Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1891-10-29


haps they hoped to received explana-
lions from him about certain alliances,
and these have not been forthcoming,
owing to his departure. Nothing can
be brought against my friend, Lapotin."
The stout lady held her peace. Count
Degenfeld laughed, and said:
ssWeIl, well, baron, has not this nihil-
istic friend infected you? They say that
those revolutionary doctrines, spiritedly
held forth, have an unholy attraction
for youth"
s'What should have been as a Rus
sian, know not" answered I. smiling.
s'They maintain that now and then
some of the best are stricken with So
called nihilism. AS a Prussian, one is,
thank God. protected against such parox-
ysms. You do not really wish to stamp
me as a social democrat? Moreover.
Lapotin never spoke word to me
about his political mission; only knew
him as an amiable, intelligent man,
whom shall miss very much"
eyes, you have lost a great DEAL"
said Mrs. Chord, her blue eyes spark
ling with malicious triumph. ''Hotel
Suisse has been deprived of a great deal
of beauty since Christmas eve. It was
an eventful evening, so it seems"
Count Degenfeld swallowed glass of
wine and suggested that we rise. es-
corted Miss Rennert to the door, and
then went out to fulfill Lapotin's secret
commission. On the whole l was not
displeased with tit was a little ad-
venture. The charming blonde still
held Il place in my memory, and the
thought of freeing her from her un-
worthy position through Lapotin's gen.
crosby, raised my spirits.
entered the lighted church. It was
rather empty. walked slowly
through the nave, and perceived at
small side altar, where lamp was
hanging before picture of the Madon-
ma, slender figure, darkly clad.
She it was. There cleaned the gold
en- hair. Should wait until she had
finished her devotions? I did not like
to address in the church, but now that
the crowd was streaming in how easily
might lose her in the semi-darkness
I stepped close to her.
'Mademoiselle," said I, gently She
started up affrighted. ''Mademoiselle,"
1 repeated, II have message for you
from Lapotin. / will await you before
the church."
With that I went out and walked up
and down. 1t was not long before the
graceful figure came down the steps. I
approached her. She walked next me
with bowed head.
'You have message for me?" asked
she, in low, well modulated voice.
eyes, from my friend, Lapotin.'
go! only tell me this" whispered she,
raising her head: ''Has he gone? Is
he in safety?" 1 looked at her in
amazement.
''He has gone, and is, we hope. in
safety. On leaving he commissioned
me to give you this money. He hoped
to free you from connections in which
you are unhappy"
''Oh! he is good! better than anyone
ever knew! Even the priest cannot
speak as he can! Since l have known
him l know the difference between
right and wrong. Oh! how happy I
am!''
listened to her surprised and moved,
and handed her the packet with the
money.
sob! yes, the money! he gives it to
me, does he not? Is it rnuch?'
81 believe it is twenty thousand
francs"
$50 much? He must be rich! It does
not matter to him how much he gives!
Oh! l am too happy Now 1 shall go to
Paris and-and-"
"And what?" asked I, looking into
her lovely face, from which she had
thrown back her veil.
s'Wcll," said she, blushing, snow
can marry my Henry! Did not Mons.
Lapotin tell yOu?''
'sHe told me nothing"
''Oh! he did not speak to you of me!
Then he certainly does not wish you
to know, or wishes to tell you himself;
1 will say nothing further than that I
thank him, and will pray God daily to
bless him. Tell him that, Monsieur,
and now adieu; you are his friend, you
are doubtless noble lord. but cannot
trust you like him"
l sauntered slowly on, and found Nice
as miserable as any other small, Ger
man town.
''Shall I remain here two months
longcr?" thought 1. ''That I cannot
do. One would lose ones mind in such
a place! 1t was foolish for me to come
here. I am about as i'll as Leonie is!
Shall go to the play? To go alone is
SO stupid, and it is already late!" So I
went home and entered the salon in a
very misanthropical mood, as called
it; it really was more a longing for COM
partnership. took my seat quietly in
a corner with a book. was seeking
being to approach whom it would be
worth while. All! the selection was