Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1891-10-22


might find Ellen, but ! lacked the as
surance.
In the salon they were again strum-
ming duets. To my room | did not care
to go, so I went out.
The wind had gone down, and | saun-
tered past the brightly lighted shops It
struck me that Christmas was at the
door; l bought several pretty italian
and Algerian ornaments for my sisters,
ahandsome jewel-caslet for my mother,
had them well done up and mailed them
myself On the way home | passed the
church, from which strains of music is
sued.
As was about to enter saw leaning
against one OF the columns Lapotin,
taking leave Of a slender, darl1ly-habit-
ed lady; she disappeared "a the shadow,
and just as he began to descend the
steps he was attacked BY a spell Of
coughing so severe that he was obliged
to lean against the cold stone pillars
for support,
In a jiffy | was vita him.
For Gods sake, you must not stand
here in this draught; lean heavily on
"
the shop where l had just made my
purchases. When he had somewhat re-
covered we walked Few steps to Cafs
Rumpelmeyer. Lspotin insisted that
he was quite we'll again, and ordered
for himself hot milk and settler water,
which Mile. Adele procured for him with
such teEdcr soscitudc that it seemed as
If She wished TO give him To understand
how gladly she would always serve him.
He listened with interest to my descrip-
ton Of the table q hote affair. The
countess conduct especially pleased
him.
Il have always considered her rather
weak, but now | begin to believe that
hers is very determined nature; she
will know how to protect Miss Ellen,
too, at the right time should have
dearly liked to have seen the count
obliged to keep silent before his usually
So quiet wife, and in your presence,
tool And that lovely serpent, Mrs.
Clifford, what reused her ire? asked he,
looking at me scare jngly with his
beautiful, sensible eyes.
''She seems to have a grudge against
Miss Ellen
That made him so merry that he de-
clared he could not drink that fiat
settler water. and ordered heavy,
Spanish wine, which only regular Gus
toners could have. Then he made me
join with hiru in wishing that Mrs.
Clifford would soon have more cause to
be angry with Miss Ellen. had never
seen my friend SO bubbling over with
mirth.
Finally he insisted upon making pur-
chases for Christmas, although most Of
the shops were closed He bought a
number of things, part costly, part in
expensive, and seemed to wish to re-
member everyone at the hotel
why do | buy SO mueh?" said he,
upon my remarl1ing ii; they are to be
at the same time parting gift but that
only tell YOU
lie bought an elegant bracelet,
serpent with Turquoise eyes and a
pointed, sharp little tongue.
SIS it not a true picture Of our lovely
Mrs. Gifford9 | shall send il anouy-
mously. hane this little bit Of malice
win be forgiven. But you must not be-
tray me. Here Is something that you
should buy, lac said, suddenly, after he
had examined an the cases; II like this
curious ornament: it is, | believe am
tique Russian
With which he laid q three-eornered
enamel with an eye with golden rays
painted ON it, before me. 1t hung on a
thin, gold chain.
Is it not pretty charm to hang
around ones beloved's neclI--a protect
ing eye over hero
As l could not decide at once. he
bought it and had the things sent to tho
hotel. At twelve O'Clock we separated
CHAPTER XII
Towards four o'clock in the morning
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