Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1875-02-03
"Not so bad as that ] hope" she re-

"You know well that Gustayue is no
traitor" "
"What signifies that I If the king
orders it, he must be shot-and SO
mustIT And the Baron groaned
again. "What made you take so fatal
an interest in this wretched young
man 7"
ellis misfortunes," replied Ikla.
"He is innocent I know it, and my
dear mother, your sister knew it also.
Forced by cruel and unjust sentence
to fly his country, he found refuge and
safety in ours
"Then why the deuce did he leave
| t"
"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 q servant entered
the room and announced Count DOL
fen.
The Baron's visage frightened with
a hopeful idea.
"There is but one chance for us
all T. he exclaimed, 'marry the Count
and then -" he checked himself alb
ruptly.
eff it depends on that, our chance
is small" she returned rougishly; but
listen to me-obey me, and all will
yet be we'll. intend TO play a des-
perate game but if l win, l shall
save life OF far more value than my
own"
She held a rapid conference with
the Baron, and though he listened to
her at first with astonishment and a.
larm, 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 differ
ence for what.
He withdrew, and Charles XII, as
Count D'Olfen, entered the room. He
wore the uniform OF his favorite regi.
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 corner,
ed black hat black stock buff
gauntlets, and heavy sword. He
looked more like a warrior equipped
for the field than fond lover seeking
his lady's bower
He felt like timid school.boy in
the presence Of his exquisite beauty
who had stormed the outworks Of his
heart, and penetrated to the very cita-
del. Would any one believe that he
was Charles XII.
In her turn, Ikla, also had her rehec'
tions.
1 "He seeks Tartar" she thought f.;
she shall find one"
"What Count" she exclaimed, "in
regimentals ? How devoted you must
be to the king"
swell, am" he exclaimed, "but l
came here as we'll as l can recollect, to
tell you how devoted am to you-
only l confess myselfawkwardin in these
matters. | never cared for a woman
till saw you"
"Why, Count, you must be the very
counterpart of the king" cried Ikla,
coquetishly. "They say he hates wo-
men,"
"He does no such thing" replied
Charles quickly.
"How do You know'" she asked
arcbly.
81 think I know him"
"You might as we'll say you think
you know yourself"
"How 7" he said suspiciously.
(Which no man does
"Oh, I know you, at all events, l
know what talking, striking, be.
: witching little creature you are! A.
bove all, I know how l love you! !
am plain, blunt soldier, and like to
know the worst that can happen tc
me. Do you love me =
"Is that the worst that can happen
to you :" she asked demurely.
okla, generally get the best O
it at blows; but own you beat mt
on words. I shall simply return tt
the charge Do you love me =
, 81 must nave proof Of your love be
fore / answer that.
"What proofT