The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1868-08-29
Hiisrsllanp.
The FATHERS srrntngegn.

acco,nnanied by his daughter deien' AouhS'
beautiful, charming, and heiress to an immense
fortune left her by her mother, the young count
ess soon found herself surrounded by host of
edm;rers. Adorers of all kinds were not want
;nr-rich and poor noble and obscure, tender and
passionate. grave and gay. 1t was perpetual
tournament, of which she was queen, and where
the aspirants contended for her hand by exhibi-
ting their address, grace and seductive quail
ties when she entered her carriage ten caval-
iers were in the saddle, caracoling round her
cn,cae. At the bail the most elegant dancers
,z-ar, devoted to her. They had neither cares,
attentions, nor sighes bat for her; whereat many
beautiful women-Erench, English and Russiah
were particularly mortified Amongst these
pressing suitors Helen selected the most worth
less. The Chevalier Gaetan M was, it is
true. a charming fellow, pale and delicate, with
fine blue eyes, and long wavy hair-In the place
of true passion, he had eloquence of look and
word in short, he dressed with taste, danced
marvelously, and sung like Rubini.
But unhappily, these advantages were con-
trasted with great vices. A dissipated gambler,
and unprincipled, the Chevailer Gaetan had quit
ted Naples in consequence OF some scandaous
adventures in which he had been implicated.
The count, after having informed himself of
these facts desired but too late, to put his daugh
ter on her guard against dangerous affection.
Helen listened neither to advice the prayers. nor
the orders OF tassstftoSy her esteem was already
master Of her heart, and she obstinately refused
to believe in the disgraceful antecedents of the
young Italian. If Gaetan had to do with a faith
er who lacked energy, perhaps he would have be-
come the happy husband of the young countess,
and the peaceful possessor of the immense for
tune with which he was frantically in love.
But the count knew how to carry his point eth
er by management or force. He was an old lion.
lie had preserved all the vigor of youth and all
the rude tirmness OF az indomitable character
which nothing but parental tenderness had ever
softened.--Self willed in his resolutions, stern in
his execution of them, he cast about for means to
put horS DC combat this carpet-night, who had
dared to undertake to become his son-in-law in
spite of him, when accident threw into his hands
letter which Gaetan had written to Helen
The chevalier impatient to attain the goal of his
desires, proposed il direct terms to tho young
countess an elopemant aud suggested clandes-
tine meeting, at the hour when the count was in
the habit OF going ont to play with some gentle
men OF his acquaintance, at the Conversation
House.
A rose placed in Helen's bosom was to be the
signal Of consent. But the young girl had not
read the adroitly intercepted note
Put this flower III your dress" said the count
to heI, offering rose and come with me-"
Helen sinilingly obeyed and took her fathers
arm. In the course Of their walk they met Gae.
tan, who seeing the rose was overjoyed Then
the count conducted his daughter to the residence
OF one Of t]ieir acquaintances, and requested her
to wal until he came for her. That done. he
returned TO the little house in which ne lived, at
the outskirts OF Baden, OF the Lichtenthal road
lie had sent away his servants, and was alone |
Attic appointed hour Gaetan arrived at the
rendezvous, leaped lightly over the wall of the |
garden, and finding the door shut entered the
house through one of the low windows Then
mounting the stairs, filed with pleasing emo
ha Il l. u
ment of Helen. There, instead of the daughter.
he found the father, armed with brace OF pis-
tolls. The CONT closed the door and said to the
Wretched Gaetan trembling with horror, Il
could kill you; have the right t, do so. You
have entered my house nj night. You have bro
Ken into it, | could treat you as felon, nothing
could re more natural.
"But, SIR" replied Gaetan almost ioauGiblv. |
81 en- not robber.'
'And what arc you, then : Eou have come to
steal my daughteI-to steal On lleiress--to steal
fortune. Here j, your letter which unveils to
me your criminal intentions. shall show YOU
no mercy Bat, to take your life had no need |
OK Tins trap. You know the skill of my right
arm, q duel would have long ago rid me OF YOU. |
10 avoid scandal, / did not wish duel: and |
now, VIII say you at the last extremity if YOU
refuse to obey me"
what Is your will sir -
~ on must leave Baden-not in a few DAYS !
not to-Inorrow-but this very instant You |
must put two hundred leaurues between It and |
you and never again come into the presence of |
my daughter or myself, AS the price Of your
obedience and to pay your travelling expenses 1
wi,i give you twenty thousand francs, $4,000
The Cheyalier wished ospeak
'Not word :" Dried the count. in voice of
thunder. You know; me! Understand! hold
your lie at my mercy, and moments hesita.
ton will be punished with death"
~ obey, stammered the oheyalier.
In good time. Your twenty thousand francs
are III that secretary; take Them
Eeimlt me to decline your OFFER"
an lmperious gesture oyerca,ue the false mod
9@:s,cy winch the cheyalier expressed feebly, and
Nhc man who declines for FORMS sake
"Open it,
There is no key in it,
Break the lock, then"
W hat! You wish me To-"
r.. Bseak the lock Or I'll shoot YOU.
me pistol was again presented as an arru-
ihoLt winch admitted no reply.
ut is well" said the count. Take that noo1,.
pocket.book 7" ''0 ~"
"Yes"
"What does It contain :,
GONE papers-lattors addressed to me-"
Act you pocket bool. fail in front of the secre-
taf .;r you have broken open"
,, I must nave proof that viii convict YOU"
Dul' sifl mean to have here all the evidences Of
auuls"iaTy mean that the robber shall be
H La;": ho1oer or death! Choose All! your
oI1a inaue. was sure you would be reason