joke he has
now frned at me and missed, now
ased my turn to Joke With this he
r for about 10 take his ann, when my wife th
herself at his feet. Rise, Masha;
Iired graceful, disgraceful!" l roared, 10
madness Of my rage. And you, sir, c
hem your uiHing with the feelings Of thi
WALL Hicted and terrified woman. Will you
you or not?' Il will not, answered Silvio
, the am satisfied; for now have seen your
tolf" ita,ion, your dread of my presence,
one, your lack Of courage. This is enor
Mains With that be turned, and was coming
the but stopping in the doorway, be cas-
eye on the picture through which l
the shot, and almost without taking an
this he put bullet through the same b
had made just before, He immedi
disappeared. My wife lay in swcn
'ping people of the house were filed with
, you ror, and none dared to interrupt hi
treat. lie went out on the steps, c
him, for his driver. and was on his journe
terms fore had succeeded in recovering
mt he Senses.' @
ut for Thus l heard the end oil story
nee Of beginning of which had so moved n
pposs a former occasion with the hero l
met afterwards; but l have heard
} new, during the rebellion Of Alexander