The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-09-15

of music, dancing, and merry laughter,
will be closed, to become the sanctuary OF
rats and owls. For myself, l shall with
draw from society, and in this small,
gloomy tower, support my proverty and
despair as best I may. | have been worse
than foolish-I have been wicked. But
this unmanly repining will not do L
must rejoin my guests.
So saying, Frederick replaced the falcon
on his perch near the window, and forcing
a gay smile and careless air, sauntered into
the ballroom, and from that time till the
company left, he was seemingly the gayest
of the gay.
"Ouick. Susan fasten this bodice and
bring me my hood and mantle and the thick
shoes!' exclaimed Lady Lena; then added,
impatiently, you'll have to pin this hand
kerchief and apron string, for my hands
tremble so | cannot do anything"
The maid obeyed, and soon her young
mistress stood before the elegant mirror,
laughing to see herself in complete peasants
attire.
"Will anybody know me, Susan ? she
asked, laughingly, as she drew the hood
over her face.
"No indeed, Lady Lena" replied the
maid; if I hadn't seen you dress l should
not know you myself"
''Then [ am off,
And suiting the action to the word, the
graceful Lady Lena ran out of the room
and down stairs in very undignltied way.
In the garden she was met by lover Of
Susan's, who exclaimed:
Pears to me we are in a monstrous
hurry, Mistress Susan. Can't you stop to
give fellow a noontide kiss?
"Away with you!' she exclaimed.
''You shall have two kisses when L come
back, if you won't stop me now."
Good bargain, Susan said he. 81
have not much to do, and will wait by the
gate till you come back"
Away sped Lena. After pretty long
rapid walk she reached Castle Alberghl,
and entering by low postern door which
she found open, made her way to the door
of the tower where she saw old Margaret
seated.
sGood noon, Dame Margaret said Lena.
The old woman raised her head, and
recognizing Susan, Lady Lena's favorite
waiting maid, she returned a very sulky
greeting.
Don't be cross, Margaret" she contin-
ued, Owe got beautiful note for your
young master from my lady"
'You needn't come here with it, then, y
said Dame Margaret. "Your lady's notes
have brought sorrow enough to this house. "
"But, Margaret, [ was sent to deliver 1t
and receive an answer, and dare not go
back without it; it would cost me my
place, and you wouldn't be so cruel as that
to a poor girl who has never done you any
harm"
Here Lena began to sob, and Margaret
rose, saying:
"You have never done me any harm, so
give me the note and let me take it up
stairs quickly"
The note was produced, and Margaret
grumblingly took it up stairs, mutterins as as
She did so, "Much good, much good it will
do my poor young master. 1t isn't sealed
very closely, and if [ could read l would
open it, and then if there was anything in
it to wrong him I'd sooner put my hand in
the fire than give it to him"
Bv this time she had reached the second
story and knocked at the door.
'Come in" said Frederick, who was
seated by the window reading.
He looked up as the old woman entered,
and asked what she wanted.
"a note for you, sir, she replied.
The young mans face turned shade
paler, and his hand slightly trembled as he
took the delicate perfumed note. A mo-
ment he paused, overcome by his feelings,
then impetuously tore it open and read the
following words:
"Lady Lena Erfut being about to visit
England for several years, desires to have
the pleasure of meeting once more her
friend, Count Frederick Alberghi, who has
SO mysteriously withdrawn himself from
society. She will do herself the honor OF
dining with him this day at five o'clock.
A spasm passed over the young man 5
face, and he murmured ''once more. !"
Then, turning to Margaret, he said, "What
is there in the house to eat ?"
GAS good as nothing, sill" replied the
faithful woman, 'for there is only the
scraps left from your breakfast" "
''Thats bad, Margaret y said he; ''for |
have no money; not single kreutzer, and
here is a note from Lady Lena informing
me that she will dine with me to-day"
"She mustn't come, hear sir There is
nothing to give her"
Frederick seemed lost in thought-sud-
denly he raised his head.
Il have in 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 be-
longed To-"
"Hush, Margaret, not another word,
only do as bid you. Serve the bird up
as best you can Have the table laid for
two in the old dining-room have it ready
precisely at five. When the lady arrives
summon me, and serve dinner Immediately.
shall be in my chamber, to which shall
now retire
Margaret dared not demonstrate, but,
sobbing and wringing her hands, went
down stairs Lena had waited her coming
with intense anxiety, and when Margaret
entered in such distress of mind she sprang
up.
"What is the matter, Margaret ? Has
anything happened to your master?"
"Deed there hasr' woefully answered
Margaret.
"What?" said Lena. "Speak, womanr'
"Oh, only he's gone clear demented.
You bring note from your naughty mis-
tress, 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
III LII