The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1884-01-23
THE FALCON.
AN OLD TINE LOVE STORY.


berghi family, near Gluckstadt, was
brilliantly lighted, and the sound OF
music and dancing was borne ON the
evening air across the rolling, spark
ling waters of the Elbe. That night
a grand ball was given by Count
Frederick Alberghi, the only remain
ing representative of the noble fami-
lv whose name he bore The
building was massive stone, high
and dark, protected by moat, draw.
bridge, and battlemented towers. 1t
was a tine old feudal castle, built in
the time of Frederick H. Outside it
looked dark and gloomy; inside it
was ablaze with lights, and redolent
with the perfume of choice flowers
which were scattered in profusion,
not only about the large reception
saloon, but in all the smaller apart
ments which were thrown open to
the guests.
Ina little room far removed from
the rest, in the eastern tower, stood
two persons, a young man, very
handsome. though there was an ex-
preston of deep care upon his face,
and a lady. The lady was not re-
markably handsome Just now, as she
listened to her companion with
dropping ewes, indeed, most people
would call her simply pretty till she
raised her expressive dark blue eyes,
and the brilliant, sylph-like smile
broke ever her face
The two were standing talking
carelessly together, the lady leaning
against the heavily carved oaken
window frame, and the young man
standing nearly opposite her, care,s-
ing a bright eyed falcon perched
upon his wrist.
so, Count Alberghi, you will be
for a long while as the
young noble who gave the most
splendid ball as was yet ever attend
ed"
The lips of the young man curled,
and he answered contemptuously:
That is surely a name worth
gaining at any price
OF course said the lady. But
whv so scornful about it?'
You know, Lady Lena, that |
care only for your al probation
that the bali is given only in honor
Of and to please you, whose slightest
wish | would crafty at any ex-
Dease.'
Alas, Count Alberghi, | am told
hat a dozen times each day.
Probably. but the words do not
,ome from the heart as mine do
Pooh 7 said the lady, they all
swear thatr
Very well. Lady Lena, | may
iome time be able to prove the truth
If my words. For three years | have
lung upon your accent, fulfilled
your every wish, as far as lay in my
power. Ny fortune which was
'mple-I laid at your feet, that you
night have every possible want sup
Jfed, and in return for this devotion
have received nothing but coldness
md scorn. You know that | love
,ou as few men loye-with my
whole heart and soul-and vet you
corn me. You arc rich and noble.
still love you as ever, but tonight
Z. the last time | bow before you.
This once | plead, Lady Lena, to be
hown some kindness. For the last
ime | offer you myself. VIII you
Iccept me"
Lady Lena turned very pale as
he listened to the rapid, passionate
words uttered by the young man
Who knelt before her. Her ewes
rev dark with some inward feeling,
,ut words destroyed the faint hope
which had risen in his heart at the
,entle expression on her face
Oh, rise, Count Frederick, for
,now this is all nonsense-instantly. .
To- morrow you will be beside me,
IS usual, and The next and every
lay, Just as you have been for years.
The young man rose and, in an
wer to her taunt, only bent his
read and tenderly stroked the GLOSSY
read and neck of the bright eyed
bird on his wrist, that looked from
me to another, as if inquiring what
vas going on. Piqued at his silence
he lady exclaimed
Where now is your boasted love.
say bitter thing to you and you
10 not retaliate'
Il cannot forget myself so far as to
'etaliate upon a woman
No. said she, 'but you can sneer.
7 GU sneer and stroke your falcon,
which | know possesses more of
-our boasted love than | do
'Janette never wounds me- he re-
,lied. In return for my caresses
The does not give me bitter cold
hess
Perhaps she would if she could
speak persisted the lady.
Actions. Lady Lena said he,
speak louder than words.
The girls eye. flashed, and she
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