Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-09-29
A CRUCIAL TEST.

The fine old mansion of the Alberghi
family, near Gluckstadt, was brilliantly
lighted, and the sound of music and dane
ing was borne on the evening air across the
rolling, sparkling waters of the Elbe. That
night a grand ball was given by Count
Frederick Alberghi, the only remaining
representative 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 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 perfume
of choice flowers, which were scattered in
profusion, not only about the large recep.
tien 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 per-
sons-a young man, remarkably handsome,
though there was an expression of deep
care upon his face, and lady. The lady
was not remarkably handsome just now,
as she listened to her companion with
dropping eyes indeed, most people would
call her simply pretty until she raised her
expressive, dark.blue eyes and the brill
liant, sylph-like smile broke over her face.
The two were standing talking carelessly
together, the lady leaning against the
heavily.caryed oaken window-frame, and
the young man standing nearly opposite
her, caressing bright-eyed falcon perched
upon his wrist.
$50, Count Alberghi, you will be re.
membered for long while as the young
noble who gave the most splendid ball as
yet ever attended"
The lips of the young man curled, and
he answered contemptuOusly
"That is surely name worth gaming at
any price" n,a
SO scornful about it p
"You know, Lady Lena, that l care
only for your appreciation then the ball Is
given only in honor and to please you,
whose slightest wish l would crafty at
any expense"
"AlAs, Count Alberghi, l am told that a
dozen times each day 5"
Probably but the words do not come
from the heat, as mine do.
''PoOh !" said the lady. They all swear
that !"
Every well, Lady Lena may some
time be able to prove the truth OF my
words. / have been n fool. For three
years have hung upon your accent, full
filed your every wish, as far as lay in
my power. My fortune-which was ample
/ laid at your feet, that you might have
every possible want supplied and in re-
turn for this devotion l have received
nothing bat coldness and scorn. You know
- I fara Iowa rfvr
whole heart and soul-yet you scorn me.
You are rich and noble. / still love you as
madly as ever, but tonight is the last time
/ bow bef' you. This once plead, Lady
Lena, shown some kindness. For the
last offer you myself. VIII you &C.
ceE ne 2"
Lady Lena turned very pale as she list
ened to the rapid, passionate words ut
tered by the young man who knelt before
her. Her eyes grew dark with some inward
feeling, but her words destroyed the faint
hope which had risen in his heart at the
gentle expression on her face.
"Oh, rise, Count Frederick, for / know
this Is all nonsense instantly. Tomorrow
you will be beside me as usual, and the
next, and every day, just as you have been
for years. The young man rose, and IN
answer to her taunt, only bent his head
and tenderly stroked the glossy head and
neck Of the bright.eyed bird on his wrist,
that looked from one to the other, as if in
guiring what was going on. Piqued at his
silence, the lady exclaimed
"Where now is your boosted love?
say bitter thing to you and you do not
retaliate."
81 cannot forget myself so far as to re-
taliate to a woman.
"No. said she, " but you can sneer.
You sheer and stroke your falcon, which |
know possesses more OF your boosted love
than do
"Jeannette never wounds me, he re-
piled. "ln return Tor my caresses she
does not give me bitter GOODNESS"
perhaps she would if she could
speak, persisted the lady.
" Actions, Lady Lena, said he, "speak
louder than words" The girls eyes
dashed, and she turned to the door, but
paused as she neared it, and, looking over
her shoulder, said contemptuously
." suppose the cause of your love for
that bird is because she once belonged to
some formerl lady love ?" The tone was very
insulting and this time the young man
raised mis- head with flashing eyes, and his
words were rapid and indignant.
"YOu are right" he replied. " This
falcon belonged to a noble lady, whose
kind, womanly heart scorned to in1ict a
wound upon the meanest creature who
trampled not under foot honorable love
offered her, as if it were a disgraceful
thing One whom loved devotedly, and
who, had she been unable to return the
affection offered her, would yet have re-
jected it with considerable gentleness.
"Why, then, don't you return to this
paragon of tenderness and girtue?" sneered
the lady.
"She would willingly soothe my wound.
ed spirit" ne replied, q" but she is dead. "
Without another word Lena sped flom the
room, her brain on fire, her eyes full of
tears. Could Frederick have seen her as
she, leaning far out OF window, weeped
bitterly, he would have forgiven the
bitter words. AS it was they parted in
anger.
Isft alone, Frederick paced up aud down
the room. In his despair he murmured
aloud: 81 have been driveling fool
mailman For three years have devoted
my time, heart and fortune to the service
of this heartless woman. One day re-
warded with smiles, the next with frowns.
Tomorrow, when the bills are paid for
debts incurred for this night, shall be
absolutely penniless-all my fortune spent
upon this vain fiirt, who is undeserving
the name of woman. Yes, to morrow my
furniture, horses and plate will be seld,
my servants discharged, and all that will
remain TO me is this old castle and my
faithful nurse, Margaret, who will not
leave me, and my falcon. This building
Row ringing with the sounds Of music,