Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1874-08-12


the cool, fragrant air, after dizzy
waltz. They were chatting gaily
of the pleasures of the past few
weeks, Of the coming festivities
before Lent, when Nettie, looking
mp, found they were the sole occn-
pants of the conservatory. The
strains of the newest galop fully
explained the absence of their
former companions, and the girl
was moving quickly toward the
door, when the Count gently but
firmly held her back. She realized
in an instant the position into
which her own folly had brought
her, but tried to affect uncon-
sciousness still.
81 am engaged for this gallop,
Count" she said, with her usual
sweet smile, $50 you must not de-
tain me now"
"Yet for a little you will stay
with me-" said the handsome for
eigner, in his strongly accented
English. 81 must say a few words
with YOU"
"Another time p
"Now
The mans voice had a ring OF
authority that Nettie resented in
stantly.
"Let me pass !" she said, haughti-
ly. "You forget yourself strange
ly sir"
81 forget all but love when am
near you," he cried, and broke into
stream Of eloquence, an unmis-
taxable offer of heart and hand,
more than limiting that he was sure
of return Of his ardently express
ed devotion.
In vain Nettie endeavored to
check the flow Of words, every one
of which she felt was an insult TO
the man she really loved, in spite
Of her foolish vanity, and to whom
she had promised faithful affection.
The Count spoke so rapidly that
not until he paused for his reply,
could Nettie find an opportunity
even to speak.
Then, in q faltering voice, half
choked by her contending emo
tions, she declined the honor of an
alliance with the Polish nobleman.
"You cannot mean to refuse mel"
he cried, in genuine astonishment;
"you cannot mean that you have
been. coquetting so heartlessly!"
Il mean that / must decline your
proposal she answered, more firm
ly, sand request you to allow me to.
pass"
"But, Miss Wheaton-Nettie,
you love me. Surely you would
not let me so deceive myself. You
love me There is some bar, per-
haps, to our marriage /; but you
love me !"
81 am already bethrothed," the
girl said desperately, not conscious
Of the Interpretation her words ad-
mitted Of until third voice spoke.
"Consider yourself free, Miss
Wheaton, If you love this man."
said Mr.. Martin, stepping into the
room. pardon my intrusion. I
clme unexpectedly to the city. and
your aunt told me you were here.
Mrs. Hunt kindly directed me to
this room, where / find my coming
most opportune. have the honor
to bid you good evening and fare
WELL"
And, not seeing Nettie's piteous,
pleading face, he turned and left
the conservatory. A moment later
Mrs. Hunt was hurrying to the
room, where Nettie had fallen
senseless, overcome, the anxious
hostess said, by the heat and the
perfume of the flowers.
Aunt Mary was sitting up when
the little white-cloaked figure came
in, and Nettie threw herself into the
kind embrace, sobbing bitterly.
She did not see tall figure near
the window, half hidden by the
curtain folds, as she sobbed out her
story.
"And Alfred viii never forgive
me- she said, in conclusion. 81
saw IL in his face"
.."Do you deserve that he shouldi"
Aunt Mary asked, still holding the
girl close in her arms.
"No. ! ought never to have al
lowed the Count to pay me SO much
attention. But it was a mere fir
tation, Auntie. He cares nothing
for me, though Wheaton is a golden
prize; and never gave him a