The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1886-03-20

the beginning OF June, and, hs was TO
be expected, their advent caused quite a
commotlon In our little town. For my
part, the coming OF such charming
neighbors made quite a change In my
life. was especially anxious TO meet
the Countess, and, accordingly, the first
Sunday after their arrival l called TO
present my respects, as being their near
est neighbor. l was shown into the
counts private sitting-room, which was
luxuriantly furnished-books, bronzes,
rugs, brlc-a-brac, an immense mirror
over the mantelpiece, etc. II was so
long since had seen any finerv Of the
kind that a strange shyness came over
me, and 1 awaited my hosts entrance
with feelings akin 10 the trepidatlon Of
an office-seeker.
The door opened to admit hand
some, noblc-looklng man, about 33 years
of age, who advanced and held out his
hand with pleasant smile. His frank
and cordial reception somewhat restored
my equanimity, and was beginning to
regain my usual manner, when the
countess entered and l at once relapsed
into my former shyness. A truly beau
tiful womanl The count presented me,
and f1oundered about trying to appear
at ease, but In reality feeling very hot
and uncomfortable. Percelving my
embarrassment, and with true tact and
good breeding the count and countess
conversed between themselves, treating
me as they would an old acquaintance.
As my eye wandered around the room
it fell upon a picture hanging opposite
me. 1t was not the painting itself-a
Swiss landscape, thlnk-that arrested
my attention, but two small round bull
let-holes which pierced the picture, one
Immediately above the other.
"Humph that was wonderful shot,"
l could not help remarking.
Eyes, indeed" said the count. "And
you, are you good shot9"
"Midiling; with pistol am used
to, can hit card at thirty PAGES"
Pretty good" said the countess;
then, turning to her husband: "Could
you do as well?"
II doubt it," he answered. II used
to be a good shot but have not tried my
hand for over four years."
'In that case, I'll wager you could not
even hit card at twenty PAGES. With
out constant practice one loses all dex-
terity. The best shot ever knew split
three bullets on the edge of knife
every day before dinner-but the prac-
tice was as great necessity to him as
the meal. Why, if there was fly on
the wall-you smile countess, but l
swear tits true-he called to his servant,
'Cousma, pistol.-and bang! scarcely
taking aim, there was the ly 1attened
on the wall"
"Wondcrfulr' calculated the count.
"And what was your friends name?"
"Sylvio."
"You knew Sylvl0?" exclaimed the
count, excitedly starting up. You
knew Sylvio"
81 more than knew him-we were
friends, In the regiment he was con-
sidered one of us. have not heard Of
him for five years; but to judge from
your exclamation, count, you also knew
him?"
Fright well. II you were his friend,
he must have told you somewhat
singular story"
about blow received at ball?"
eyes; aud did he tell you who struck
him?'
"No." Iglanced at the countess. ''It
was you, count" said.
"Yes, it was l." exclaimed he, much
agitated; "and that picture there is a
Inemento of our last interview
ooh, dearest" pleaded the countess,
edo not tell that story. l can not bear
it,"
81 must. This gentleman knows how
l lnsulted his friend, Let him now hear
how that friend. was revenged. l was
married." he proceeded, "fiye years
ago. The first month of our honey
moon was spent here. This house
holds the happiest and saddest memoi.
les of my life. One evening, returning
late from a ride, Ifound before the door
a travelling chaise, and was told that a
stranger, who refused to give his name
was awaiting me in my study, having
come on business relative to myself
alone. l entered, and saw tall, beard
ed man, dusty and travel-stained, lean
ing on the mantelpiece. stood for a
moment gazing at him.
"'You do not know me, count?" he
asked.
"SylviOP l exclaimed, and confess
that my hair stood on end,
1T is my turn TO shoot he said
ARE you readS9
"There was pistol in his belt. ]
bowed, in recognition of his right, and
stood fronting him, only requesting
him to shoot at once before my wife
came in.
II can not see clearly, he said; send
for lights
This was done, and returnd to my
place." again asking him to be quick,
He took aim, and counted the seconds,
My thoughts dwelt on my bride; 1t was
a frightful moment. He dropped his
hand and remarked;
"'Pity this pistol is charged with q
bullet in lieu Of cherry Then after
moments pause, which seemed a cen.
tury; Truly, am not In the habit Of
shooting at a defenseless man; that
would be more like aepurder than a
duel. We will draw lots again, and sec