The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1883-10-20
forgiven the bitter words. Aa ii was

down the roOm. In MS despair ne muir.
INJURED aloud: ST have been driveling |
fool-a madman! For three years have |
devoted my time. hear and fortune to |
the service of this heartless woman. One |
day rewarded with smiles, the next with |
frowns. Tomorrow, when the bills are
paid for debts incurred this might, Il shall
be absolutely penniless-all my fortune
spent upon this vain firt, who is unde-
serving the name of woman. Yes, to-
morrow my furniture. horses and plate
will be sold, my servants discharged, land
all that will remain to me Is this old cas-
tie 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 he closed, to become the sanctuary
of rats and owls. For myself L shall with
draw from society and in this small,
gloomy town support my poverty and de-
spair as best may. 1 have been worse
than foolish-I have been wicked. But
this unmanly repining will not do. l
must reioin my guests.
So SAYING, Frederick replaced the fall
con on its perch near the window, and,
forcing gay smile and careless air ,saun-
tered into the ball room, and from that
time till the company left he was SEEM
ingly the gayest of the gay.
"Quick, Susan, fasten this bodice and
bring me my hood and mantle and the
thick shoes" exclaimed Lady Lena; then
added, impatiently, You'll have to pin
this handkerchief and apron string, for
my hands tremble so / cannot do any
thing" The maid obeyed, and soon her
young mistress stood before the elegant
mirror, laughing to see herself in COM
plete peasants attire.
"Will anybody know me, Susan?" she
asked. laughingly, as she drew the hood
over her face.
mo, indeed, Lady Lena" replied the
maid; eff 7 hadn't seen you dress ]
should not know you myself"
ssThen am off
And, suiting the action to the word,
the graceful Lady Lena ran out of the
room and down stairs in very un-
dignifed way. In the garden she was
met by lover of Susan's, who ex-
claimed:
"'Pears to me we are in monstlous
hurry, Mistress Susan. Can't you stop
to give fellow a noontide kiss?"
| "Away with your she exclaimed.
"You shall have two kisses when [ come
back, if You won't stop me now
"Good bargain, Susan" said he. 81
have not much to do, and will wait by
the gate till you come back"
| Away speed Lena. After pretty long,
rapid walk she reached Crstle Alberghi,
and, entering by a low postern door
which she found open, made her way to
the 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
favorite waiting maid, she returned q
very sulky greeting.
Don't be cross, Margpret," she con-
tinued. eve got beautiful note for
your young master from my lady
"You needn't come here with it, then, .
said Dame Margaret. "Your lady's
notes have brought sorrow enough to
this house."
"But, Margaret, was sent to deliver
it and receive an answer. and I dare moi
J go back without it; it would cost me my
place, and you wouldn't be as cruel al
that to poor girl who has never done
you any harm" Here Lena began te
sob. and Margaret rose saying:
"You have never done me any harm
so give me the note and let me take it uI
J stairs quickly" The note was produced
and Margaret grumblingly took it uI
stairs, muttering as she did so, "mucl
good, much good it will do my poor
J master. It isn't sealed very closely, and
if could read it, and then if there was
} anything in it to wrong him, ! I'd sooner put
my hand in the Ere than give it to him.
, By this time she had reached the second
J story and knocked at the door.
'Come in" said Frederick, who was
sitting by the window reading. He
looked up as the old woman entered, and
asked what she wanted.
} ga note for you, sir, she replied. The
young mans face turned shade paler
and his hand slightly trembled as he
took the delicate perfumed note. A mo-
J ment he paused, overcome by his feel
, ings, then impetuously tore it open and
read the following words:
Lady Lena Erfurt, being about to
visit England for several years, desires
to have the pleasure of meeting once
more her friend, Count Frederick
. Alberghi, who has so mysteriously with.
drawn himself from society. She will
J do herself the honor of dining with him
this day at 5 o'clock" A spasm passed
over the young mans face and he mur
INJURED, "Once 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" said he; "fol
have no money; not krsutzer: and
here is note from Lady Lena informing
me that she will dine with me to-day"
s'She mustn't come, dear sir! There is
nothing to give her."
| Frederick seemed lost in thought.
Suddenly he raised his head.
81 have it now" said he. "You must
serve up my poor Jeannette here. It 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 g. When the lady arrives
summon me, and serve dinner immedi-
ately. shall be in my chamber, to which
I shall now retire."
Margaret dared not demonstrate, bat,
sobbing and wringing her hands, she
went down stairs. Lena had waited hel
coming with intense anxiety. and when
Margaret entered in such distress of
mind she sprang up.
'sWhat is the matter, Margaret? Has
1 han,nano1 k0 ofap.2o