Omaha daily bee., 1889-07-08
THE RIVAL.

outlines OF the mountains; the walks of
the park, with the dry leaves rustling
about them, looked neglected, and
around the hotel veranda, from which
beautiful view can be had across the
lake, the grape vines lazily shed their
dark crimson leaves under the breath
of the autumnal wind-one after an
other.
1t could hardly be called cozy, this
distinguished watering-place, now that
most OF the guests had taken leave, to-
gether with the depat ting summer; it
certainly was no longer =. fashionable
place. When the management Of the
resort had seen fit to reduce the prices,
which was equal to declaring the sea-
son ended, all the guests who laid claim
TO elegance or fashion had packed their
trunks, like SO many soldiers obcying
command.
Only n few belated migratory birds
arrived now and then; some gouty old
counsellors and other officials, who had
but just obtained a furlough, and to
whom it was Of greater Importance TO
alleviate the suffering that brought
them To- this place than to participate
in the summer festivals OF fashionable
society; and some family fathers blessed
with an abundance of offspring, mostly
the feminine sex, who really could not
afford the luxuries of the watering
place except at this time OF reduced
prices. That was all.
And as to the visitors OF the regular
v SEASON.
OF the guests OF the haute saison only
a lew remained, those that could not
persuade themselves TO leave this
charming corner of the earth in spite
OF the growing inclemency of the wea-
ther, and some people that found pleas
ure in continuing the intrigues, coquet-
ries and love affairs once begun.
Baron Sengen undoubtedly belonged
to the Inter class. He appeared to
nourish great deal of interest for the
beautiful Valdini, a prima dona rs cell
ebrated as she was charming, who was
making all the use that she could of the
autumn days to strengthen herself in
this favorable seclusion for the tolls and
triumphs of the coming season.
She was trille weak of nerves, the
fascinating Valdini-her admirers
looked upon this in hattering way, as
an abundance of that Temperament"
which is so necessary for opera divas-
and under these circumstances it was
praiseworthy that she did all she could
for her recreation.
1t certainly was not praise worthy, but
rather heartless and blameworthy, of
her that she was in the habit of killing
during such recreation, in n peculiar
way; she played with all the men that
fate brought near to her, as Il cat does
with mouse, or a snake with the bird.
1t seemed to give her us much pleasure
to turn tho heads of men us it does to
the playing child to turn the head of
her doll.
IN
have known that that is the habit of all
rrima donnas. For at least II decen-
mum he had been what is designated
by mild expression as man OF ripper
years" or of "a sedate age" and, be-
sides, he professed a certain experience
in the intercourse with feminine stage
stars. Yes, he had experience in such
away from the charm which the'blonde,
beautiful, blue-eyed pseudo Italian OK
erciscd over him, and which gained
strength over him from day to day
while he labored to escape from the nets
of this Circe. Three times he had said
farewell to the beautiful she-dcvil by
writing, twice MS many times in person,
but again and again he had persuaded
himself, with irrefutablo arguments,
that it was necessary for him to rcmain
still further at this place.
The old dandy felt it within himself,
with the instinct that is peculiar to
such men in such circumstances, that it
was impossible for him to escape from
his fate; that he was subject to that
very malndy which he had abhorred
through life, and which now made him
so indescrihably happy!
No doubt he was in lovci Theodore
Baron Won Scngen, who formerly treated
feminine hearts us playthings-he was
:n .ove, completely in love!
In Lowell That is a state of mind which
borders on the ridiculous in the case Of
gentleman who finds it difficult to
cover up the bald spot on his crown;
and that with singer, of whom it is to
be supposed, but no one has right
to suppose anything bad, not even of an
opera singer, until ne has proofs OF it.
Baron Sengen was resigned to his
fate. Very well, we shall marry!" OF
course 1T was not to be expected that
the least difficulties or obstacles would
be in the way OF Baron Sengen when
he wished to carry out such a praise
worthy resolution. He had every rea-
son to believe that the Valdini was at
tached to him. because she had evil
IDENTIFY preferred him to all the other
butterflies that swarmod around her
and kept sort of jolly companionsnip
with him. And moderate companion
ship, a temperate friendship, is just
the thing which an experienced man of
the world expects to iud III matri-
mony.
OAfter thoroughly sounding his heart
he finally arrived Mt the bold conclusion
that he would ask in marriage the hand
Of the jolly bon comerade.
For days he had deliberated IN what
manner this ceremony, which he had
always thought SO very comical in
others, should be put into execution.
Dress coat and silk hatr
AT one time, it was rainy forenoon,
he almost decided to take these articles,
80 useful and ornamental Mt courting
and at funerals, from his wardrobe, but
ut the last moment an uncertain sensa-
overcame him that before n theatric
princess a somewhat more romantic
manner OF wooing were in place. He
did not exactly mean to do the thing as
the hero Lohengrln had done it; for the
managers the resort did not keep u
boat drawn by swans for the use OF their
guests. But n walk into the propitious