The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-11-13

that I cannot break myself OF the
habit at once"
In the upper hall they parted, Lola
going to her own quarters and Ivan
doing the same.
He was surprised at finding his
mother and his sister not only up but
entertaining visitor.
This visitor had laid aside his fur
cloak and appeared in the brilliant
uniform of Major of the Imperial
Guards.
He was young, with fine dark fea-
lures and figure that was well-pro-
portioned rather than stately.
Ivan knew the man, for, concealing
his surprise, be addressed him as
@Count Orloff."
"This is rather an unreasonable hour
for visiting, friend Berger" said the
young soldier, by way of explaining his
presence, "but I had news of import
ance to communicate, and believing
that Madam Berger and Miss Eliza
beth would remain up to see the old
year out I came round to deliver it.
Seeing that her mother made no COM
ment, Elizabeth, with an unmistakable
! glance of admiration at the young SOL
dier, hastened to say:
"And deeply grateful we are, Count
Orlof, not only for this but for all
your efforts to assist u.s."
Count Orloff bowed, and then went
on to say that he had favorable op-
portunity of talking with the Car at
the ball that evening, and that he had
presented the case of Madam Berger's
family, with a good chance of sue
cess.
The case was simply this: When
Madam Berger's husband died in Asia
| q large sum of money was due him hv
! the Government, not only tor his SER
vices but also for funds which he had
used of his own to carry on the cam
paign against the Turcomans to Sue
cessful issue.
This money not only had not been
paid but was positively refused to
Madam Berger, SO that instead of being
in comparative affiuence she was re-
duced to nearl- 1eggarly.
Count Orloff's father had been q
comrade of Colonel Berger, and in this
way The young so1rer became acquaint-
ed with the family.
From the first he was in love with
the fair Elizabeth, and, being man of
large means, he would have assisted
the unfortunate family if he could have
done so without hurting their feelings,
for the noble poor are unfortunately
sensitive and proud.
II must add my thanks to those OF
my mother and sister," said Ivan, with
perfect courtesy, yet with percepti-
BILE coldness, "but I cannot hope that
your efforts in our behalf will avail"
"But can assure you the Emperor
promised to look into the case," said
the Count, earnestly.
"He would have less time for balls
and fetes," said Ivan with some bitter
ness, "if he looked into one thousandth
part of the cases that require his at
tention."
"That may be-" said the young Off
Ger, stroking his mustache and rising,
"yet the Gear takes no pleasure in balls
or fetes."
Count Orloff bowed to Madam Ber-
ger and Ivan, but Elizabeth, her sew
ing still in her left hand, followed him
to the hall and said:
"You must pardon my brother;
he is maddened that he cannot help
u.s."
"On nv honor, fair Elizabeth" said
the Count taking her hand and press
ing it to his lips, II admire Ivan's
frankness, nor do I blame him for
being soured. Would that he might
let me show that am his friend, and
that you would permit Inc to be more" !"
Count Orloff bowed, and Leeza ap-
peared in the hall with lamp to light
him down to the street.
ITO BE Continued