The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-08-27

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TIE CARD GAME WITH COUNT DEGESFELD.
collected during his travels, some of
which could not be exhibited in salons.
Ills haggard face with the infiamed
lids and innumerable wrinkles about
the eyes. and those eyes themselves
with their cold. phosphoresccnt lights,
corr, sponded well with all the rest
altogether a very revolving picture.
Finally he proposed to introduce me
at the International club, in which, he
said, one could be sure of losing ones
money only to ones equals.
was not very much inclined to ac-
cept his offer, but did SO anyway. as l
was doubtful how to word my refusal.
As l was about to leave him he de-
tanned me to criticise the rest of the
guests.
Zone might almost envy you your
ncighbor at your right" said he. "A
charming little woman; there is fire in
her! More than is agreeable to the
clergyman. Seldom have seen a more
enticing glance of eye than hers. 1t twas
delightful pastime for me to dodge her
behind the large vase. tempt passati!
For few days now have been no
where! Naturally, when such young
opposing forces put in appearance, the
old guard must yield! Well. / bear
no malice, my young friend. and bonnie
chance!' he concluded laughing. There
are other flowers blooming here in this
paradise!''
He escorted me out.
In the corridor we met his young rela-
tive coming from the countess room.
She tried to.hurry by with bow, but the
count seized her and drew her to him.
She laughed and disengaged herself
in her childlike innocence she looked
upon it as harmless Jest; but it seemed
to me, who saw the expression of his
face, as if an ugly caterpillar were to
creep over delic ate white lily.
"A pretty child, is she not?" asked
the count. looking after the youthful
form, which hurried gracefully on.
Zone good thing in the suffering condi-
ton of my wife is, that she cannot do
without the girl, SO one always has
! something pretty in the house."
81 believe the young lady is niece
of yours, count?" said l, gravely.
'Well, yes; far-removed niece.
Daughter of second cousin. am not
in the least fatherly."
$50 much the worse" thought l, and
took my leave.
Count Degenfeld was not at dinner. In
his place sat Miss Ellen, as had heard
her called. On that account l could
easily see her, whereas formerly the
large vase had hidden her from me.
She was truly bewitchingly fresh and
youthful, and was more strikingly SO
next the faded, yellow face OF the
countess. She was quite unabashed
and natural. She had a playful dispute
with the German professor about a
poem, and showed herself SO well read
in literature that listened to her with
pleasure. and was delighted with her
ready answers.
This did not please my pretty neigh.
Dor. Her fan moved quicker, and the
lace jabot on her full bosom rose and
fell.
do you think that forward, little
lean miss pretty?" she asked, at last.
thought of my conversation with the
count. and said, coolly:
'Do you mean Miss Ellen? l think
she can be called neither little, forward
nor Lean
'Indeedo And how would you de-
scribe this Miss Ellen?'
Il think, as very graceful, we'll
bred lady, to whom one can listen with
pleasure"
"Yes," said the lady, slowly; ''she
seems to have learnt a great deal.
envy her; l know SO little"
With that, she lifted her beautiful
eyes, which were heavy with unshee
tears, and looked me full in the face.
might strive all would, beneath thu
magic of those eyes l was powerless
And, although felt that l was on dan
gerous ground, forgot the rest Of tn.
company in conversation carried OF
in an undertone.
Shortly before rising from the table
Mrs. Clifford said:
''Rubinstein gives concert to-mor
row, my husband cannot bear music
Will Sou bG hlIiO w OStOIl AlC.
| bowed.
"Ah. that is kind Of you. Shall yo,
be in the salon any more to-day?"
Il am sorry. but l have an engage
ment with Count Degenfeld for to
night"
She bit her full undcrlip. "Adieu
then, until tomorrow.
As l was descending the stairs. pre-
pairing to go out, met Lapotin.
''Are you going To party:" he asked
pointing to my dress.
Count negenfeld wishes to intro
duce me ut the club"
lie nodded as much as to say,
thought So
All" he remarked, playfully: ''yo,
are pitching in, baron-yesterday in tn,
drawing-room, and to-day-well. hav,
no right to prevent, scarcely to warn
you; but only one request--keep you
eyes open: all is not gold that glittels
If you wish to gamble, go rather t,
Monte Carlo: there one can ut LEAFS
leave off when one wishes to.''
TO BE Continued