Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-11-14
GaIes ano Sketrbes.
An OLD-fINE LOVE STORY.
Continued from yesterday. }

stairs quickly The note was produced,
and Margaret took it up stairs muitering
as she did so: Much good. much good
it will do my poor young master. 1t isn't
sealed very closely, and if could read it
would open it. and thea il there was any
thing to wrong him I'd sooner put my
hand in the fire than give it to him." By
this time she had reached the second story
and knocked at the door.
Come i'm said Frederick who was
seated by the window reading. He look
ed up as the woman entered, and asked
what she wanted.
"A note for you. "sbe replied. The young
mans face turned shade paler. and his
hand slightly trembled as he took the dell
cateIy perfumed note. 4 moment he
paused overcome by his feelings. then i'm
patiently tore it open and read the follow
ing words:
Lady Lena Erfurt, being about to visit
England for several years, desires to have
the pleasure OF meeting once more her
cid friend, Count Frederick Alberghi, who
has so mysteriously Withdrawn from
society She will do herself the honor of
dining with him this day at 3 O'Clock" A
spasm passed over the young mans face
and he murmured. ''Onee more" Then
turning to Margaret, he said: What Is
there in the house to eat ?''
AS good as nothing, sir, replied the
faithful woman, "for there is only the
scraps left from your breakfast"
That's bad. Margaret" he said, 'for
have no money not single krentzer !;
and here is a note from Lady Lena inform
ing me that she will dine with ME to
day
:.She can't come dear sir. There is
nothing to give her."
Frederick seemed lost in thought-sud-
denly he raised his head.
ii have it now." said he. "You must
serve up poor Jeanette here. 1t is all
that can do"
'.Oh master. What. roast this poor
bird YOU have loved 80 long and which be-
loDged to"
Hush, Margaret, not another word :;
only do as bid you. Serve the bird up
as best you can. Have the table laid for
two in the old dining room have it ready
by ). When the lady arrives summon me,
and serve dinner Immediately. | shall be
in nv chamber, to which shall now re-
tire" Margaret dare not demonstrate,
but, sobbing and ringing her hands, she
Wtut lo"H t"ditCu hOi
coming with anxiety, and when Margaret
entered in such distress of mind she sprang
up.
what is the matter, Margaret ?n Has
anything happened to your master ?"
deed there has!' woefully answered
Margaret.
"What ?" said Lena. Speak women :"
"Oh, only he's going clean demented.
You bring a note from your naughty mis-
tress, who ought to be drowned in the
Elbe, for she always makes trouble for
my dear young master, one of whose fin
gers 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
him kill his beautiful falcon
A triumphant smile now flashed into the
eyes of the false waiting woman, and she
asked "IIow so ?"
.'Why, you see Mistress Susan, your
lady is coming to dine with him, and there
is nothing in the house. neither victuals
nor even akreutzer, so he has ordered the
falcon to be roasted for your wicked lady S
dinner"
IL have no doubt it will make capital
eating" laughed the girl.
'.Out upon you :" said Mar saret. "You
are as heartless as your mistress. Go
back to her and tell her that she is wei
come. | hope that the bird may stick in
her throat and choke her, unfeeling WON
an that she is w
"Oh. don't take on so, Margaret. am
sorry your master is so poor, but he will
offer my lady dish valuable for its rarity
for | warrant me she never tasted roast
falcon before
Margarets only answer was to throw
herself into her chair and sob. The dis
guised Lena approached her.
Don't feel so bad, but tell me why
should Count Frederick care so much fol
the poor birdn'
Don't you know that Why, it be
longed to his blessed mother, who is now
an angel in heaven" Tears filled Lena
eyes. and she said
"Well, didn't know that, and it is 8
real shame to roast the bird. and if you
will keep it secret I'll help you. Give
me the bird and I'll take it home and senC
you another in return. Your master will
be none the wiser" Margaret's fac,
lighted up, and earnestly thanking tn,
girl she. lett the room and soon returned
with the falcon. closely hooded, which
she gave to the false Susan. who went of
with 1t.
Punctual to the minute came Lena, an,
never had she looked more lovely or beer
dressed with so much elegance and taste
Margaret, with sullen air. ushered hel
into the dining room, where Frederick
came forward to meet her. He was STRUCK
with her fresh winning appearance
bitter change to be wrought in so few
weeks. His greeting was frigidly polite
and hers was particularly genial and kind
The dinner was soon served. and Len;
shuddered as she glanced around the long
dark, unfinished room, seen last brilliant
lv lighted and decorated and filled witt
sprightly guests, and before whom groanet
table covered with every luxury the sea
son afforded and money could buy. What
contrast Now all the gorgeous hang
ing. furniture. pictures, silver. glass and
lights were gone and in their place stood
in the empty room small deal table bear,
-, Rob -