The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-10-15

political character. there was no
mention Of the word criminal Per-
haps they hoped to received explana-
tions 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
Degcnfeld laughed, and said:
well. well, baron, has not this nihil-
istic friend infected you? They say that
those revolutionary doctrines. spiritedly
held forth, have an urnioly attraction
for youth"
"What should have been as Rus
sian, know not answered |. smiling.
''Thcy maintain that now and then
some OF the best are stricken with So
called nihilism. As prussian. one is,
thank God, protected against such parox-
ysms. You do not really wish to stamp
me as q social democrat? Moreover,
Lapotin never spoke 4 word to me
about his political mission; | only knew
him as an amiable, intelligent man,
whom shall miss very much"
"Yes, you have lost q great deal"
said Mrs. Clifford. her blue eyes spark
ling with malicious triumph. ''IIotel
Suisse has been deprived of great deal
of beauty since Christmas eve. It was
an eventful evening, so it seems"
Count Degenfeld swallowed a glass Of
wine and suggested that we rise. es-
corted Miss Renncrt to the door, and
then went out to fulfill Lapotin's secret
commission. On the whole ! was not
| displeased with tit was little adj
venture. The charming blonde still
held 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. 1t was
rather empty. walked slowly
through the nave, and perceived at a
small side altar, where lamp was
hanging before picture of the Madon-
ma, slender figure, darlly clad.
She it was. There cleaned the gold
en- hair. Should wait until she had
| finished her devotions? | 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.
stepped close to her.
"Mademoiselle," said I. gently. She
started up affrighted. "Madelnoisellc, =
/ repeated, II have message for you
from Lapotin. will await you before
the church"
With that went out and walked up
and down. 1t was not long before the
graceful figure came down the steps.
approached her. She walked next me
with bowed head.
"You have a message for me?" asked
she. in low. well modulated voice.
''Yes. from my friend, Lapotin."
20. only tell me this" whispered she
raising her head: HAS he gone? i
he in safety?' ! looked at her ir
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 canno,
speak as he can. Since / have known
him | know the difference between
right and wrong. Oh! how happy
ami
listened to her surprised and moved
and handed her the packet with the
money.
''Oh! yes, the money! he gives it te
me. does he not? Is it much?'
Il believe it is twenty Thousand
francs"
$50 much? He must be rich! It doe.
not matter to him how much he gives
Oh! am too happy! Now shall go t.
Paris and-and-"
And what?" asked l, looking into
her lovely face, from which she had
thrown back her veil.
"Well," said she, blushing, "now
can marry my Henry: Did not Mons
Lapotin tell you?"
''IIe told me nothing"
'Oh. he did not speak to you of me
Then he certainly does not wish 20,
to know, or wishes to tell you himself
will say nothing further than that
thank him, and will pray God daily t
bless him. Tell him that, Monsieur
and now adieu; you are his friend, 20,
are doubtless a noble lord, but canno
trust you like him"
sauntered slowly on. and found Me
, as miserable as any other small, Ger
man town.
''Shall | remain here two month
J longer?" thought l. THAT l canno
do. One would lose ones mind in sue
a place! 1t was foolish for me to com
here. | am about as ill rs Leonie is
Shall go to the play? To go alone
; SO stupid, and it is already later So
, went home and entered the salon in
very misanthropical mood, as | Gale
it; it really was more a longing for com
panionship. took my seat quietly i
, a corner with book. was seeking
( being to approach whom it would b
, worth while. All! the selection wa
q W.