The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1883-09-20

charged, and all that viii remain to me
is this old castle, and my faithful
nurse, Margaret, who will not leave
me, and my falcon. This building now
ringing with the sounds of music,
dancing and merry laughter will be
closed, to become the sanctuary of rats
and owls. For myself, / shall with
draw from society, and in this small,
gloomy tower, support my poverty and
despair as best I may. I have been
worse than foolish--I have been
wicked. But this unmanly repining
will not do. I must rejoin my guests" !"
So saying, Frederick replaced the
falcon on his perch naar the window,
and, forcing gay smile and careless
air, sauntersd into the ballroom, and
from that timet5iu the company left he
was seemingly the gayest of the gay.
Il y
"Quick, Susanl fasten this bodice
and bring me my hood and mantle and
the thick shoes p exclaimed Lady
Lena; then added, imperatively:
I. You'll have to pin this handkerchief
and apron string; for my hands tremble
so I cannot do anything" The maid
obeyed, and soon her young mistress
stood before the mirror, laughing to
see herself in complete PEASANTS at
tire.
"Win anybody know me, Susan?'
she asked, laughingly, as she drew the
hood over her face.
"No, indeed, Lady Lena" replied
the maid; eff hadn't seen you dress
/ should not know you myself"
"Then I am Off"
And, srliting the action to the word,
the graceful Lady Lena ran out of the
room and downstairs in very undig-
nifed way. In the garden she was
met by lover of Susan's, who OK
claimed:
"'Pears to me we are in monstrous
hurry, Mistress Susan. Can't you
stop to give a fellow a noontide
kiss ?"
"Away with you r she exclaimed.
"You shall have two kisses when /
come back, if you won't stop me now.'
"Good bargain, Susan" said he. Il
have not much to do, and will wait by
the gate till you come back"
Away sped Lena. After a pretty
long, rapid walk she rea2hed Castle
AIberghi, and, entering by a low,
postern door which she found open,
made her way to the door fthe tower,
where she saw old Margaret seated.
"Good noon, Dame Margaret said
Lena. The old woman raised her
head and, recognizing Susan, Lady
Lena's fsvorite Haiting-maid, she re-
turned very sulky greeting.
"Don't be cross, Margaret" she
continued. "I'ys got beautiful
note for your young master from my
lady"
.You needn't come here with it,
chem" said Dame Margaret. "Your
lady's notes have brought sorrow
enough to this house"
9 But, Margaret, / was sent TO de.
liver it and receive an answer, and i
dare not SO back without it; it would
cost me my place, and you wouldn't
be SO cruel as that to a poor girl who
has never done YOU any sharm." Here
Lena began to sob, and Margaret rose,
saying:
"You have never done me any
harm, so give me the note and let me
take it upstairs quickly. The note
was produced, AMI Margaret grum-
blingly took it upstairs, muttering as
she did so: "Much good, much good
it viii do my young master. 1t isn't
sealed very closely, and il could read
it / would open it, and then if there
was anything in it 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 in," said Frederick, who
was seated by the window reading
He looked up as the old woman en-
tered, and asked what she wanted.
"a note for you, sir" she replied.
The young mans face turned a shade
paler, and his hand slightly trembled
as he took the delicate perfumed note.
A moment he paused, overcome by his
feelings, then impetuously tore it open
and read the following words:
"Lady Lena Erf,lrt, being about to
visit England for several years, desires
to have the pleasure of meeting once
more her friend, Count Frederick AL
berghi, who has so mysteriously with
drawn himself from society. She will
do herself the honor of dining with
him this day at 5 o'clock" A spasm
passed over the young mans face and
he murmured "Once more" Then
turning t. 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" said he;
" for I have no money; not a single
kJEuGLEl, dAu llCkC III o AOSS - AOAA3 1@oAy
Lena informing me that she will dine
with me to-day"
"She mustn't come, dear sir There
is nothing to give her." Frederick
seemed lost in thought-suddenly he
raised his head.
Il have it now," said he. "You
must serve up my poor Jeanette here.
1t is all can do"
"Oh, master! What, roast this
poor bird you have loved so long, and
which belonged 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 precisely at 5. When
the lady arrives summon me, and serve
d nner Immediately. I shall be in my
chamber, to which shall now retire"
Margaret darel not remonstrate, but,
and wringing her hands. she