Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1891-10-14

will 60 there at once, but not "a
greet my promised bride. Lena
must be made to understand just
| tchdt mean and 1t Is full time that
she knew 1t.
my Love affair with her has been
much talked of here, and l very
much fear that 1T will reach the ears of
my beloved, rich Countess Aurora,
who would never forgive me, for VIII at
she would call, my guilt. must go at
once and have it over"
In short time he reached the house
of Herr Heilbron, and asked for Lena.
When she heard his voice, she ran into
the room and with an outcry of Joy,
hung herself in his arms and kissed
him, passionately, saying: MY dar-
ling, have kept my promise. have
remained yours. Now l shall be your
happy bridel''
wildly with joy, Lena had not noticed
the look that the Count gave her.
Dear Lena" he said coldly, without
returning her caress. She looked at
him with amazement. The tone OF
no mistaking the cold Indifferent ex-
preston of his eyes when she said,
ALBERT, is 1t not true that you love
me still?'
Certainly" said he, In a quick,
sharp tone. A long pause followed
for Albert did not know Just how to
commence the subject, and Lena was
silent with astonishment and anguish,
but she said at last in tones of the
deepest tenderness: "Now we can meet
q
can show to the world that we belong
TO each other. Can we no Tiny heart's
lover"
Count Belsen did not answer, but
walked silently TO and fro. Then he
stood before the poor girl, and said in a
rough tone: "You did very wrong not
to marry that rich man, Lena, and 1
fear that you will repent what you
have done"
SHOW can I repent it, when it
leaves me free to marry you," she re-
piled.
He hesitated a moment, and then
said, Let us have full understand
ing with each other, Lena"
why do you speak so coldly and call
me Lena Am l not RO1r OiCn
Lenas"
"That cannot be-" said he, roughly,
without noticing her tender caress.
"My parents would never give their
consent To such a marriage, and
neither could l." Lena stood before
him staring. motionless, as If turned to
stone, and the Count continued: "You
will perhaps be kind enough to remem-
ber that / have never spoken a word
about my marriage with you, neither
have l said anything to give you the
impression that L ever intended to make
you my wife. | know my duty to my
rank, and to society, better than that"
Lena, still standing motionless and |
pale, suddenly grasped his arm,
aud said, "You have then deceived |
mel Your sworn words of love have |
been all hypocrisy and liesl"
"No; by Heavenl Lena, that is not |
true" said the Count, feeling relieved |
that part of his unpleasant duty WAS
over, ,and he continued almost tenderly, |
81 love You still the samel You are |
my beloved, my Lenal 1t is only be-
fore the world, dearest, that we may
not betray our happiness. But what is
the world to usp 1t knows not love, |
and is suspicious, even of purity and |
loneliness. We will always love each |
other, darling, but we must hide our
love from the world"
You mean," said Lena, faintly,
"that you do not wish me for your |
wife, that you do not intend to marry
me?"
81 am too young, for a married
man" said the Count. "DOt of an age !
to marry, for some time yet"
LENA stifled a deep sigh, and by a
great effort of her viii, she aroused |
her pride, and drawing up her figure to
its full height, said IN commanding |
tone: "Leave mel Liar and Traitor, 1 |
tespise you'll THIS is my last word
Leavel''
Count Belsan bowed coldly, and left |
the room. Lena listened to his retreat
ing fooi steps, until she could hsas them
40 longer, and then sank down and
'Obbed as though her heart would
break.