Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1891-08-15

| very SIllI uHu COuipOsSu OhuU WhOh CIV
spoke her colourless lips scarcely moved
her very breathing never stirred the
silver crucifix that lay like glittering
sign-manual on her quiet breast. Hei
voice, though low, was singularly clcai
and penetrating.
~ address the Count Oliva?" she In
Quired.
l bowed in the affirmative. She
looked at me keenly; she had dark, bril-
liant eyes, in which the smouldering
fires OF many conquered passion still
CLEANED.
"You would see the Countess Romani,
who is IN retreat here?"
III not inconvenient or out OF rule
I began.
The shadow Il smile fitted across
the nuns p" =. intellectual face; IL was
gone almost =. soon as It appeared.
'Not at a.. she replied in the same
even monotU -. "The Countess Nina is,
by her own ,esire, following a strict
regime, but today being a universal
feast day oil rules are somewhat re-
faxed. The Reverend Mother desires
me to inform you that 1t is now the hour
for Mass-she has herself already en-
tered the chapel. II you will share In
our devotions, the Countess shall after
wards be informed Of your presence
here"
could do no less than accede to this
proposition, though in truth 1t was un'
welcome to me. was in no mood fol
either prayer or praise; / thought mood
| IL Il 10 cciu N n
might have been could she have
known what manner Of man 1t was thai
she thus invited to kneel in the
sanctuary. However, said no word Of
objection, and she babe me follow her,
As we left the room, asked:
''Is the Countess well?'
"She seems So" returned Mere Mar.
guerlte; ''she follows her religious duties
with exactitude, and makes no complaint
OF fatigue"
We were now crossing the great hall
ventured on another inquiry.
"She was faVourite pupil OF yours,
believer"
The nun turned her passionless face
towards me with an air OF mild surprise
and reproof.
81 have no favourites," she answered
coldly. "All the children educated here
share my attention and regard equally
murmured an apology, and added
with forced smile:
"You must pardon my apparent In
ouisitiveness, but as the future husband
OF the lady who was brought up under
your care, / am naturally interested In
all that concerns her,"
Agai nthe searching eyes OF the rclig
ieuse surveyed me; she sighed slightly.
81 am aware Of the connection between
you," she said in rather q panied tone,
'.Nina Romani belongs to the world, anC
follows the ways OF the world. OF course
marriage Is the natural fulfilment o!
most young girls destinies; there are
comparatively few who are called out Of
the ranks to serve Christ. Therefore
when Nina married the estimable Count
Romani, Of whom report spoke evel
favorably, we rejoiced greatly, feeling
that her future was safe In the hands ol
gentle and wise protector. May hi'
soul rest in peacel But o second mar
rage for her is what / did not expect
and what cannot In my conscience ap
prove. You see speak frankly"
~ am honored that you do so,
madamel" said earnestly, feeling GER
tain respect for this sternly composed
yet patient featured woman; I'VE
though in general you may find many
reasonable objections to 1t, q second
marriage is, think, in the Countess Ro
manI's case almost necessary. She Il
utterly without protector-she Is verI
Young, and how beautifull'
The nuns eyes grew solemn and oil
most mournfuL
"Such beauty is curse" she an
swered with emphasis; "a fatal--a fearful
cursel As q child itimade her hayward
As Q woman it keeps her maynard still
Enough Of this, Signor!" and she bowel
her head; excuse my plain speaking
Rest assured that ! wish you both happi
ness"
We had By this time reached the dool
OF the chapel, through which the SOUND
Of the peallng organ poured forth II
triumphal surges Of melody. Mere Mar