The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1883-10-20
A CRUCIAL TEST.

The fine 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, rollioking. sparkling
waters of the Elbe. That night grand
ball was given to Count Frederick AL
berghi, the only representative of the
noble family whose name he bore. The
building was massive stone, high and
dark, protected by moat, draWbridge and
battlemented towers. It was fine old
feudal castle, built in the time of Fred
erick 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 profu-
sion not only about in the large recep-
tion 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 per-
sons-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 COM
psnion 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 carelessly together,
the lady leaning against the heavily
carved oaken window-frame. and the
young man standing nearly opposite
her, caressing bright-eyed falcon upon
his wrist.
80, Count Alberghi, you will be re-
membered 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 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 honor and to please you,
whose slightest wish I would crafty at
any expense"
'Alas, Count Alberghi. am told that
dozen times each dayl"
Probably; but the words do not come
from the heart as mine do"
"Pooh?' said the lady. ''They all
swear thatr
4
time be able to prove the truth of my
years have hung upon your accent
in my power. My fortune-which is
might have every possible want sup
piled; and in return for this devotion ]
have received nothing but coldness and
scorn. You know that as few men love
with my whole heart aud soul-yei
you scorn me. You are rich and noble
I still love you as madly as ever, but
tonight is the last time bow before
you. This once plead, Lady Lena, tc
be shown some kindness. For the last
time offer you myself. Will you &C.
cept me?"
Lady Lena turned very pale as she lis
toned to the rapid, passionate words ut
tered by the young man who knelt be.
fore her. Her eyes grew dark with some
inward feeling, but her wori is
destroyed the faint hope which had risen
in his heart at the gentle expression on
her face.
'sOh, rise, Count Frederick, for know
this is all Aonsense-instantly. To-
morrow 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 stroked the
glossy head and neck of the bright-eyed
bird on his wrist, that looked from one
to the other, as ifinquiring what was go
ing on. Piqued at his silence, the lady
exclaimed:
"Where now is your boasted love? I
say bitter thing to you and you do not
retaliate."
''I 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
l know possesses more of your boasted
love than do
Jeanette 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, " 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 contemptuously:
Il 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 raise 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 if it 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 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 tears. Gould Frederick have
seen her as she. leaning far out Of q
window, weeped bitterly. he would have