Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-06-12

even so harsh and bitter fate, re
| strained his rash intent.
| Even slavery could be borne, since
he knew that one dear woman's heart
was full of sad, plying lovea and sym
pathy for him.
The woman whom Alexis the seri
had dared to love was none other
than Niocelle Franska, the poor but
high born cousin and ward of Count
Alvieroff; and for his manly heart
and handsome person the lady loved
him in return, and told him so.
As he thought of her, Alexis mad
ly throbbing, angry heart grew soft
and sad thoughts took the place OF
! bitter ones, and as he leaned against
his lowly door, thinking Of her, hot,
scalding tears stole out from his
downcast eyes, and wet his brown
cheek and fell upon his sternly-folded
i arms.
While he wept he did not hear the
| gentle step that drew near to his
side until white little hand was laid
upon his arm and a sweet voice spoke
his name.
"Alexisl'
"Niocelle, my only comfort" he
whispered, in choked and husky
voice, as he put out one brawny
hand to clasp both of hers.
He did not look up, and with his
other hand he covered his face to
hide his tears; but she had seen them.
She put her arms about his neck and
laid her head upon his broad breast,
and his tortured heart felt her silent
sympathy. He uncovered his face,
and drew both his arms around her
slender form, murmuring with infinite
love and tenderness:
"Niocelle, my beautiful p
Well might he call her beautiful;
her lovely face and graceful form
had turned the heads of half n score
Of rich and titled men, and Alvieroff
had promised her hand to one of his
naughty friends. But the proud no.
bic sued in vain to the lady herself
Niocelle had given her heart to her
cousins handsome sort, and if her
hand might never follow it, no one
else should ever call her his wife.
And now she has come to her low
er in the hour Of his darkest despon-
dency, with q wild, desperate, yet
possible plan of freedom for him and
loves fulfillment for herself
But when she spoke to Alexis of
hope the word seemed to him like a
mockery, and he almost laughed at
the bitter jest.
"There is no hope of anything but
misery for me, Niocelle," he said,
gloomily.
"But there shall be hope, "answer-
ed Niocelle. II will make it, Alexis,
beloved; let us not give up happiness
till we have tried to gain it, Let US
escape from here, Alexis, and fly to
America, where all are equal. There
will be no one then to part us or to
torture you," and she smiled upon
him with her beautiful face full of
hope.
But he only sighed despondently.
"You are an angel, Niocelle, but
you cannot compass impossibilities.'
"But it is not impossible !" she
cried. my plan is no sudden or
hopeless one. See the count departs
tomorrow upon his hunting excur-
sion. When he is gone there will be
no one here but myself and old Uncle
Petro, for Alvierof will never dream
of our intent and uncle is as good as
no one. | viii take the carriage and
go to the city, and no one will be
surprised if I take you for my escort.
Then, why will it not be easy to dis
guise you in my cousins apparel and
60 to st. Petersburg and thence to
America There is ship that sails
soon, and I know her captain. He
is English, and he would even help