Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1897-05-20

Wh1te nag 10 DC nOlSCeQ. buC WISH 10
say to you that it is not your fault that
France falls today. You saw the rem
edy, and urged it; you have also ex-
posed your life like brave man, and in
a manner to effect the best results. You
have done well, and thank you. In an
hour shall cease to be emperor; mean
while, let me bestow upon you what is
in my power to bestow.' He then gave
me the cross from his breast, and put in
my hand a folded paper-the patent Of
nobility. 4 have observed your con-
duct he said, and provided this recog-
milton of it. Had destiny been kind to
us you should have been great in
France
ut was very nice of him." remarked
Olympia mo wonder you like such q
man."
II entreated him to go to America" !"
continued the count, ''and offered to
undertake to bring him here. | said
when these troubles are over Franco
will ask for you again But he answered
that it was too late. France will never
forgive me this defeat he said; and, be-
sides, am dying man. once thought
there might be future for me and had
taken steps to assure it. But all that is
past hope. shall retire to England. Do
you go to America, if you will, and seek
the fortune that | have lost Other
things he told me; among them secrets
known only to himself. But | weary
you, mademoiselle, with so long story"
But Olympia had been deeply inter
ested. Beneath an outward quietude Of
speech and manner there was in Count
de Lisle suppressed fire and emphasis
that fascinated the attention and sum-
moned pictures before the imagination.
Fixing her eyes upon his strong. reserved
features Olympia wondered at the at
traction he had for her. And again,
when she looked away, she had notion
that he was somehow less stranger
than he appeared. Some natures exer-
else mutual magnetism over each other,
so that when they meet it is as if they
had known each other before.
Oly1npia's fine or~Hnilati u. n.,.dc hcr
susceptible to impressions tnat hir! no
existence for ordinary people. The ef-
feet, in this instance, was to incline her
to reserve. A young maiden instructive
ly resists whatever threatens to subdue
her. and, moreover, in Olympia's men,
ory. the figure OF Keppel Darke remained
as something sacred, not to be disturbed
"How shall you amuse yourself in
New York;" she asked. breaking short
silence.
II have made some plans" he said;
"but the first thing is to make tho ac-
quaintance Of the people. That must
do quickly, for this winter mean to
give ball at my new house, and every
one who is anybody must be there. AZ
ter that shall be at home and can at
tend to my own business. am going
to build o school Of art"
Olympia Immediately forgot her hesi-
tations. "That's good news!" she ex-
claimed. There is nothing could de-
sire more. But what will be the plan
of it?
II knew you were fond of art" OBJ
served the count, looking curiously at
her. II will not say your little pictures
are beyond criticism, but there is some
thing in them that like, and that rem
ders them very valuable to me. But
didn't know that your interest in tho ad-
vancemento of art lay so near your heart "
Il once had very dear friend who
was IN artist, and l was thinking more
of him than of myself" She drew a
sighing breath, but did not blush. II
can imagine what he would have wished,
and should be glad to see it done"
''This friend-is not now ivingT
said the count gently.
"He diednearly three years ago"
"And you still think Of him and wish
to see his dreams realized3" The count
spoke these words in an undertone. and
rather as if communing with himself
than addressing Olympia. ut will give
me pleasure, mademoiselle, he con-
tinued, in another voice, ito know that
in carrying out my projects l am also
fulfilling the desires of one who was dear
to you"
She had listened with rising color and.
sparkling eyes. at would be glorious"
she cried, pressing her hands together.
"But can it be done?'
MANY poorer man than | could do
as much as this" he replied. There is
capital enough in this country engaged
in spreading industries and developing
resources. Civilization can spare me
what need for this hobby of mine; and
perhaps a future generation will think
me less unwise than the present one."
The count had become moved beyond
his wont:by the train of thought he was
indulging, and had risen from his chair,
and was pacing up and down the room.
At this juncture his attention happened
to be attracted to a portrait that hung
in an alcove at the left of the window.
1t was an admirable likeness Of Olym-
pia herself.
"Ahl" he exclaimed, stopping short.
He remained silent and motionless for
several moments, but finally said, in an
Indifferent tone: THAT is a good work.
Is it your own?"
"Oh, no. cannot paint like that, }"
she replied. "That was painted by my
friend, the artist 1t was the last thing
he cid before his death"
"a good work." repeated the count
Are you willing 10 dispose Of ~ You
can name your own price for it. Frank
ly, have taken fancy to it,"
II cannot sell it," said Olympia. ut
is the most precious thing to me in the
world"
The count continued to look at the