The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-09-03

grasped the arm of the chair he was
evidently striving for composure.
The last tone died away; rose, SO
that, stepping before Lapotin, he might
have time to collect himself.
When turned around he had left the
room. Immediately afterwards the
countess and Ellen withdrew.
Mr.. White seated himself by the lamp
with an English paper. Miss Rennert
and l were at the fireplace. The old
lady looked serious and thoughtful.
You are Lapotin's friend" she be-
gan; ''he has spoken to me of you with
a warm interest which he seldom shows.
When he came in with you to-day he
seemed happier than l had ever seen
him, and was very much pleased. You
have now seen how quickly his mood
changes. That simple song moved him
greatly; he is ill, i'll in mind and body;
but he tries with all his might to con-
ceal both troubles. So tonight you
must not seek him ont, but tomorrow.
For my sake go to Monte Carlo: you
have never been there, and it will keep
him from thinking of himself and his
past"
Willingly gave the desired promise,
and, with friendly shake of the hand,
the old lady left me.
do not know how long l sat by the
fireside dreaming, but all at once I
heard loud talking and laughing and
the rustling of skirts.
Mrs. Clifford entered on Count Degen-
fields arm, followed by her husband.
| the German professor, and a couple of
old Frenchmen, also staying at Hotel
Suisse
They were all in good spirits, and the
clergyman seemed to be proud of his
wife's courtly admirer.
''No, good folks" said the rather
harsh voice of the count, 1--WE cannot
possibly retire SO early. The eyes of
madame do not show that she is ia
tigued: the air was SO chilly, that Or
dered Louis to bring us hot punch
While speaking, he relieved the lady
of her warm wraps, led her to the cozi-
est corner, brought her sofa-cushion,
then a footstool, in short busted him
self altogether with her. She looked
truly bewitching. The delicate, white
cloud still rested on her dark hair, and
made a frame for her lovely face. Her
eyes were feverishly bright, and her
laugh, her conversation had something
unnaturally merry about them.
Count Degenfeld and she spoke French
continually, although the count could
speak English well.
In spite of the in part whispered con-
versation, he knew how to enliven and
entertain the rest of the company, SO
that even the German professor was
| obliged to laugh heartily, while the
clergyman seemed to smile more out of
compliment to the speaker than any
thing else.
As the little circle around the table
grew merrier over the hot punch and
Count Degenfeld's eyes grew brighter
! arose and passed by the table with a
bow. going towards the door.
The count looked up and cried with
well-simulated surprise: ''Why, baron,
you here? Why in the world did you
not join us? May offer you this glass
of punch? 1t shall be to the ladies,
of course; only the young and pretty
Ones" he added.
mo, count" said I playfully as l
took the glass and leaned lightly on
the back of the proffered chair, that
limitation cannot allow. have just
passed such a pleasant hour with a
charming old lady that l should be a
faithless knight did not l drink the
toast otherwise than in its proposed
form-'The Ladies"" with which l
emptied my glass with an inclination
towards Mrs. Clifford.
She was trifle pale. Her eyes looked
at me with peculiar expression as
she quietly pledged me.
Count Degenfeld laughed constrained
ly and said mockingly: 80 you dedi-
Gated your evening to Miss Rennert,
for she is certainly the charming old
lady Was it a tete tete?'
''Oh! no." answered.; "Mr. Lepotin
and had great treat. Miss Ellen
sang for us in the salon.
''How improper!" exclaimed the
count. "Her friendship with that old
person has long been distasteful to me.
How could she allow the child to sing
for anyone-for young men, too!'
! The blood rushed hotly to my face.
drew myself up to my full height.
''Count, can absolutely not under
stand your veXation-so far az know.
! Miss Rennert is not answera BILE for Miss