Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-11-13
Galtss arto Skstftrs.
An OLDLnME LOVE SY0RY.

family near Gluckstadt was brilliantly
lighted and the sound Of music and dane
ing was borne on the evening air across
the rolling, sparkling waters OF the Elbe-
That night a grand ball was given by
Count Frederick Alberghi. the only re-
naming representative of the noble fami-
" whose name he bore. The building
was massive stone. high and dark, pro-
tected BY moat, draw bridge and battle
mented towers 1t was a fine old feudal
castle, built in the time of Frederick ii.
Outside il looked grand and gloomy; in
side it was ablaze with lights and redo
lent with the perfume Of choice flowers
which were scattered in profusion. not
only about the large saloon, but in all the
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-
sops-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 companion
with dropping eyes; indeed. most people
would call her simply pretty until she
raised her expressive, dark blue eyes and
the brilliant, sylph-like smile broke over
her face. The two were standing talking
carelesslv together, the lady leaning
against the heavily carved oaken window
frame, and the young man standing near,
" opposite her. caressing bright eyed
falcon perched upon his wrist.
so, Count Alberghi, you will be re-
membered for long while as the young
noble who gave the best ball as yet ever
attended" The lips Of the young man
CURED, and he answered contemptuously
THAT is q 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 your honor and to please
you, whose slightest wish | would CRAFTY
at any expense"
"Alas, Count Alberghi; | am told that
a dozen times 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 to prove the truth Of my
words have been a fool. For three
years | have hung upon your accent. full
filled you every wish. as tar as lay in my
power, NV fortune-which was ample
| laid at your feet, that You might have
every possible want supplied; and in re
turn for this devotion have received moth
ing but GOODNESS and scorn You know
that love you as few men love-with my
whole heart and soul-yet you scorn me.
You are are rich and noble, 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 kind
ness. For the last time offer you myself.
VIII you accept me?"
Lady Lena turned very pale as she lis
tened to The rapid, passionate words ut
tered by the passionate young man who
knelt down before her. Her eyes grew
dark with some inward feeling. but her
words destroyed the faint hope which had
arisen in his heart at the gentle expression
on her face.
'.Oh. rise, Count Frederick, for know
this is all nonsense-instantly. To-mor
row 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 tenderly s.roked the glossy head
and neck of the bright-eyed bird on his
wrist, that looked from one to the other.
AS il inquiring what was going on. Piqued
at his silence. the lady exclaimed:
Where now is your boosted love?
say bitter thing to you and yet YOU do
not retaiate."
Il cannot forget myself so far as to re-
taliate to a woman"
NO she said, "but you can sneer.
You sheer and stroke your falcon, whom
know possesses more of your boasted
love now than do"
Jeanette never wounds me" he re-
piled. .In return to my caresses she
does not give me bitter GOODNESS"
Perhaps she would if she could speak. y
persisted the lady.
factions. Lady Lena. speak louder than
words" said he. The girls ewes flashed.
and she turned to the door. but paused As
she neared it and. looking over her Shout
der. said contemporary:
II suppose the cause of your love tor
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 tai
con belonged to noble lady. whose kind
womanly heart scorned to inhct a wound
upon the meanest creature. who never
trampled under foot honorable love offered
her. as il it was disgraceful thing, one
that loved devotedly, and who, had she
been unable to return the affection offered
her. would yet have rejected it with con-
siderate gentleness.
why. then. don't you return to this
paragon of tenderness and virtue" sneered
the lady.
She would willingly soothe my wound
ed spirits" he replied. but she is dead"
Without another word Lena sped from the
room. brain on fire. her eyes filled with
tears. Could Frederick have seen her rs
she, leaning far out of a window weeped
bitterly. he would have forgiven the bitter
words. As it was they parted in anger.
LEFT alone. Frederick paced up and
down the room. In his despair he muir
INJURED aloud. IL have been driveling
fool-a mailman For three years have
devoted my time. heart and fortune to the
4 L. al 4