The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1883-08-10

serve up mypoor jeanette here 1t is all l
can do.
"Oh, master What, roast this poor
bird you have loved so long, and which
belonged TO-
"Hash, Margoret, not another word,
only do as l bid you. Serve the bird
as best you can. Have the table laid
for two in the old dining-room have
it ready precisely at 5. When the lady
arrives summon me, and serve dinner
Immediately, shall be in my cham
armedw hich ] shall now retire"
Margaret dared not demonstrate, but,
sobbing and wringing her hands, she
went down stairs. Lena had waited
her coming with intense anxiety, and
when Margaret entered in such distress
of mind she sprang-up.
"What is the matter, Margaret
Has anything happened to your mas
ter 2"
'Deed there has q woefully answer
ed Margaret.
"What p said Lena. Speak, wo-
man !"
"Oh, only he's gone clean demented.
You bring a note from your naughty
mistress, who ought to drowned in the
Elbe, for she always makes trouble for
my dear young master, one of whose
fingers is worth more than all her body;
made him waste all his fortune, so that
now he is as poor as Job, and now
makes me kill his beautiful falcon
A triumphant smile flashed into the
eyes of the false waiting woman,
and she asked, 'How so 7"
"Why, you see, Mistress Susan, your
lady is coming to dine with him, and
there is nothing in the house, neither
victuals, nor even kreutzer, so he has
ordered the falcon to be roasted for
your wicked lady's dinner"
give no donbt it will make capital
eating !! laughed the girl.
"Out upon you!' said Margaret.
"You are as heartless as your mistress.
Go back to her and tell her that she is
welcome. I hope the bird may stick
in her throat and choke her, unfeeling
woman that she is!
ooh don't take on so, Margaret. l
am sorry pour master is so poor, but he
will offer my lady dish valuable for
its rarity, for l warrant me she has
never tasted roast falcon before"
Margaret's only answer was to throw
herself into her chair and sob. The
disguised Lena approached her.
"Don't feel so sad. But tell me why
should Count Frederick care so much
for the poor bird ?"
"Don't you know that ? Why, it be-
longed to bis blessed mother, who is
now an angel in heaven"
Tears filled Leuas eyes, and she
said
"Well, | didn't know that, and it is
real shame to roast the bird, and il
you will keep it secret I'll help you
Give me the bird and I'll take it home
and send you another in return. You
master will be none the wiser.
Margaret's face lighted up, and ear
nestly thanking the girl she left the
room and soon returned with the falcon
closely hooded, which she gave to the
false Susan, who went off with it.
Punctual to the minute came Lady
Lena, and never had she looked more
lovely or been dressed with so much
elegance and taste Margaret, with {
sullen air, ushered her into the dining
room, where Frederick came forward
to receive her. He was struck will
her fresh, wining appearence-a bite
change to be wrought in so few weeks
His greeting was frigidly polite. an(
hers particularly genial and kind.
The dinner was soon served, and
Lena shuddered as she glanced long
dark unfurnished room, seen last bril-
liantly lighted and decorated and tilleC
with sprightly guests, aud before whom
groaned table covered..with every lux
ury the season afforded and none,
could buy. What contrast Now al
the gorgeous hangings, furniture, pic
lures, silver, glass and lights wer
gone, and in their place stood in tn
empty room small deal table bearing
two covers and one dish of meat. Wit
all his old grace of manner, FredeIicl
led Lena to the table and took his plac
opposite her That meal was a silen
one, for Frederick was distracted, an
Lena so nearly overcome by everythin
around her that she could scarcely rt
press her tears. As they rose fror
the table the Count said, II am sorry
madame, to offer you so poor repast
but"
"Don't speak of it, count" hastil
interrupted Lena, affecting a gayety 81
was far from feeling. at was charm
ing-so new and l never tasted
more delicious chicken"
81 am happy to find that | hay
pleased YOU" said Frederick "but a
low me, in all Difference to your yor
taste, to correct one mistake-th
bird you have partaken of was NJ
chicken, but my falcon"
"Your pet falcon ?" saik Lena, in a
fected astonishment.
"The same, madame" he replie
''Frederck y she exclaimed, and ii
tone in which his name was uttert
caused Frederick to start. He vi
dumb with surprise when he saw Il
naughty Lena burst into tears b
before he could recover his self-po
session Lena stood before him erect al
pale.
frederick, to-day we part forever
said she, "and before we do so | mu
obtain your forgiveness, You ha
always treated me with respect al
love, and II have repaid your devote
with GOODNESS ard scorn. Will you fC
give me 2"
"Most certainly coldly answer
Frederick, making great effort
subdue the passion her unwonted ge
tleness had reused. Il loved ) ou, an
probably, by my unceasing devote
wearied you. l needed a lesson, and
have earned it. | could not expect o
} who did not love me to
"Stop there and listen to me- sa
Lena "and if my confession, made
this houf, seems unmaidenly, let my G
cuse be that it is the only reparation
my power | am wealthy-the wealt
, lest woman in all Germany-as.itis sa