Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1893-11-16

OF the guests had sought the terrace and the
grounds of the palace, over which a full
moon was shedding the flood OF her >ilvery
glory.
On the terrace. amongst score of 9TH
ers, were saunterins together, arn-in-arm,
was not far distant from this particular
couple. but he kept himself out ofSisht.
now behind this pillar then behind that,
| concealed entirely from observation.
This night, am determined, shall end
my dishonor and my sulferinssH the Count
cried within himself. drawing forth a dag.
ger, ami passing his fingers over the ed :e OF
it, as ito assure himself OF its keenncss.
Either he or She shall tall. VIVA, matter
which OF them Slav. since both OF them
are un worthy to live
Presently the Prince and Corona passed
directly in front OF the pillar the massive
circumference of which was completely
concealing the jealous husband standing
behind it.
Alexo had not yet made himself visible;
and the Prince was therefore i'll doubt con-
corning the fate ofhis letter-whe,heri il had.
or had not, reached Madame Ia Cumte>Se's
hands. From her manner. he was inclined
to think that the page had failed TO fulfill
his promise: and thus thinking he RETAINED
from speaking to her on the subject OF his
dishonest passion.
Sounds of music were floating on the
balmy air. and murmurinG voices were all
around. The Count could not catch the
Sv!lablcS Of the two speakers on the other
SIDE of the pillar. No: strain his ears as he
would, their accents did not reach him.
Was it the buzz of sounds that was
preventing him from hearing their con-
Versatlou. or was it because they We're
whispering too softly for their accents to
reach his ears! he ask ed himself, still finger
ing his weapon, and waxing more wrath
full.
A!eNo, who was near at hand, was noting
all, wondering how matters would end. A
sudden thought seized him: and at once
acting upon that thought ne crossed the
terrace, approached the Countess, ard ad
dressed her
The Count is in the o"an-erv. seeking
Madame la Comte>se," Alcxo said. in an
almost whisper, which was not caught by
the listener on the other side OF the pillar.
Corona started at these words, as also
did the Prince; but each 0; them with wide
ly d tferent feelings
Corona had received the pages words a.
a direct message from the Count; while the
Prince had put very different construction
upon them. Into Corona's bosom there
was now rushing tide of tenderness, she
was thinking that her husband had repent
Ell of his recent behavior towards her, and
was seeking reconciliation With her.
Let Us go to the orangery, said she. adj
eagerness in her tones.
those fatal words reaching Tie Counts
hearing, he started suddenly forward. and
at once buried his dagger up to its hilt in
Corona's side. who shriekeu and fell into
the Princes arms. Then tumult conster-
nation, and horror arose. and spread them
SELVES throughout the whole place
In the midst of all this, Alexo stealthily
let thc palace and spool away from the
city.
Corona was borne TO her characteristics
Count sought for and found-and half a
dozen surgeons were forthwith summoned
to attend the wounded Countess, who every
body said was dying.
''N ho---wllo was the asSassin?' was the
question from all side>--a question which
no one could answer; for no one had seen
the blow struck---it had seemed to come
out of the air, from a hand invisible.
But Corona, who was quite sensible an
pearcd to guess who had dealt her the ter
rible wound. AS you are aware, she was
innocent OF all thought of evil; there ore
she had no suspicion whatever of the cause
that had prompted her onceloving hus.
band to attempt the destruction 0! her lifo
Now, notwithstanding all the doctors
per .ectly undisturbcd and tranquil, Corona
demanded the presence OF her husband. In
vain they demonstrated with her, her cry
was still Tor him. Al length. drealng to
longer oppose her, they told her that her
desire shou be gratitied. But they warn
ed her that her life was hanging on Il hair
and that it almost depended upon herself
whether she livei or died.
She smiled luintly at this---she thought
that her..liat had gone forth. that her last
NJ .mentS We're near. She heard the omen
ing of her chamb"r-door, and the sound 0!
voice and. turning her head she saw the
Count approaching the couch on which She
Was laid.
CONTINUED NEXT WEEK.