The Mineral argus., 1884-02-28
DEVILS DAUGHTER.
A Spectral Rider Rides a shadowy
Mare,

take place; a great many spectators mac
assembled. The elite had not yet ar
rived, and as therefore the races had
not yet begun, the sportsmen were stand
ing in groups. Among these were two
officers of the army.
"Do you really intend to let Devils
Daughter take part, Poseneck2" asked
one of them.
Undoubtedly; she has the best
chances"
"But who will you get to ride the
mare?"
81 shall find some one; and if not, l
shall ride her myself"
eff your Cousin Arno would ride her,
| there might be a chance of winning; blu
as he is engaged to be married. his af
fanced probably will not allow it; and
| and she can not be blamed for doing so,
for on that horse one risks breaking his
neck"
The steeple-chase rider spoken of,
Arno Won Hohenstein, was present, and
therefore Kurt Won Poseneck hoped
to gain his aid, for he knew how passion.
ately fond his cousin was of this sport.
He found him, accompanied by his
intended and future father-in-law.
81 suppose it grieves you not TO take
part to-day" said Poseneck, and, turn
ING to the Young lady, ne added: "You
may feel hattered that he intends to give
il up for your sake"
81 suppose we now will try to get
seats, for soon all will be taken," said
Arna. with a sigh.
While he led the way, Poseneck whis-
pered to the young lady: "Have you
not one word of comfort for me, Victo-
rine?n Unseen by the others, she
slipped a little note into Hurts hand.
He escaped as oon as possible to read
it undisturbed.
It contained the following words
Forgive me; / was forced to comply
with the wish of my parents. My entreat-
les, tears, remonstrances, were in vain,
therefore | am the affianced of Arno Won
Hohenstein. | am lost to you forever,
but [ shall never forget you"
Poseneck's glance rested upon the wo-
man he loved, the affianced of another.
There she stood, a stately figure, with a
clear dark complexion and l~ustrous
black eyes, beside the insignificant-look-
ing blonde, her future husband. At
that moment Poseneck vowed that it
should not be.
Shortly before the steeple-chase be-
gan he appeared In the Paddock, ac-
companied by Arno. Notwithstanding
the opposition of ss.Victorine's father, he
had succeeded in p~ersuadlng him to
ride the mare. Victorine had greatly
influenced his decision, for whenPose-
neck whispered to her to assist him,
she without hesitation did 50.
1t was a beautiful sight when the ele-
ven horsemen who were to take part in
the races took their positions. Devils
Daughter, a powerful, dark brown,
thoroughbred mare, under ohenstein's
guidance attractedI all attention. The
more restless she was the more COM
posed and immovable sat her rider. As
Victorne heard the admiTing exclama-
tons, she felt for the fist time a certain
interest in her future husband.
She was reused from her thoughts by
Poseneck's voice, saying ratherironical-
ly:
''You are looking at your intended
with great interest" and as she looked
up, he continued, lowering his voice
You shall be mine, " and to himself
he murmured: ''This decides his fate"
Victorine cast a irightful glance at the
tall, commanding figure of Poseneck, as
liz 0AOWA1 AlOFCd III " AAdA EOlld lit
mean? Death and destruction to the
unfortunate Hohenstein? She knew
that two years before Poseneck had
killed in a duel the count Pruckwitz, a
sutton of hers, who was favored by her
relatives. When he returned from the
fortress, where he had been confined
for several months, he found her still
true to him. But her passionate love
was now mingled with admiring awe.
His demoniacal and authoritative man
ner, instead of repelling her, attracted
her and ruled her entirely.
Kurt o Poseneck combined an
imposing and distinguished appearance
with the most agreeable social qualities.
He also had o the reputation of be-
ing reckless and daring on the battle
held. All this made him a general ia
vorite with the ladies.
He had easily won Victorine's love
But ~herparents wished another husband
for their daughter; for they thought the
dashing young officer was not the man
to make her happy. So Poseneck's Of
fer was declined. But being assured OF
Vlctorine's affection, he did not give up
his hopes. He succeeded in keeping
up a secret correspondence with her,
which was only discontinued when Vic.
torine, forced by her parents, was be-
trothed to Arno Won Hohenstein. Pos.
eneck's rage and grief at this were great
in the extreme; but with the self COM
mand peculiar to him, he controlled his
feelings.
Under these circumstances, Victorine
also suffered inexpressible anguish. The
afianced of one whom she did not love,
cherishing love for another, wavering
between duty and affection, carried away
by her passions-she wrote that note