Litchfield enquirer., 1869-06-10

so I went on to my own room, took off my dress, and putting on morning -gown. .sat down to watch. About half an hour pass cd, and then a man passed my door, which I had left a little open. I He stopped two doors off and went into room; then he6rdvoices for g few minutes, and then two people came out. went to the door with a feeling that I was wanted. It was Sir Francis and the Austrian.
 "Ahl that's all right, 7 said Sir Francis; "allow me to introduce Count Arnheim to you, Rachel; Miss Txavers, the friend of Madame la Comtesse." :" he said to the count. Rachel the count would like very much to speak to you "fi | bowed. It was an odd introduction, at the door of my room, by the light of bedroom candles.
 You had better go to your aunt's mor- ming room, Sir Francis said, and led the way, followed by the tall dark figure. I had only that moment to consider what to do; had indeed promised not to betray her, but it were surely best to tell him ali. It was very dreadful to him, the first speak, ing Icould sees but as far as I could judge he was man who would have walked through wall of fire if he had once made up his mind to do it. In short, sharp, con- else words wrung from him as it were, he told me that his presence was so hateful to Valerie that. so long as he, stood by her, she went from. faint to faint. At last he had left her, and now he held in his hand let ter which he had written, and which he would leave in my charge, he said, to be given at such time as she should be able to read it. I hardly dared ask him if he were going, it seemed as though it would be stepping on volcano of pride, and shame, and love, that might burst beneath my feet. If could but find words to tell him all knewi But his manner was so des- perately stern and cold and uninviting that my thoughts seemed frozen within me. At last ventured to stammer,-
 "I think you are mistaken, Herr Graf; it was the sudden shock which has been too much for her."
 There was dangerous glitter in his eyes even at that slight contradiction, and his manner was colder than before, as he an- swered- h.se
 "Pardon, gracious Fraulein, much has passed of which you are no doubt, igno- rant, therefore permit me say you can hardly be judge. have done and said that which it wasfolly to suppose she could either forget or forgive" 1
 He spoke with the air of man to whom confession was a new and bitter experi- ence. aoa3a5a8 tis a aa
 Then, however, my tongue was unloos- cd, and told him, if not quite all, yet enough.
 During the whole interview he had de. clined to sit down, but stood by the man. tlepiece, his head resting in his hand, whilst I talked.
 When had finished, he came towards me, and holding out his hand, said in husky voice h.r.5 ..-,
 "God reward you; you have been true friend to her." s e-4 .. 4.
 And yet, strange to say, for all that, think he was disappointed. I think the man, though he hardly knew it himself, would have been happierif there had been more to forgive, if he had not been so en- tirely in the wrong. He felt the truth of those holy words, "To whom little is for. given, the same loveth little" and he trem- bled lest her love for him should be dead.
 left him there and went to Valerie's room; it was necessary to finish now the work had begun. At the door I met my mother.
 "She has been asking for you, Rachel; go in to her, but try to keep her quiet; she is delirious, I think; they have sent to Little Stratford for doctor"
 As soon as she saw me, she stretched out her arms. I took her cold, trembling hands Tn mine, and she drew me towards her, whispering, fearfully-
 Rachel, have seen him; he must be dead, he looked so awful O, it has been dreadfull" she gasped. 'sWhy does he come to haunt me like this at last? he must know that it was all false; surely, now he must knoww she moaned.
 l held her hands firmly and looked into her face: then 9steadied my voice and chose the shortest clearest words could think of.
 Valerie, it is no ospirit, 1" said; cit is your husband himself, who is here to ask your forgiveness"
 She looked wild and incredulous, then tried to get up; but she was too weak, and falling back, burst into passion of tears.
 l slipped away and sent him to her; then. worn out myself with excitement and fa- tigue, sat down and cried like an idiot. The doctor came soon after, and was obliged to go to her room. Her husband was sitting by her, holding her hand in his. What between her smiles and tears, it hardly seemed the Valerie had known.
 Rachel, come in," she said; "you know him, I needn't introduce you. O you wicked man!" she laughed, "you A0NO AAShtOACA ASis huOW you nave, Leopold" she said, with her old, quick perception. You, poor dear Rachel! and you know we must be friends" She was in true Bavarian mood in spite of her exhaustion. "Now you must go," she said, in minute, :" if am to go to Lon- don tomorrow" and-drove him away. When he was gone, she threw herself up- on my neck. Rachel, he is deadr' she whispered, hiding her face; ''he died in the same hospital where Leopold was sent with his wound, and Leopold nursed him, and when he was dying he confessed that t sas all O dreadful lie that he had in. vented to make him cast me of, knowing that he was helpless and couldn't fight; for once he fought dreadful duel, and after that he took a VOW and made a solemn promise to the Emperor never to fight an- other. It seems so dreadful, but I can't help being happy" she sobbed.
 The next morning she got away without seeing any of the guests except one. Il went with them to the station; as we turn ed out of the lodge gates the carriage stop ped, and Mir. Sartoris appeared at the win.