Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1891-07-02
CHATTER XIV.
RALAScING THE AccoUNrs.

~Beg your pardon for interrupting
youl"
The words We're spoken with cutting
irony. but it was clear how little the
speaker really felt the cold Indifference
that finds its expression in sarcasm. As
he stood at the head Of the broad marble
steps, between the two heavy roman
esque pillars, with arms folded over his
breast motiOnless, his eyes flashed a
fearful, burning fire. 1t required a ire
mendous effort of his will power TO re-
strain himself from leaping upon the
man below with the fury of the tiger
who throws himself upon his prey, and
10 engage in deadly grapple, man
against man, breast 10 breast
The Count had instinctively stepped
between the lady and her husband, so
that the latter could not see her. He
looked up in the threatening face of his
adversary, waiting for him to speak.
The words came at last from Ralph's
quivering lips:
"Will you have the goodness to retire,
sir? 1 would speak 70 that lady. You
shall hear from me presently"
Count Won Hohenfels turned toward
Mrs. Warringham. at is for the lady TO
decide what l shall do" he said
$50, for my sake, go." cried Mrs. War
bingham. She had risen from her chair
and involuntarily recoiled a few steps
from the fierce glare of her husbands
eyes. She now stood near the center of
the vast hall.
$50, Max! My love will always be with
youl" she cried again.
do you fear for your sweetheart,
madam? / will not harm him now"
Ralph still stood in the same attitude,
motionless, his arms folded on his breast,
as he spoke these words.
The Count feigned not to hear his
-
floor toward Mrs. Warringham-
Il obey your wishes, he replied. ave
shall meet again"
Then he calamity kissed her hand,
bowed cOurteousiy TO the Doctor, and
disappeared.
Having gone so far in this affair the
young nobleman was resolved to persist
in it and not show the white feather,
come what might
Ralph still refrained from violent out
break when he saw the Count act so de-
family. A tremor of rage shook his
frame, but he retained the mastery of
his passion.
The Count was gone. Husband and
wife stood before each other.
Ralph came down from the lobby and
walked toward the door. His steps re-
sounded strangely in the vast space OF
the hail, where all else was silent
~Let us go home, madam, he said
@We must strike the balance OF our &C
counts day"
He opened the heavy oaken door and
held it open for her TO pass. His glaring
eyes seemed TO pierce through her. A
moment she hesitated-
~Why do You not go? Are you afraid?"
he asked. sneeringly.
She was afraid His outward calm
ness, which she knew was only the cloak
of suppressed rage, terrified her more
than the widest exhibition of wrath
could have done. But in response 10 his
sheer she passed out of the door with
defiant look at him
He followed behind her. Soon they
found themselves in the wide courtyard
of the castle. Silently they passed
through the great gate, over the draw
bridge, and walked down the road to-
ward their hotel He did not offer her
his arm Without speaking a word they
walked on
Within twenty minutes they had
reached the hotel. Ralph opened the
door TO his room, and. with a silent mo-
ton, invited her to enter
She sat down in an armchair. He
stood at the window, whence he could
scan her features
~You believe me to be wealthy, do you
not, madam?n he asked, after a pause
OF some moments
She was surprised at this question
She had feared very different begin
ping Of the iRterYieW,