, 1863-04-30

their own estates. The count, besides, was liberal
and even profuse in his gifs to all who approached
him. ... 800. q
Two or three months previously to this part Of
our story, he had attached physician to his es-
tablishment as he wished for the future no stranger
in his service, nor any one to be allowed to pene
trate the interior Of his chateau. This physician
was largely remunerated, and had no other care
than attending to the health Of the inhabitants Of
the manor. He had been recommended by the
count to communicate as little possible with the
adjacent inhabitants, and, above all, to observe
profound silence respecting all that might pass
under his observation.
One evening the count entered the chateau after
an unsuccessful chase, his brow even darker than
usual, and his mood more m0rose. Without chang
ing his garments or taking any rereshment, as was
his custom, be repaired at once to the apartment
Of the countess She was alone with her children,
who now formed her principal pleasure and conso-
lation. To arise and fold him 10 her arms was her
first movement. The count repulsed her gently,
and, without noticing his children, commanded
that they should Immediately leave the apartment
When alone with his young wife, he led her to q
chair, and placing himself opposite, regarded her
in such manner as to study her slightest emotion.
He then drew from. his girdle long dagger, with
bright handle and triangular blade, well sharp
ened; and seemed to aIiluse himself by trying the
point, and moving it across the end Of his finger
or the palm Of his hand. The countess, trembling
ct this new and singular occupation Of her husband,
cast her eyes upon the ground, and waited, with
an anxiety that may well be conceived, the end Of
this strange scene.
MADAM, you must diem
"What mean your" cried the countess, alarmed
at these words, and the doleful accent In which
they were pronounced.
II repeat It, madam, you must die, and that
without noise or complaint
Selling her then BY the arm, be inflicted slight
wound in her side She fell without uttering
cry. When she came to her senses, she found her
self on her couch. A bandage had been placed on
the wound. The count was alone in the chamber,
opposite the couch, regarding her with fi&ed eyes.
A slight smile rested upon bis lips, and be seemed
happy in tracing in the features Of his victim the
various impressions which terror and suffering
caused by turns to appear.
IL have changed my mind, madam" said be,
when he perceived she was entirely recovered from
her swoon. You live (; but, however, your life
depends upon your discretion. At the slightest
whisper Of that (which has happened. or which may
hereafter pass between Us, know how to ensure
your slefice forever" - .,,.s.,.,.s. /. .,.3
The count continued bis usual mode Of life.
Every day, when he returned from the chase, he
went to the apartment Of bis wife and examined
s'lteiuns, "I.uvu. S,ty"S "OIu, e.e wou.e ~. y
mad made as II healed. One evening, aiIer pass
ing ms dagger over every part q ne conntess'
doubtless ior the purpose o. excltlng ner agGnes,
commanding her, at the same time, to refrain from
complaints When the wound was opened, be
gratifed himself by gazing for several minutes at
the blood which nowed nom the lnclsloe, and tnen
departed. aiter bandaglng II as oeiore withoat any
marked emoton'
When this second wound was healed. the Satile
thing was repeated and snecessveiy every eight
days, and each time with the same ealmness, the
same inexpllcable cruelty. NOBODY IN me eha,eau
suspected the real cause Oh the alarming ana IN
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