The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-11-01

drawn himself from society. She will
do herself the honor of dining with him
this day at o'clock" A spasm passed
over the young mans face and he MUIR
INJURED, "Once more" Then, turning to
Margaret, he said: "What is there in the
house to eat?'
"As good as nothing, SIR" replied the
faithful woman, "for there is only the
scraps left from your breakfast"
"That's bad, Margaret" said he; "for
have no money; not krsutzer: and
here is note from Lady Lena informing
me that she will dine with me to-day"
"She mustn't come, dear sir There is
nothing to give her."
Frederick seemed lost in thought.
Suddenly he raised his head.
IL have it now" said he. You must
serve up my poor Jeanette here. 1t is
all can do"
"Oh, master! What, roast this poor
bird you have loved so long, and which
belonged TO-
Hush, Margaret-not another word;
only do as bid you. Serve the bird up
rs best you can. Have the table laid for
two in the old dining room; have it ready
| precisely ut g. When the lady arrives
summon me. and serve dinner immedi.
ately. 1 shall be in my chamber, to which
shall now retire"
Margaret dared not demonstrate, but,
sobbing and wriuging her hands, she
went down stairs. Lena had waited her
coming with intense anxiety. and when
Margaret entered in such distress of
mind che sprang up.
"What is the matter, Margaret? Has
anything happened TO your master?"
"'Dee1 there has!' woefully ansv cred
Margaret.
"What?" said Lena. "Sp"ak. woman!
"Oh. only he's gone clean dcmented
You bring note from your naughty
mistress, who ought to be drowned in
the Elbe, for she always makes trouble
for my dear young master, one of whose
fingers is worth more than all her body;
made him waste all his fortune, SO that
now he is as poor as Job, and now makes
him kill his beautiful falcon" A tri-
umphant smile now flashed into the eyes
Of the false waiting-maid, and she asked,
Chow so?"
"Why, you see, Mistress Susan, your
lady is coming to dine with him, and
there is nothing in the house, neither
victuals nor even a kreutzer so he has
ordered the falcon to be roasted for
your wicked lady's dinner"
II have no doubt it will make capital
eating" laughed the girl.
"Out upon you" said Margaret. You
are as heartless as your mistress. Gro
back to her and tell her that she is well
come. hope the bird may stick in her
throat and choke her, unfeeling woman
that she isl"
"Oh, don't take on so, Margaret? am
sorry your master Is so poor, but he will
offer my lady dish valuable for its rari-
ty, for warrant me she has never tasted
roasted falcon before"
Margaret's only answer was to throw
herself into her chair and sob. The dis
guisbed Lena approached her.
Don't feel so sad, but tell me why
should Count Frederick care so much
for the poor bird?"
Don't you know that? Why, it be-
longed to his blessed mother who is now
an angel in heaven"
Tears filled Lena's eyes, and she said:
"Well, I didn't know that, and it is
u real shame to roast the bird, and if
you will keep it secret I'll help you
Give me the bird and I'll take it home
and send you another in return. Your
garet's face lighted up, and earnestly
thanking the girl, she left the room and
soon returned with the falcon, closely
hooded, who gave it to the false Susan,
who went off with it,
Punctually to the minute came Lady
Lena, and never had she looked more
lovely, or been dressed with more ele
gance and taste. Margaret, with sui
len air, ushered her into the DINING
room, where Frederick came forward to
meet her. He was struck with her fresh.
winning appearance bitter change to
be wrought in so few weeks. His greet
ing was frigidly polite, and hers partic-
ularly genial and kind.
The dinner was soon served and Lena
shuddered as she glanced around the
long, dark, unfurnished room, seen last
brilliantly lighted and decorated and
filled with sprightly guests, and before
whom groaned table loaded with every
luxury the season could afford and that
money could buy! Now all the gor-
geous hangings, furniture. pictures,
silver, glass and lights were gone, and
in their place stood in the empty room a
small deal table bearing two covers and
one dish of meat With all his grace Of
manner Frederick led Lena to the table
and took his place opposite her. The
meal was silent one, for Frederick Was
distracted and Lena nearly overcome by
everything around her that she could
scarcely repress her tears. As they rose
from the table the count said;