River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1883-09-27
AN OLD-TIME LOVE STORY.


across the rolling, sparkling waters of
the Elbe. That night grand ball was
to be given by Count Frederic of Alder
CHI, the only remaining representative
OF the noble family whose name he bore.
The building was massive stone, high
and dark, protected by moa. ,drawbridge
and battle towers. 1t was fine old feu-
dial castle, built in the time Of Frederick
II. IOutside it looked grand gloomy;
inside it was abaze with li-his and redo
lent with perfumes Of choice flowers,
which were scatt red in profusion, not
only about the large reception saloon,
but in all tie smaller apartments, which
were thrown open TO the guests.
In a little room far removed from the
rest, in the eastern tower, stood two per
sons-a young man, remarkably hand
some, 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 champion with
dropping eyes; indeed, most people
would call her simply pretty until she
raised her expressive, dark blue eyes
and the brilliant, sylph-Ilke smile broke
over her face. The two we're standing
talking carelessly to.ether, the lady
leaning against the heavily carved oaken
window frame, and the Young man
standing nearly opposite to her, caress-
ing a frightened falcon perched upon
his wrist.
$50, Count Albergh, vou will be re-
membered for a long WhIe as the young
noble who gave the most splendid bail
as vet ever attended" Tie lips Of the
young man CURED, and he answered con-
temptpously:
THAT IS surely name worth gaining
"Of course. " said the lady. "But Why
50 scOrniul ABOUT It:'
"You know, Lady Lena, that | care
only for your appreciation, then the ball
is given only in honor and 10 please you,
whose slIg htest wish / would crafty at
any expense"
"Alas, Count Al5crgl.i, am told that
a dozen times each day
Probably; but the words do not come
from the heart, as mine do.
pooh, zaid the lady. They all swear
that.
VERY well, Lady Lena; ! may some
time be able to prove the truth Of my
words. | have been fool. For three
years | have hung upon your accent, fell
filled your every wish, rs far as Law in
my power. Ny fOt,uHe-wlich was am
ple-I laid at Your feet, that YOU might
have every possible w3ns supple and
In return for this devotion | have re-
ceived uothng but c,tiuyss ard scorn.
You know that / love you rs few men
love-with my whole heart and soul
yet you scorn me. Gou are rich and
noble. still love tnl ~ madly as ever,
-t- L. Ia.
fore you. Tins once plead. Lady Lena,
to be shown s3ac l,u.lnrss. For the
last time offer ID t ". VIII you
accept me-"
Lady Lena turned very pae as she
listened 10 the rapid, passionate words
uttered by the Young man who knett
before her. Her ewes. @rnE dark with
some inward feel n.. ts.t J.. r words de-
stroyed the faiHt hope aHiyh had risen
in his heart at The gentle expression on
her face.
ooh. rise. Count Frcderick-for [
know this is all Instantly. To-
morrow You will be beside me - usual,
and the next, and every day, just as YOU
have foe years The young man rose,
and in answer TO her taunt, only bent
his head and teuderly slroked the
glossy head and neck Of the bright-eved
DAiO vi Ills " Al1At anu iJpNfA AiOdii OtiC
TO the other, as If lnqulrlng what was
going on. Piqued At his SILENCE, thelady
exclaimed:
where now is your boosted love? l
say bitter thing to you and you do not
retalliate."
81 cannot forget myselfso far as to re-
talliate to a woman
"No," said she, "but YOU can sheer,
You can sheer AMI stroke your falcon,
which | know possesses more OF your
boosted love than l do
"Jennett never wounds me, he re-
piled. ''In return for 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 flashed, and she turned
TO the door, but paused as she neared
it, and, looking over her shoulder, said
conte mptuOusly: Il suppose the cause
of your love for that bird Is because she
once belonged to some former lady love"
The tone was very insulting, and this
time the young man raised his head
with flashing eyes, and his words were
rapid and Indignant.
"Iou are right, he replied. This
falcon belonged to a noble lady, whose
kind, womanly heart scorned to i1itlict
wound uDpu the meanest creature; who
trampicd not under foot honorable love
offered her, rs if it were a disgraceful
thing One whom | loved devotedly,
and who, had been unable to return
the nil clion offered her, would have
rejected il with considerable gentleness."
"Why, then, don't you return to this
paragon of tenderness and virtue"
sncered the lady.
- ~ rnFyIV hn my
wounded spirit" he replied, "but she is
dead
Without another word Lena sped
from the room, her BRAIN on hre, her
ewes full Of tears. Could Frederick have
seen her as size, leaning fal out of win
dow, weeping bitterly, he would have
forgiven the bitter words. As 1t was,
they parted in anger.
Lett alone, Frederick paced up and
down the room. In his despair he muir
INJURED aloud; II have heena driveling
fool-a madman For thre years | have
devoted my time, heart, and fortune to
the service OF this heartess woman. One
dav rewarded with smiles the next with
froWns. To morrow when the bills are
paid for debts incurred for this night
/ shall be absolutely penniless. les, to-
morrow, my flrrlture, horses, ana plate
will bc sold, my servants discharged, and
eu that Mil remain TO me is tins old cas-
tie. ard my faithful nurse, Margaret,
who will not leave me and my falcon.
This bulldng, now ringing with the
sounds of music, dancing, aud merry
laughter, will he closed to become the
sanctuary of rats and owls. For myself,
/ small Withdraw from society, and IN
this small, gloomy tower support my
Dover,y ana despair as best | may. |
have been Morse than ioollsh-I have
been wicked. But this repinjng will not
do. uusi reioia my guests
50 saving, FreurIcS replaced the fall
con on IA : perch near the window, and
forcing eav smile and careless air,
saun;crcd into the ballroom, and from
that time till the company left be was
seemingly the gaycst OF the gay.
"Quck. susan fasten the nodlce and
bring me my hood aud mantle and the
thick shoes exclaimed Lady Lena;
then added, impatienly, you'll have
to pin this handkerchief and apron
strin., for my hands tire able SO | can
not do any ti.ins The maid obeyed,
and soon her Young mistress stood be-
fore the elegant mirror, laughing to see
herself II complete peasants attire,
VIII ANYBODY know me, Susan?" She
asked, laughingly, as she drew the hood
over her face.
NO, indeed, Lady Lena, replied the
maid; IF ! hadn't seen you dress
should not know YOU myself.