Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1874-01-17

it?"
"To follow me when you sent for me.
Finding the pursuit so hot, l thought
the best asylum for him was your
chateau"
At this moment, IA servant entered the
room, and announced Count DOlfen.
The Baron's visage frightened with a
hopeful idea. :, -,
There is but one chance for us all y
he exclaimed, "marry the Count, and
then" he checked himself abruptly.
eff it depends on that, orr chance Is
small" she returned roguishly but
listen to me-obey me, and all will yet
be we'll / intend to play a desperate
game but, if 1 win, l shall save life
of far more value than my own.
She held rapid conference with the
Baron; and though he listened to her
at first with astonishment and alarm,
she finally won him over to her purpose,
and he promised to assist her, though it
was with fear and trembling. But he
had pretty well made up his mind by
this time that he should be shot any
way, and he thought it did not make
much difference for what.
He withdrew, and Charles XII. as
Count D'Olfen, entered the room. He
wore the uniform of his favorite regl-
ment light blue coat trimmed with
gold, and the corners of the skirts
turned back high boots of black leather,
to which formidable pair of spurs
were attached a three-cornered black
hat a black stock buff gauntlets, and
n heavy sword. He looked more like a
warrior equipped for the field than a
fond lover seeking his lady's bower.
He felt like a timid school-boy III the
presence of his exquisite beanty, who
had stormed the outworks of his heart,
and penetrated to the very citadel.
Would any one believe that he was
Charles XIII?
In her turn, Ikla also had her retiec
tions.
"He seeks Tartar" she thought !;
che shall find one.
"What, Count" she exclaimed, in
regimentals How devoted you must
be to the King"
"Well, l am" he exclaimed Z; "but l
came here, as well as l can recOllect, to
tell you how devoted l am to you-only
1 confess myself awkward in these mat
ters. l never cared for IA woman till |
saw you.
Why, Count, you must be the very
counterpart of the King cried Ikla,
coluettishly. They say he hates
women"
He does no such thing replied
Charles, quickly.
"How do you know % she asked
archly.
~ think ! know him.
"You might as well say you think You
know yourself"
How ?" he said suspiciously.
Which no man does.
ooh, 1 know you, at all events. I
know what taking, striking, bewitching
little creature you are Above all, [
know how L love you | am a plain,
blunt soldier, and like to know the worst
that can happen to me. Do you love
me?'
"Is that the worst that can happen
you ?" she asked demurely.
Ikla, generally get the best of it
at blows but l own you beat me on
words. I shall simply return to the
charge. Do you love me @
81 must have proof of your love be-
fore I answer that
"What proof %
"Would you grant any little whim OF
mine @
Certainly l would
Don't make any rash promises.
81 swear it.
Ikla laughed gleefully, went into an
adjoining room, and brought forward an
antique costume, such as had been worn
by the danes of fifty years ago.
4" have the greatest desire to see how
you would look dressed as my grand,
mother" she cried.
The King was appalled,.
death and the dev-," he began.
ooh, fe no swearing in lady
presence, she said, checking him. "But
l am glad have discovered what youl
love amounts to.
He expostulated with her, and ended
as common mortals do, in submitting tc
a woman's will.
She then dressed him in the heavy
brocade dress, and then tied the high
starched cap tightly under his chin.
"Faugh y he cried i'll disgust, this
:" You don't like perfumes, then p
No-yes !; one-gunpowder! In
like Charles XII. and there's no perfume
for me but gunpowder.
"Oh, that were his wife y exclaimed
Ikla, fervently.
He regarded her in pleased surprise
What, are you III love with th'
King?"
"Oh, dear, no Only might be in
clined to sacrifice ones self for the goo,
of ones country.
Charles smiled grimly.
"You are vastly condescending," h
replied. "And, pray, what else woul'
you do for the good of your country /?
81 would soften his character.
would tame this lion and he shoul,
soon be as much beloved as he is alread,,
admired and feared"
"Andh how is this to be accomplished? :?
inquired Charles.
"Sit down and let me tell you
There now, you must fancy yoursel
Charles XII"
"Wen, l do he answered with
significant smile.
"Consider me the queen" she con
tinucd, and drew her chair besid
him.
$50 on" he cried, rather please
with the conceit.
81 should devote my life to Obtain
ing and securing his entire confidence,
"We will suppose you have it,"
"Then l should use it to make hi
submit on all fitting occasions tn M