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

flashed, and she turned to the door, but
paused as she neared it, and, looking
over her shoulder, said contemptuously:
II suppose the cause of your love for
that bird is because she once belonged
to some former lady lover The tone
was very insulting, and this time the
young man rails, d his head with flashing
eyes, and his words were rapid and in
dignant.
"You are right" he replied. "This
falcon belonged to noble lady, whose
kind, womanly heart scorned to infiict u
wound upon the meanest creature; who
trampled not under foot honorable love
offered her, as il is were disgraceful
thing. One whom I loved devotedly.
and who, had she been unable to return
the affection offered her, would yet have
rejected it with considerate gentleness. !"
why, then, don't you return to this
paragon Of tenderness and virtue"
sneered the lady,
''She would willingly sooths my
wounded spirit" he replied, "but she is
dead" Without another word Lena sped
from the room, her brain on fire, her
eyes full of tears. Gould Frederick have
seen her as 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 a driveling
fool-a mailman! For three yeavs have
devoted my time. hear. and fortune to
the service of this heartless woman. One
day rewarded with smiles, the next with
frowns. Tomorrow, when the bills are
paid for debts incurred this night, I shall
be absolutely penniless-al my fortune
spent upon this vain firt, who is unde-
serving the name of woman. Yes, to-
morrow my furniture, horses and plate
will be sold, my servants discharged, and
all that will remain to me is this old cas-
tie and my faithful nurse, Margaret, who
will not leave me, and my falcon. This
building, now ringing with the sounds
of music, dancing and merry laughter,
will he closed. to become the sanctuary
of rats and owls. For myself L shall with
draw from society and in this small,
gloomy town support my poverty and de-
spair as best may. I have been worse
than foolish-I have been wicked. But
this unmanly repining will not do. I
must rejoin my guests.
SO saying, Frederick replaced the fall
con on its perch near the window, and,
forcing gay smile and careless Oil. saun.
tered into the ball room, and from that
time till the company left he was SEEM
ingly the gayest OF the gay.
"Quick, Susan, fasten this bodice and
bring me my hood and mantle and the
thick Shoes" exclaimed Lady Lena; then
added, impatiently, "YouIl have to pin
this handkerchief and apron string, for
my hands tremble so l cannot do any
thing" The maid obeyed, and soon her
young mistress stood before the elegant
mirror, laughing to see herself in COM
plete peasants attire.
Twill anybody know me. Susan?" she
asked. laughingly, as she drew the hood
over her face.
mo, indeed, Lady Lena" replied the
maid; "if l hadn't seen you dress l
should not know you myself"
"Then l am off,
And, suiting the action to the word,
the graceful Lady Lena ran out of the
room and down stairs in very un-
dignified way. In the garden she was
met by lover of Susans, who ex-
claimed:
Pears to me we are in a monstrous
hurry, Mistress Susan. Can't you stop
to give fellow o noontide kiss?"
"Away with you'll" she exclaimed.
"You shall have two kisses when come
back, if you won't stop me now"
"Good bargain, Susan" said he. II
have not much to do, and will wait by
the gate till you como back"
Away speed Lena. After pretty long,
rapid walk she reached Crstle Alberghi.
and, entering by low postern door
which she found open, made her way to
the tower, where she saw old Margaret
seated.
GOOD noon, Dame Margaret" said
Lena. The old woman Aised her head
and, recognizing Susan, Lady Lena's
favorite waiting maid, she returned q
very sulky greeting.
Don't be cross, Margaret" she con-
tiuued. 1--WE got q beautiful note for
yout young master from my lady
"You needn't come here with it, then"
said Dame Margaret. "Your lady's
notes have brought sorrow enough to
this house."
"But. Margaret, was sent to deliver
it and receive an answer. and dare not
60 back without it; it would cost me my
place, and you wouldn't be rs cruel Us
that to poor girl who has never done
you any HARM" Hero Lena began to
sob, and Margaret rose saying:
"You have never done me any harm,
so give me the note aud let me take it up
stairs quickly" The note was produced