The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-09-15
Select gtorg.
THE FALCON.

The fine old mansion of the Alberghl
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 grand ball was given by Count
Frederick Alberghi, the only remaining rep
resentative of the noble family whose
name he bore. The building was massive
stone, high and dark, protected by moat,
drawbridge, and battlemented towers
was fine old feudal castle, built in the
time of Frederick II. Outside it looked
grand and gloomy; inside it was ablaze
with lights, and redolent with the perfume
of choice flowers which were scattered in
profusion, not only about the large recep-
ton saloon, but in all the smaller apart
ments which were thrown open to the
guests.
In little room far removed from the
rest, in the eastern tower, stood two persons
"a young man, remarkably handsome,
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 droop-
ing eyes; indeed, most people would call
her simply pretty till she raised her ex-
pressive dark blue eyes, and the Brilliant
sylph like smile broke over her face. The
two were standing talking carelessly togeth-
er, the lady leaning against the heavily
carved oaken window frame, and the young
man standing nearly opposite her, earessing
bright-eyed falcon perched upon his
wrist.
$50, Count Alberghi, you will be remem-
bered 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 contemptuously
"That is surely a name worth gaining at
S0f course p said the lady. "But why
so scornful about it ?"
"You know, Lady Lena, that I care only
for your appreciation; that the ball is given
only in honor and to please you, whose
sligh ghtest wish I would crafty at any ex-
pense."
"Alas, Count Alberghi, [ am told that
dozen times each day!
"Probably; but the words do not come
from the heart as mine do"
"Pooh !" said the lady. 'They all swear
that p
every we'll, Lady Lena; may some time
be able to prove the truth of my words. |
have been fool For three years | have
hung upon your accent, fulfilled your every
wish, as far as lay in my power. My for
tune, which was ample, 1 laid at your feet,
that you might have every possible want
supplied; and in return for this devotion |
have received nothing but coldness and
scorn. You know that [ love you as few
men love-with my whole heart and soul
and yet you scorn me. You 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 kindness. For the last time [
offer you myself. Will you accept me?
Lady Lena turned very pale as she lis
tened to the rapid, passionate words uttered
by the young man who knelt before her.
Her eyes grew dark with some inward feel
ing, but her words destroyed the faint hope
which had risen in his heart at the gentle
expression on her face.
''Oh, rise, Count Frederick, for know
this is all nonsense insanity. Tomorrow
you will be beside me as usual, and the
next and ever day, just as you have been
for years.
The young man rose, and in answer to
her taunt, only bent his head and tenderly
stroked the glossy head and neck of the
bright-eyed bird on his wrist, that looked
from one to another, as if inquiring what
was going on.
Piqued at his silence, the lady exclaimed:
"Where now is your boasted love? |
say bitter thing to you, and you do not
retaliate."
II cannot forget myself so far as to re-
taliate to woman.
"No," said she, "but you can sneer.
You sneer and stroke your falcon, which [
know possesses more of your boasted love
than do"
"Jeannette never wounds me-" he re-
piled. "In return for my caresses she does
not give me bitter coldness."
perhaps she would if she could speak, y
persisted the lady"
"Actions, Lady Lena" said he ''speak
louder than words"
The girls eyes flashed, and she turned
to the door, but paused as she neared it,
and looking over her shoulder said, COM
temptuously:
"1 suppose the cause of your love for
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 fall
con belonged to noble lady, whose kind,
woman by heart scorned to infict wound
upon the meanest creature; who trampled
not under foot honorable love offered her,
as if it were disgraceful thing One
whom | loved devotedly, and who, had she
been able 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.
aShe would willingly soothe 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 fears Could Frederick have seen her