The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1883-10-07
AN 0LD-TIME LOVE STORY.

across the rolling, sparkling waters OF
the Elbe, That night grand ball was
given by Count Frederick Aberghi the
only remaining representative Of the
noble family whose name he bore. The
building was massive stone, high and
dark, protected bv moat, draw bridge
and battlement 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 aud redolent with the perfumes
Of choice flowers, which were scattered
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, remarkably
handsome, though there was an express
sion 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; in
deed, most people would cal her s.mp-
IL pretty until she raised her express
siye, dark blue eyes and the brilliant,
sylph-like smile broke over her face.
The two were standing talking care
lessly together, the lady leaning against
the heavily carved oakcn window
frame, and the young man standing
nearly opposite her, caressng bright
eyed falcon perchcd upon hi, wrist.
80, Count Alberghi, YOU will be re-
membered for long while MS 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
That is surely name worth gaining
u; any price.
"Ot course said the lady, But
why so scornful about it?'
You know, Lady Lena, that care
only for your appropriations; then the
ball is given only IN honor and to
please you, whose slightest wish | would
CRAFTY at any expense
Alas, Count Alberghi, | Am told
that dozen times each day
probably; but the words do not
come from the heart, as mine do"
Pooh, said the lady. They all
swear that
Very well, Lady Lena; | may some
time be able 10 prove the truth Of my
words. have been a fool. For three
years have hung upon your accent
fulfilled your every wish, As far as lay
in my power. My fortunc-wbich was
AMPLE laid at your feet, that YOU
might have every possible want sup
Piled; and in return for this devotion |
have received nothing but GOODNESS aud
scorn. You know that | love you rs
few men loye-with my whole heart and
soul--yet you scorn me. You are rich
and noble, still love you rs madly AS
ever, but tonight is the last time bow
before you. This once | plead, Lady
Lena, to be shown some kindness, For
the last time | offer you myself VIII
you accept me?
Lady Lena turned very pale as she
listened to the rapid, passionate words
uttered by the young man who knelt
before her Her eyes grew dark with
some inward feeling, but her words de-
stroyed the faint hope when had risen
in his heart nj 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 tcnderly
s,roked the glossy head and neck Of the
bright eyed bird on his wrist, who
looked from one to the other, as il in
curing 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.
Il cannot forget myself so far as to
retaliate to woman.
''No, said she, "Dut you can sneer.
You sheer and stroke your falcon,
which / know possesses more of your
boasted love than | do. "
"Jeannette never wounds me, " he re-
piled. "ln return for my caresses she
does not give me bitter GOODNESS"
perhaps she would if she could
speak" persisted the lady,
factions, Lady Lena said he,
"speak louder than Words
The girls eyes flashed, and she
turned to the door, but paused as she
neared 1t, and, looking over her should
er, said contemptuously; al 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,
you are right" he replied. This
falcon belonged to noble lady, whose
kind, womanly heart scorned to inAict
wound upon the moanest creature;
who trampled not under foot honorable
love offered her, as If it were dis
graceful thing. One whom loved de-
votedly, and who, had she been unable
to return the affection offered hor,
would have rejected itwith considerable
gentleness.
"Why, then, don't you return to this
paragon Of tenderness aud virtue"
sneered tho lady.
'She would willingly soothc my
wounded spirit" he replied, "but she
is dead"