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

A CRUCIAL TEST.
The fine old mansion of the Alberghi
family. near Gluckstadt, was brilliantly
lighted, and the sound of music and
dancing was borne on the evening air
across the rolling, rollicking. sparkling
waters of the Elbe. That night grand
ball was given to Count Frederick AL
berghi, the only 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 vas fine old
feudal castle, built in the time of fred =
erick II. Outside it looked grand and
gloomy; inside it was ablsze with lights
and redolent with the perfume of choice
flowers, which were scattered in profu-
sion not only about in the large recep-
ton saloon but in all the smaller apart
ments which were thrown open to the
guests.
In little room, far removed from the
rest, in the eastern tower, stood two per-
tsons-a young man, remarkably hand
l,ome, though there was an expression of
tdeep care upon his face. and lady.
kThe lady was not remarkably handsome
ust now, as she listened to her COM
loanion with dropping eyes; indeed, most
Soeoplo would call her simply pretty
until she raised her expressive, dark
tluo eyes and the brilliant sylph-like
emile broke over her face. The two
we're standing talking carelessly together,
Ehe lady leaning against the heavily
carved oaken windowframe. and the
young man standing nearly opposite
her. caressing bright-eyed falcon upon
his wrist.
$50, Count Albright, you will be re-.
membersd 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 gaining
at any price,"
"Of course" said the lady. "But
why so scornful about it?"
"You know Lady Lena, that care
only for your appreciation; then the ball
is given only in honor and to please you,
whose slightest wish I 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 rs mine do"
"Pooh" said the lady. They all
swear that!"
every we'll, Lady Lena; may some
time be able to prove tho truth Of my
words. I have been fool. For three
years l have hung upon your accent,
fulfilled your every wish, as far as lay
in my power. My fortune-which is
ample--I laid at your feet, that you
might have every possible want sup
piled; and in return for this devotion
have received nothing but GOODNESS and
scorn. You know that as few men love
with my whole heart and soul-yet
Won scorn me. You are rich and noble.
I still love you as 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 l offer you myself. Will you no
cept me?"
Lady Lena turned very pale as she lis
toned to the rapid, passionate words ut
tered by the young man who knelt be-
fore 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.
ooh, rise, Count Frederick, for know
this is all monsense-instantly. To-
morrow you will be beside me as usual,
and tho 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 ifinquiring what was 60
ing on. Piqued at his silence, the lady
exclaimed:
"Where now is your boosted love? l
say bitter thing to you and you do not
retaliate."
~ canpot forget myself SO far as to re-
taliate to woman" Z.
no" said she, ''but you can sneer.
You sheer and stroke your falcon, which
know possesses more OF your boosted
love than do"
s'Jeannette never wounds me" he re
piled. "In return for my caresses she
does not give me bitter GOODNESS"
"Psrhsps she would il she could
speak. !" persisted the lady.