The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-04-04

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so happy couple as 1 had at first sup
posed.
While thus Illuminating, he was surprised
to find that the eyes of both were intently
engaged in examining the expression of his
countenance.
"Umph % muttered Tottleben, to him
self. "There is some undercurrent, that's
certain ; and of which am in complete ig-
norance."
Perceiving perhaps, that shade of sus-
picion passed over the expressive and hand
some features of his guest the landlord
strove to say something pleasant, in which
endeavor, however, he signally failed.
His wife came to the rescue, and began
to banter the Count in return, declaring
that she believed he was by nature so gay
and, at the same time, SO fascinating, as to
be a dangerous man. This speech, Of
course, gave rise to much merriment, all
present indulging in loud laugh at the
Counts expense.
While this conversation had been going
on, a servant-maid, who was both young
and pretty, had occasion to come back
ward and forward to the room several
times. He presently observed that the
waiting-maid's manner was mysterious !;
her countenance wore thoughtful and
even anxious expression, and the Count
came to the conclusion that she had some
thing to communicate to him. In this sur
,,,;o oct Il ha
not mistaken. The girl was deeply con-
cerned she had fears for the security of
the Count she desired to give him timely
warning. AS often as she looked at him
she thought within herself, "I think 1
may trust him-he looks SO very good and
amiable p She hesitated no longer; as
she passed Tottleben, she pulled him
gently by the coat.
The Count was in no way surprised. He
gave look of inquiry, and she whispered
in his ear, " know not what l am risking
for your sake, but think and hope you will
not betray me. Do not retire to rest with
out seeing and speakine with me-"
Having given this caution, she glided out
of the room.
From the usual vanity of his sex, the
Count imagined that the girl was smitten
with him. He could hit upon no other
satisfactory solution to account for her
strange conduct. However, as she was
young, and was possessed Of no inconsider-
able share of rustic, feminine beauty, there
could be no harm in having tete-a- -tete
with her.
She very shortly brought some refresh
ments in the public room, when he left his
companions, upon the pretext of wishing to
take some fresh air. The girl was already
waiting for him at the door of the kitchen
and beckoned him to go into the yard,
whittier she followed him in haste and agi-
tation.
She murmured, i'll hurried accents, "For
the love of mercy, sir, pray take care of
yourself You are not among such honest
people as you imagine. They know that
you have money about you. They intend
to rob you of that. Already arrangements
have been made to effect this object but,
alas what is still worse, your life is in
danger. Do not think of going to sleep
after you retire, but be watchful and vigi-
liant. Prepare for the worst.
You're a good girl, and your solicitude
on my behalf will not be readily forgotten"
said Tottleben, who was deeply impressed
with his companions kindness and the
gravity of his own situation. A presence
of mind almost incredible inspired him on
the spot with very different idea. The
maid was about to retire, when he quickly
pulled her by the arm.
"I dare not remain longer, or they win
suspect p she calculated, in evident trepi-
dation.
Gone or two questions and l have DONE"
cried Tottleben. "Tell me, does your
master live on good terms with his wife?''
Yes on the very best,of terms"
"Does he really and truly love herP"
"Almost as Jnuch as his own life.''
Enough. Now you may go. If es-
cape, your fortune shall be made ;if | die
your warning shall die with me. win
never, come what may, betray you, ormalte
known what has passed between us. Mind
you yourself are equally cautious. Do not
mention q word of this business to my SER
want" li
The girl flew to the kitchen, and the
Count returned to the public room, Not
look betrayed him t; his tone and temper
were just the same as before. At least SO
they appeared to be. He even ordered
supper to be laid below, and would not sit