The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1871-03-02

hh '"u'lc cuergY she pulleu the
bell. A servant instantly appeared.
The carriage" she cried. her eyes
glaring cScitedly, land four of the
strongest horses! Quick life de.
pends upon your speed"
The amazed servant hurried off to do
her bidding, while the countess franti.
cally walked the room, her heart bound.
ing furiously as she thought of her hus.
bands peril.
a few moments passed, and she was
told that the carriage was ready. Gath.
ering her long train upon her arm, and
snatching cloak from a chair, she
quickly descended the grand staircase,
passed through the marble. Aoored hall,
and came out upon the court yard of
her palace. The footmen in livery stood
ready to mount the equipage, but she
waved them off with an impcrious ges.
ture. "Thisis for business. not pleasure
i need you not, y she said, and entered
the carriage, calling to the coachman ::
TO the palace of the empress-and as
swiftly as the horses can be made to go!"
The man piled his whip with vigor,
and the four spirited animals dashed
through the streets nt fearful pace.
astonishing the quiet citizens, who
turned and looked after the cquipagc
with wondering eyes.
Inside, the countess sat, pale. and ter.
rihed, hopine-oh, so earnestly for
success, yet fearing that her work would
be in vain
Would she be able to save him from
death-and death for high treason p
What did this fearful intelligence mean?
Surely her husbaud-her Leopold had
never, never been guilty of that dread
ful crime.
There is some mistake, she thought.
lie is far too loyal. lie cannot have
plotted against the throne 1t is the
work of an enemy. But il pleading can
save him, he shall live. will kneel at
her feet. | will implorc. Oh, Heaven
give me words to touch her heart :" and
the countess sent up silent prayer for
help. IN this her supreme hour OF necd
At last-it seemed an age 10 the
trembling occupant-the coach drew up
before the Imperial palace Waiting
for no assistance the countess sprang
out, and rushed into the building.
" The empress. Where is she ?" she
gaspcd, pausing for an instant to ques
tion one of the guards.
"Countess, was the reply, 4" the en-
press is now in the council. chamber
She cann0t be seeu"
d" But must see her. 1t matter
Of life and death"
I" 1t is impossible"
&" rW see her. Stay me not" cried
Renee, as she few past the astouished
man IN the direction Of the designated
chamber.
A moment she stopped before the
door to still her hcait, throbbiug with
mingled fear aud love, then opening it
she entered quickly, and sank with
clnsped hands and tear. .dimmed ewes at
the feet of the empress, who half rising
slgnliied her dlspleasurc
Mercy, mercy" groaned the wretch.
ed supplicant; mercy, your majesty"
What means this :" queried Maria
Theresa, turning to IIaunltz, who occu.
pied chair at her right hand.
Your majesty" replied the prime
minister, " il this be the Countess Won
Autenrieth, and | believe it is, it means
that her husband is to be beheadcd to.
morrow at Pcsth, and she supplicates
your majesty to pardon him"
Her husband Count Leopold Won
Autenrieth /! And why is he sentenced
to death 2"
High treas n, your majesty, Your
majesty signed the warrant few days
ago; but, through some mistake, the
news was not sent to the countess until
to-day"
" remember now Countess, | can.
not pardon high treason. | would
gladly save him, but he must die. The
welfare Of the empire demands it,"
"Oh, your majesty" screamed the
unfortunate wife, beautiful at any time,
but doubly beautiful now, in her dis.
tress "spare him, | beseeeh. He is
my all, my ouly love If he dies, die
too. If it please your majesty, you can
do it, and can save a heart from desola.
ton. Spare him y
Countess, it cannot be-" was the
chilling reply. Had it been for any
other cause he was to die, it might be
possible, but treason-nevcr !"
lie has been misguided-there is
some awful mistake For the love of
Heaven-for the love you bear your
dead husband, give him his life. lie
has been faithful-oh, how faithful-to
you, and l know, / feel in my heart tha,
he is innocent. Pardon him I! Pardon !
Pardon p
Breathlcss, the countess groveed in
the most abject misery at the feet of the
empress.
=" 1t is true he has been very loyal to
me hitherto. Are you sure that the
proof is perfect l would destroy no
mans life without just cause" turning
to her councillors, who, with the excep.
tion of Kaunitz, were looking in aston.
ishment at this outpouring of the
woman's heart.
"The case has been as thoroughly
examined as was possible in so short a
time, your majesty, and it is scarcely