Bridgeton pioneer., 1885-06-18
ESAl..E1- =.
Count Won Lindenheim.

definite knowledge of when and where
we shall meet again, is sad. How much
more when a terrible mist of uncertain
ty lies on the other side of the Good
bye" And in calmer moments she did
not deceive herself She was well aware
of the nature of German betrothal-
that only the marriage service itself
ing it, there were moments when she
felt it craven on her heart-that in this
world. at least, she and Esme Won Lin
denheim would meet no more.
But this was not one of them. At
this moment past fears and future anX-
iety were alike swallowed up in bliss
full. happy present.
There was always something about
him that calmed her. His gentleness,
his tenderness soothed and cOmforted
her: and this seemed magnitied tenfold
by the increased delicacy of his appear
ance. He himself was not so depressed
and unhappy as he had been when she
had seen hlm last. The consciousness
that he was no longer obliged to wait.
but was starting tomorrow, had per-
haps acted as Il stimulant to his nerves;
and i'll his smiles and conversation she
felt the personal charm that had been
so strong at first. For him it was the
day before the battle, and there was
something of the thrill Of coming excite
ment. Something. perhaps, in being
once more in the presence of the Wo-
man whose love he need not doubt of
having won. 1t would be a hard and
bitter fight. but she was worth it-or so
it seemed to him as he watched her in
the big arm chair. which was associated
in his memory with old Mr.. Lorraine.
She wore the same white dress that she
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folds fell softly and gracefully about
her, and in her hand was the fan of
peacock's feathers.
"Are you really better?" she asked,
suddenly. after a long silence, in which
she had been watching him. Tell me
the truth; you are not quite well"-a
faint question in the tones-"but you
are much better?"
81 am not quite we'll" he repeated,
sitting more upright, but [ am much
better, and shall be better still when [
am back in Germany"
Eyes" she said. softly. Il hope So"
He laid his hand on the feather fan
on her knee.
"Your hopes and wishes will do me
good" he said, never fear" And then,
other fam" he went on. Il cannot bear
you"
at is pretty" touching it caressingly,
"and it has memories. 1t reminds me
of many happy evenings. You told me
it was unlucky, you remember, the first
time | saw you"
"And you" he replied, said you did
not fear the especial form of ill-luck it
might bring"
"But 1 do" she cried, passionately,
rising to her feet. 81 am afraid of it
l am afraid to run any risks" moving
swiftly away, and placingit on adistant
table. There" returning to his side,
II will never touch it again"
What foolish woman you are." he
said gently, as she stood once more by
his side.
Il cannot help it," she cried, and when
he looked at her he saw there were tears
in her eyes. Il care too much to be
wise! l wish" she began abruptly,
and then turned away, and stood with
her back to him, leaning against the
mantelshelf.
what do you wish?" he questioned.
"Oh, | wish had seen her-that |
knew her-even what she is like"
He did not answer in words, but rose
and left the room, and a few minutes
later came up to where she was still
standing by the fire, and placed in her
hands small case.
there opened it. And when she had
done so, a fair girls face looked frank
ly out toward her, blue-eyed and red
Tipped, with ripping corn-colored hair.
For some seconds she remained gazing
at it, with jealous, misty eyes, scanning
every line of the girlish face, which was
not beautiful, but true and honest.
Then she closed the case, and came back
to his side.
"Tell me-" she said, her voice sinking
to whisper, docs she love you?"
There was no reply.
"Of course she does" her words COM
ing, quickly, unsteadily. Then sinking
on her knees by him: ''It is at her ex-
pense that [ am wishing to be made
happy. But you will 60 back. and it
will come right-between YOU and her
mean. You see it is not your happi,
ness | care for-it is just my own"
clasping her hands tightly about his
arm. Il do not want you to be happy
with her, [ want you to come back to
me-"
Her voice faltered, and she laid her
head where her hands were clasped
about his arm, and burst into tears.
He spoke soothing words, and strok-
ed ner soft hair caresSingly, as if she
had been child, trying to calm the un-
accustomed storm.
AT length she lifted her miserable
eyes to his.
"Do not despise me-" she sighed.
Dear Esme," laying her cheek against
his hand, Il am only jealous, that is it,"
with faint smile; "jealous. And there
is always something despicable about
jealousy. And l made such good resolu-
tlons to-day-and in church too-that I
would not spoil your last evening with
my excitability and folly. meant to be
SO calm and wise. And now"
Dear child" he said gently, "dear
chlld,"' smoothing ruffled brown hair
caressingly, "do not be afraid If 1 live,
Will come back-or write?" he added.
interrogatively.
No, no." she replied softly, "do not
write. Come back to me if YOU are
free, and if mother voice dying awav
into sad indefiniteness -"oh, 1 shall un-
derstand! 1t will not be necessary even
to write. But get WE'LL" she went on.
that is the first and most important
thing. When | next see you, let me find
you quite we'll"
Her voice was steady now. She had
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