Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-04-07

corpsc-liko pallor came upon her an
guished face; a wild look of horror iillcC
her staring eyes; and shuddcr after shud
der shook her frame,
And well might she tromble, for the
cruel letter told her that her idolzcd hus.
band, Count Leopold Won Autenrieth
would, on the twenty day of Oc-
tober, at six O'clock in the evening be be.
headed for the crime of high treason, in
the public square of the city of Pesth.
When she had finished, the lovely
Reene, stood for moment gazing blank
ly at the letter, the terrible letter-as
though its meaning were not quite plain
to her
1t was such shock, had come so sud-
denly, Five minutes before she had been
l.ioyously expecting his return to her, and
uow-this,
"Deathr
She trembled as the fearful word fell
from her pallid lips; dizziness stole over
/ ltl lCl iutAt siNh' i'db
wretched woman shook off the feeling.
The twenty-seventh, at six o'clock
she exclaimed, hoarsely. This is the
twenty sixth, and"-glancing at the clock
-"it is already five Merciiul Heaven! /
have but twenty-five hours To save him
| in, and it is one hundred and forty miles
to Pesthr'
With frantic energy she pulled the bell.
\ servant instantly appeared.
The carriage she cried, her eyes
! glaring eXcitedy. land tour of the strong
est horses, Quick, a life depends upon
your speed
The amazed servant hurried oil to do
! her bidding, while the countess frantical-
/ " walked the room, her heart bounding
! turiouSly rs she thought of her husbands
peril.
y few moments passed, and she was
/ told that the carriage was ready. Gath
ering her long train upon her arm, and
snatching a cloak, she quickly descended
The grand staircase passed through the
marble-tloored hall, and came out upon
the courtyard of the palace. The foot
men in livery stood ready to- mount the
equipage, but she waved them of with
an imperous gesture.
This is for business. not pleasure-l
need you not, she said, and entered the
carriage, calling TO the coachman, "To
the palace of the empress-and as swiftly
rs the horses can be made TO GO
The man piled his whip with vigor,
and the four spirited animals dashed
through the streets at a fearful pace, As
ton,hing the quiet citizens, who turned
and looked after the cquipase with won
dering eyes.
/ Inside. the countess sat, pale and ter
rifed, hoping-oh, 50 carnestly,-for sue
cess, vet fearing that her work would be
| in vain.
Would she be able 10 save him from
death-and death for high treason? What
did this fearful intelligence mean? Sure
| ly her husband-her Leopold-had never
never been guilty OF that dreadful crime.
There is some mistake she thought.
He is far too loyal. He cannot have
plotted against the throne. 1t is the work
of an enemy But if pleading can save
him. he shall live. will kneel at her
feet. will implore, Oh, heaven give
me words to touch her heart and the
countess sent up silent prayer for help,
! in this her supreme hour of need.
At last-it seemed IN age to the trem-
bling occupant-the coach drew up be-
fore the Imperial palace. Waiting for
no assistance, the countess sprang out,
and rushed into the building
The empress. Where Is she: she
gasped. pausiug for an instant to ques-
/ ton one of the guards.
Counties" was the reply, "thc en-
press is now in the council chamber. She
cannot be seen"
but must see her. II is matter OF
/ life and DEATH"
1T is impossible"
Il will see her Stay me not cried
! Reene, as she flew past the astonished
man in the direction of the designated
chamber.
\ moment she stopped before the door
to still her heart, throbbing with mingled
fear and love, then opening it, she enter
ed quickly, and sank with clasped hands
and tear-dimmed eyes at the feet of the
empress, who half rising signified her dis
pleasure.
Mercy, mercy" groaned the wretched
supplicant, mercy, your majesty
What means this?" queried Maria
Theresa, turning to Haunitz, who occu-
pied chair close TO her righ: hand.
Your majesty" replied the prime min
ister. ''if this be the Countess Won Au-
tenrieth, and l believe it is, it means that
her husband is to be beheaded tomorrow
at Pesth, and she supplicates your maj
esty to pardon him."
'.Her husband! Count Leopold Won
Autenrieth! And why Is he sentenced to
death?"
High treason, 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"
Il remember now. Countess, l can
not pardon high treason. | would glad