The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1883-08-10

The fine old mansion of the Alber-
CHI family, near Gluckstadt, was bril-
liantly lighted, and the sound of music
was borne on the evening air across
the rolling, sparkling waters of the
Elbe. That night grand ball was
given by Count Frederic Alberghi, the
only remaining representivo of the
noble family whose name he bore. The
building was massive stone. high and
dark, protected by moat, drawbridge
and battlemented towers. 1t was a
fine old feudal castle, built in the time
of Frederick II. Outside it. looked
grand and gloomy inside it was ablaze
with lights, and redolent with the per-
fume of choice flowers which were scat
tered in profusion, not only about the
large reception saloon, but in all the
smaller apartments which were thrown
open to the guests,
In little room far removed from
the rest, in the Eastern tower, stood
two persons--a young man, remarka
bly, handsome, though there was an ex-
preston or deep care upon his face,
and lady. The lady was not remark
ably handsome Just now, as she lis
tened to her companion with dropping
eyes indeed, most people would call
her simply pretty till she raised her ex-
pressive dark blue eyes, and the bril-
liant, sylph like smile broke over her
face The two were standing talking
carelessly together the lady leaning
against the heayily-carved oaken win
dow frame, and the young man stand
ing nearly opposite her, caressing a
bril- ght-eyed falcon perched upon his
wrist.
$50, Count Alberghi, you will be re,
membered for a long while as the
young noble who gave the most splen-
did ball as yet ever attended"
The lips of the young man curled,
and he answered contemptuously y:
"Thatis surely a name worth gaining
at any price
"Ot course !" said the lady. 'But
why so scornful about it ?'
"You know, Lady Lena, that care
only for your appreciation that the
ball is given only in honor and to please
you, whose slightest wish l would graf
ify at any expense,
"Alas, Count Alberghi, | am told a
dozen timeks each day !"
"Probably but the words do not
come from the heart as mine do
"Pooh T. said the lady. "They all
swear that !"
"Very well, Lady Lena; l may some
time be able to prove the truth of my
words, have been fool. For three
years | have hung upon your accent,
fulfilled your every wish, as far as lay
in my power, My fortune-which was
ample-l laid at your feet, that you
might have every possible want sup
piled and in return for this devotion ]
have received nothing but GOODNESS and
scorn. You know that | love you as
few men love-witb my whole heart
and soul-and yet you scorn me. You
are rich and noble. | still love you a,
madly as ever, but tonight is the las
time ] bow before you This once
plead, Lady Lena, to be shown some
kindness. Eor the last time ! offel
you myself Will you accept me ?"
Lady Lena turned very pale as she lis
tened to the rapid, passionate word.
uttered by the young man who knelt
before her. Her eyes grew dark Will
some inward feeling, but her word,
destroyed the faint hope which hat
risen in his heart at the gentle expires
sion on her face
"Oh, rise, Count Frederick, for
know this is all nonsense--instantly
Tomorrow you will be beside me a.
usual, and the next, and every day
| just as you have been for years"
The young man rose, and in answe
to her taunt, only bent his head anC
tenderly y stroked the GLOSSY head and
neck of the bright-eyed bird on hi
wrist, that looked from one to another
as if inquiring what was going on,
| Piqued at his silence, the lady ex
claimed
"Where now is your boasted love
say bitter thing to you and you d,
not retaliate."
81 cannot forget myself 50 far as t(
retaliate to woman.
"No," said she, "but you can sneer
You sneer and stroke your falcon
which ] know possesses more of you
boasted love than | do
"Jeannette never wounds me- h.
replied sin return for my caresse
she does not give me bitter ooldness
| "Perhaps she would if she coul,
speak, persisted the lady
| "Actions, Lady Lena, said he, "speal
louder than words,
| The girls eyes flashed, and she turn
ed to the door, but paused as she near
ed it, and looking over her shoulde
lsaid, contemporary;