The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1883-08-10


cd to some former lady love p
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 a noble lady, whose
kind, womanly heart scorned to indict
a wound upon the meanest creature
who trampled not under foot honor
able love offered her, as if it were
disgraceful thing One whom / loved
devotedly, and who, had she been un-
able to return the affection offered her,
would yet have rejected it with consid-
crate gentleness.'
"Why, then, don't you return TO this
paragon of tenderness and virtue y
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 Counld Frederick
have seen her as she, leaning far out of
Il window weeping bitterly, he would
have forgiven the bitter words. AS it
was they parted in anger
Left alone, Frederick paced up and
down the room. In his despair he
murmured aloud 81 have been q
drivelng fool-a madman ! For three
years | have devoted my time, heart
and fortune to the service ofthis heart
loss woman one day rewarded smiles,
the next day with trowns. Tomorrow,
when the bills are paid for debts incur
red for this night, l shall be absolutely
penniless-all my fortune spent upon
this vain flirt, who ssis undeserving the
name of woman. Yes, to morrow my
furniture, horses and plate will be sold,
my servants discharged, and all that
will remain to me is this old castle,
myfaithful 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 anctuary
Of rats and owls. For myself, l shall
withdraw from society, and in this
small, gloomy:tower, support my pow
erty and despair as best l may. l have
been worse thanfoolish-I have. been
wicked. Bnt this unmanly repining
will not do. Imust rejoin my guests.
SO saying Frederick replaced the
falcon on It's perch near the window,
and forcing a gay smile and careless
air, sauntered into the ballroom, and
from that time till the company left
he was seemingly the gayest of the
gay.
"Quick, Susan ! fasten this bodice
and bring me my hood and mantle and
the thick shoes ~ exclaimed Lady lie
ma then added, impatiently You'll
have to pin this handkerchief and apron
string, for my hands tremble so can
not do anything
The maid obeyed, and soon her
young mistress stood before the ele-
giant mirror, laughing to see herself in
complete peasants attire.
"Will anybody know me, Susan ?"
she asked, laughing, as she drew the
hood over her face.
"No, indeed, Lady Lena" replied
the maid ',if 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 a very undig-
ni6ed way.
In the garden she was met by a 10y
er of Susan's, who exclaimed
"Pears to me we are in monstrous
hurry, Mistress Susan. Can't you stop
to give a fellow a noontide kiss ?"
away with you !" she exclaimed.
You shall have two kisses when l
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 sped Lena. After a pretty
long, rapid walk she reached Castle
Alberghi, and entering by low pos
tern door which she found open, made
her way to the door of the tower wher c
she saw old Margaret Sc ated.
"Good noon, Dame Margaret, said
Lena.
The old woman raised her head, and
recognizing Susan, Lady Lena's favo
ite waiting maid, she returned very
sulky greeting.
Don't be cross, Margaret" she con
tinued, "I've got beautiful note fo
your young master from my lady.
"You needn't come here with it, then,
said Dame Margaret. "Your LADY,
notes have brought sorrow enough t.
this house"
"But, Margaret, / was sent to delive
it and receive an answer, and | dar
not 90 back without it; it would cos
me my place, and you wouldn't be s.
cruel as that to a poor girl who ha
never done you any harm"
Here Lena began to sob, and Marga
ret rose, saying:
"You have never done me any harm
so give me the note and let me take j
up stairs quickly"
The note was produced, and Marga
ret grumbling took it up stairs, mutter
ing as she did so, 'Muoh good, mucI
good it will do my poor young master
1t isn't sealed very closely, and if
could read it would open it, and the
if there was anything in it to wrong
him I'd sooner put my hand in the fir
than give it to him."
by this time she had reached tn
second story and knocked at the doc
"Come in, )" said Frederick, who wa
seated by the window reading,
lie looked up as the old woman er
tered, and asked what she wanted.
"A note for you, sir she replied
| The young mans face turued shad
paler, and his hand slightly tremble
as he took the delicate perfumed not'
\ moment he paused, overcome by hi
feelings, then impetuously tore it ope
and read the following words
Lady Lena Erfurt being about /
visit England for several years, desire
to have the pleasure of meeting one
more her friend, Count Alberghi, VIII