The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-09-29
THE FALCON.
.ExChange.

Exchange.
The fue 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, sparkling waters of the
Elbe. That night grand ball was given
by Count Frederick Alberghi, the only
remaining representative of the noble
family whose name he bore. The build
ing was massive stone, high and dark,
protected by moat, drawbridge, and bat
tlemen,ed towers-it was rne old feudal
castle, built in the time of Frederick IL.
Outside 1t looked grand and gloomy; in
side 1t was ablaze with lights, and redo
lent with the perfume 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 h.tle room far removed from the
rest, In the eastern tower. stood two per-
sons-a young man. remarkably hand
some, though there was an expression OF
deep care upon his face, and lady. The
.ady was not remarkably handsome Just
now, as she listened to her companion
with dropping eyes indeed. most peo-
pie would call her simply pretty till she
saised her expressive dark blue eyes, and
the brilliant sylph-like smile broke over
her face. The two were standing talking
carelessly together, the lady leaning
against the heAvily-carved oaken window
frame, and the young man standing
nearly opposite her, oaresslng a bright
eyed falcon perched upon his wrist.
80, Coun, Alberghi. you will be re-
<nembered 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, conternptuously:
That is surely name worth gaining
AT any price
"Of course" said the lady. :" But why
so scornful about il 2"
fou know, Lady Lena, that | care
only for your appreciation; that the ball
whose slightest wish ! would graufy al
any expense"
Alas, Count Alberghi. | am told that
dozen times each day.
Probably: but the words do not come
from the heart as mine de-
Pooh said the lady. They all
swear that"
Very we'll, 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
fulfilled your every wish. as far as lay IN
my power. My fortune, which was SIMPLE.
| laid al your feet, that YOU nigh, have
every possible want supplied and In re-
turn for this devotion | have received
nothing but GOODNESS and seorn. You
know ina, love you as few men love
with my whole heart and soul-and yet
YOU scorn rae. You are rich and noble
/ still love you as madly as ever. bu; to-
nigh, is the last time bow before you.
This once l plead, Lady Lena. to be
shown some kindness. For the las;
time offer YOU myself Will you accept
mey'
Lady Lena turned very pale as she
listened 10 the rapid. passionate words
uttered by the young man who knest be-
fore her Her eyes grew dark with some
inward feeling, bu, her words destroyed
the fam, hope which had risen in his
heart at the gentle expression on her
face.
.Oh. rise, Couat Frederick, for know
this is all nonsease-insanisy. To-mor-
row you wll be beside me as usual, and
sbe 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 ten
DERBY stroked the glossy head and neck
Of the bright-eyed bird on his wrist, tina,
looked from one to another, as il inquir-
ing uha, was going on.
Hqued at his silence, the lady ex-
claimed:
aWhexe ROW is your boosted love: |
say a bitter thing to yoa and you do not
retaliate!
@Ican not forget myself so far as TO re-
taliate 10 woman
"No,- said she, bat you can sheer.
You sheer and stroke your falcon. which
I knox possesses more OF your boosted
love than do.
"Iearere never wounds me" he re-
oiled. I'm return for my caresses she
does not give me bitter eoldness-'
.Perhaps she wosld il she could
speak, persisted the lady.
aActions, Lady Lena said he.
sneak louder than words
The girls eyes flashed and she turned