The Northern Pacific farmer., 1883-09-27
AN OLD-TIME LOVE STORY.

CHI, the only remaining representative
of the noble family whose name he here.
The building was massive stone, high
and dark, protected by mo&s s,drawbridge
and battle towers. 1t was fine old feu-
dal castle, built in the time of Frederick
II. IOutside it looked grand andssgloomy;
inside it was ablaze with lights and redo
lent with perfumes of choice flowers,
which were scattered in profusion, not
only about the large reception saloon,
but in all the. smaller apartments, which
were thrown open TO the guests.
In a 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 champion 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 we're standing
talking carelessly together, the lady
window frame, and the Young man
standing nearly opposite to her, caress-
ing a bright-eyed falcon perched upon
his wrist.
$50, 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 con-
temptnously:
THAT is surely name worth gaining
at any price"
"Of course" said the lady. "But why
81 scorntul about il?"
"You know, Lady Lena, that I care
only for your appreciation. then the ball
is given only in honor and to please you.
whose slightest wish would crafty at
any expense"
"Alas, Count Al5ergli, am told that
q 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.
Every we'll, Lady Lena; I may some
time be able to prove the truth Of my
words. have been fool. For three
years have hung upon your accent, frl-
filled your every wish, as far as lay in
my power. My fortune-which was am
ple-1 laid at your feet, that you might
have every possible want supplied; and
in return for this devotion [ have re-
ceived nothing but coldness ard scorn.
You know that love you us few men
love--with my whole heart and soul
yet you scorn me. You are rich and
noble. l still love You as madly as ever,
but tonight is the last time bow be-
fore you. This once plead, Lady Lena,
to be shown some Kindness. For the
last time offer yuu myself. Will you
accept me'"
Lady Lena turned very pale as she
listened to the rapid, passionate words
uttered by the young man who knelt
before her. Her eyes grew dark with
some inward feeling, but her words Ge-
stroyed the faint hope which had risen
in his heart at the gentle expression on
her face.
ooh. rise, Count Frederick-for [
know this is all onsense-instantly To-
morrow you will be beside me as usual,
and the next, and every day, just as you
have foc years. The young man rose,
and in answer to her taunt, only bent
glossy head and neck of the bright-eved
Bird on his wrist, and looked from one
to the other, as if inquiring what was
going on. PiQued at his silence, thelady
exclaimed:
"Where now is your boasted love? 1
say bitter thing to you and you do not
retalliate."
~ cannot forget myself so far as to re-
ta1liate to woman"
"No," said she, "but you can sneer,
You can sneer and stroke your falcon,
which know possesses more of your
boosted love than do."
."Jennett 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.
factions, 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 raised his head
with flashing eyes, and his words were
rapid and indignant.
"You are right, he replied. "This
falcon belonged to noble lady, whose
kind, womanly heart scorned to inhict
wound uDon the meanest creature; who
tramplel not under foot honorable love
offered her, as if it were disgraceful
thing. One whom l loved devotedly,
and who, had size been unable to return
the affection offered her, would have
rejected it with considerable gentleness."
"Why, then, don't you return to this
paragon Of tenderness and Yirtue?"
sneered the lady.
"She wou d 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. Could Frederick have
seen her as SHE, leaning far out Of q win
dow, weeping bitterly, he would have
forgiven the bitter words. AS it was,
they parted in anger.
Lett alone, Frederick paced up and
down the room. In his despair he MUIR
INJURED aloud: II have been driveling
fool-a madsnan. For three years have
devoted my time, heart, and fortune to
the service Of this heartless woman. One
day rewarded with smiles the next with
frowns. To morrow when the bills are
paid for debts incurred for this night,
l shall be absolutely penniless. Yes, to-
morrow, my furniture, horses, and plate
will be sold, my servants discharged, and
all that will remain-*o me is this old cas-
WHO will not leaSS 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,
I shall withdraw from society, and in
this small, gloomy tower support my
poverty and despair as best may. l
have been worse than foolish-l have
been wicked. But this repining will not
do. ! must rejoin my guests"
So saying. Fredrlck replaced the fal-
con on il S perch near the window, and
forcing gay smile and careless air,
sauntered into the ballroom, and from
that time till the company left he was
seemingly 8 the gayest OF the gay. !.
"Quick, Susan! fasten the bodice and
bring me my hood and mantle and the
thick shoesr' exclaimed Lady Lena;
then added, impaliently, "you'l have
to pin this handkerchief and apron
string, for my hands tre nble so can
not do any thing" The maid obeyed,
and soon her young mistress stood be-
lore tNe elegant mAITOI, ldnSuluS W eoo
herself in complete peasants attire:
"Wiii anybody know me, Susan?'. she
asked, laughingly, as she drew the hood
over her face. ..
mo, indeed, Lady Lena" replied the
maid; eff I hadn't seen you dress /
should not know you myself"
"Then am off,"
And suiting the action to the word.
the graceful Lady Lena ran out of the
room and down stairs in very undigni-