Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1893-11-23

Time progressed. and corona's little
daughter so wound herself about her pa
rents hearts, that they could seldom bear
her to be out OF their sight.
One day, while tondling the child. the
mother. observing that the nurse looked
more moody than usual, kindly addressed
her.
Are you quite we'll. Nannao'
The woman bowed her head respectfully,
but co'dIy, as ifshe disiked being troubled
with any questions.
Are you happy, Nanna:'
Again the woman bent her head assent
ing;y
trouble. Mamma. the countess went on; II
wish l could sec you look more cheerful"
Mamma only lifted her shoulders by way
otreply; and Corona said no more to her.
That night the Villa Rosati was filled
with CONSERVATION and terror The cOlo.ed
nurse, together with her little charge had
strangely and suddenly disappeared.
The Count and Countess were almost dis
secured from one end to the other without
the slightest success no tidinss whatever
could be obtained of the missing woman
and child
Days and days passed. and there was
still weeping in the Villa Ro>ati--weeping
for the pretty darling whom they feared
would never more appear to gladden. their
eyes and hearts. Far and near they con-
tinued to search and advertise for it: but
no result, save disappointment, attending
their quest, and Corona abandoned herself
to utter despair.
1t was thought that Mamma. about whose
manners there had ever hung mystery,
had gone back to her own country, bearing
along with her the ciild, to which she had
appeared to be strongly attached,
whole month had now gone by, and
still no intelligence whatever had been OBJ
tanned concerning the missing nurse and
child
Then the Count and Countess left Flor
ence, and proceeded hithcr and thither
first to one place then to another, pur-
suing their aching quest until u full
twe!vemonth had passed away.
One day, while driving in the neighbor-
hood of Tivoli. Corona observed heggar-
lad fast asleep under tree in the road, with
q little child playing hear him.
The carriage was instantly stopped; and
the Count and Countess alighted, and ap-
preached the sleeping beggar and the child
Corona, who was still hoping to discover
her own lost one, could not pass by with
out examining this little creature, who had
already risen, and was holding out its tiny
hand for charity, lisping "Baioccho,
1t was ragged, halt-naked babe, OF not
more than twenty months old, neglected
and wotully dirty. But notwithstanding
all that, Corona had caught it in her arms,
and was devourng it with kisses.
se h.r see she cried out pointing to th'
Marsot Favarge! My child is found, Albert
My child is here" she added, gathering
the astonished little one to her bosom. and
hugging it tightly.
The Count looked astounded-he
thought his wife was taking leave ofhe
ns the seeming D by the sso der
and roughly. shaking him. who are YOU"
he continued, as the sleeper opened his eyes.
and started suddenly to his feet "Oho!
Ale1o! Mamma! AIargot Favarge," the
Count added, recognizing the woman clad
In male apparel. and making clutch at
dartcd at the child and tearing it Out Of
the mothers arms, fed with it down the
rivers bank, the Count close upon her
heels. This woman was heet-iooted
and although burdened with the weight OF
the child, still kept in the advance Of her
pursurer At length she reached the brink
OF the river. Another step :orward, and
she had uttered vengeiul cry, plunged
Into the depths, and disappeared from view
The woman, clingingt to the child. now
Z ose to the surface, and struggled with the
waters.
Another moment and the Count who
was an expert swimmer, had jumped into
the river, and was vigorously striking out
to wards the drowning Margot and the poor
child, whom ne was convinced was his
own stolen babe. The woman and the
infant had sunk for the second time.
When they next appeared. they were in
the current, fast floating down the stream.
The Count is now striking out with re-
doubled strength. resolved. if possible, to
snatch his child from a watery grave.
when, great heaven. Margot's arm relaxes its
hold Of her, and the woman sinks to rise
no more.
"Baioccho! baioccho." murmurcd the
rescued little one, opening its eyes on Co.
ronas face.
Saved! saved" cried the mother, clasp
ing her long lost child to her heart
And our enemy is no more" the Count
added, solemnly
"Oh, Albert. may heaven have mercy on
her soul!''
"Amen! amenn'
END THE FAS STORY