Weekly Trinity journal., 1873-11-01

and francs from her own private fortune
to regain Rosenburg and its grounds.
Casper understood that this was an in
direct appeal she was addressing him
but the part of lord suited him too we'll
to exchange it against paltry sum of
money.
He smilingly answered Madam de FIRE.
mont that, although the castle had chang
ed hands, she must consider it entirely at
her disposition, and that she should be as
free to act therein as formerly.
However," she retorted, ~ am dis
possessed forever. God knows what l
would have done to retain Rosenburg, so
much so that, would you believe it? l
camo near sacrificing my whole future
existence in order to buy back the CASTLE"
"Yes," continued the widow, after q
pause, " at the price of my future exist
ence You have seen Baron Won Hans
feldt, who arrived here just previous to
yourself ?"
Casper replied in the affirmative.
"Well, he is an old friend Of our fami-
ly, and appeared always fond Of me. My
marriage with M. dc Fremont vexed
him exceedingly. Since my widowhood
he has several times offered me his hand,
but the thoughts of q second union fright
ened me. When the castle was placed
in lottery, he witnessed my grief, and
laughngly asked me if l would marry
him we're he to win the castle. con-
sented, and he took hundred thousand
francs worth Of tickets. Even though
fearing he would win, am disconsolate
that he has lost. l now see that Rosen-
burg would not be bought to dearly with
the price of my hand. You consider me
foolish, suppose?"
"Not foolish" replied Casper "but
consider your confidence dangerous"
Wherefore?"
Because it might tempt the present
proprietor of Rosenburg to-"
"What do you mean, Mr.. Gasper9"
81 mean," responded the barber, "that
the contract you formed with the baron
might be consumated with him who has
won the castle. AS Rosenburg holds so
many charms for you, perchance you
would be resigned to remain with the
new propretor?"
"This is a joker" inquired the widow,
merrily.
mot at all +; and hope my PROPOSE
ton does not offend you, madam"
"But you forget, Mr.. Casper, your en-
gagement with Miss Florett."
81 will arrange that" exclaimed the
Frenehman. "Here is the baron; do
not mention this to him, pray. In one
hour will have spoken to Florette, and
everything will be settled"
He entered the castle TO seek his in
tended.
This recent conversation had complete
ly vanquished him he saw therein his
fortune doubled, his position established;
in fact, a second prize won in the lottery.
He, therefore, spoke to Flerette as if he
were her guardian. assuring her he would
generously endow her when she found q
suitable husband.
The young girl listened to him in ST.
lence. She then rose, and advanced to-
ward the door.
Where are you going, Florette?" in
quired Casper.
81 am going back to the village" she
simply replied.
"Why now? What is your hurry?"
demanded the barber.
Floretto did not answer, but quilted the
room. Casper felt his heart beat. Not
withstanding his voluntary blindness, his
conscience smote him. He arose, and,
pacing the room, vainly strove to calm
his agitation. He was dissatisfied. For
tunately, at this moment, he recolected
he had not breaktasted, and rang for his
servant, who announced that everybody
had finished their morning meal. Gas
per, who was only too willing to spend
his ill-humor on somebody, complained
that he had not been informed. The
servant answered that the baron had Civ
EN- no orders.
This last word was the signal for an
explosion.
"The baron p he cried "and why
have you to wait for the baron's orders?
Who is master here, he or l? To whom
does Rosenburg belongW
~ do not know I" abruptly answered
the servant.
"Ah you do not know" repeated Gas
per, exasperated. " Well, will teach
you. Leave me, and never appear be-
fore me again"
The servant was about replying, when
the baron entered, and signed to him to
quit the room.
You treat that poor fellow very harsh
ly," he remarked, closing the door be-
hind him.
81 treat him as it suits me, Baron Won
Hansfeldt," replied the barber, haughti-
ly; "and ! am surprised that others be-
sides myself dare give orders here"
Il, testamentary executor of the de-
fnnct proprietor of Rosenberg, have
charge Of the administration of the cas-
tie until the arrival of its proper owner"
politely returned the baron.
"And l am the proper owner of this
estate" retorted the barber.
"Are you sure?"
81 cannot be mistaken, as Mr.. Won
Hansfeldt himself acquainted me with
the winning number"
~ remember it perfectly"
"And you also, no doubt, remember
that number was 60, which have here"