The Mineral argus., 1883-12-13
AN OLD-TIME LOVE STORY.

NHA 49,
family, near Gluckstadt, was brilliantly
lighted, aud the sound Of music n
dancing was borne on the evening air
across the rolling, sparkling waters oil
the Elbe. That night n grand ball was
10 be given by Count Frederic OF Alber-
CHI, the only remaining representative
Of the noble family whose name he bore.
The building was massive stone, high
and dark, protected by nioEt, drawbrldge
and battle lowers. 10 was "A fine old leu
dial castle, built in the time Of Frederick
IL. lOutside it looked grand and.ploomyi
inside il was ablaze with lights and d
lent with perfumes of choice howers,
which we're scattered in profusion, not
only about the large reception saloon,
but in all the smaller apartments, which
we're 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 vas an eXpression OF
deep care upon his face, anda lady. The
lady was not remarkably handsome just
now ,as she listened to her champion with
dropping eyes; indeed, most people
woald call her simply pretty until h
raised her expressive, dark blue eyes
and the brilliant, sylph-like smile broke
over her face. The Two we're standing
talking carelessly together, tho 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 Alberghi, you will be re-
membered for a long while as the young
noble who gave the most splendid ball
as vet ever attended The lips OF the
young man curled, and he answered con-
temptuously:
That Is surely a name worth gaining
"Of course, " said the lady. "But why
So scOTnlul about III
"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 l would crafty at
any expense"
Alas, Count Alberghi, | am told that
a dozen times each day"
PROBABLY; but the words do not come
nom the heart, as mine do.
"pooh," aid the lady. They allswear
that.
VERY we'll, Lady Lena; l may some
time DO able to prove the truth of my
words. | have been a fool. For three
years have hung uponyOur accent, FIJI
filed your every wish, aS TAR as lay in
my power. Ny fortune-whlch was am
ple-l laid at YOU feet, that YOU might
have every possible want supplied; aud
IN return for this devotion | have re-
ceiged nothing but GOODNESS and scorn.
You know that | love YOU as few men
loye-with my whole heart and soul
yet you scOrn me. You are rich and
noble. l still love YOU As madly as ever,
but tonight is the last time bow be-
lore you. This once l plead. Lady Lena,
TO be shown some Kindness. For the
last time | offer YOU myself. VIII you
accept meF'
Lady Lena turned very pale as she
listened TO the rapid, passionate words
uttered by the Young man who knelt
before her. Her ewes grew dark with
some inward feeling, but her words de-
stroyed the faint hope which had risen
in his heart at the gei le expression on
her face.
"Oh, rise, Count h .eri,k-for l
know this is all nonsense-instantly. To-
morrow you will be beside me as usual,
and the next, and every day, just as YOU
have fOr years The young man rose,
and in answer 10 her taunt, only bent
his head and tenderly strOked the
glossy head and neck of the bright-eyed
bird on his wrist, and looked from one
% the other, As if inqulring what was
going on. PQued at his silence, thelady
exclaimed:
Where now is your boosted love? l
ay a bitter thing to you and you do not
retalliale."
81 cannot forget myselfso far as to re-
taAiate to a woman"
''NO," said she, but YOU can sneer,
You can sneer and stroke y0ur falcon,
which / know possesses more Of your
boosted love than l do"
''Jennett 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.
Actions, Lady Lena, said he, speak
louder than words
The girls eyes flashed. and she turned
10 the door, but paused as she neared
Il, and, looking Over her shoulder. said
contemporary: I suppose tine cause
OF yOur love for that bird IS because she
once belonged to some former lady love-"
The lone was very insulting. and this
time the young man raised bis head
NTH flashing eyes, and his words were
rapid and indignant.
You are right, he replied. This
falcon belonged to a noble lady, whose
kind, wOmanly heart scorned to inhiCt a
Wouno UPON the meauest creature; who
uamplcd not under luOt honorable love
offered her, as II il were a disgraceful
shlng. One whom l loved deVOtedly,
aud who, had she been unable to return
the affection offered her, would have
relectedit With considerable gentleness.
why, then, don't YOU return to this
paragon OF tenderness and YirtueP'
sueered the lady.