The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1897-06-02

my distress on hearing to-day from my
nephew that you have refused his pro-
posal of marrige."
Trina looked toward Count Albrecht;
something that she read in his wrath
ful mien made her hesitate as she an
swered:
at is quite true, we are friends, anu
nothing more"
at cannot be, my dear young lady,
that so young u maiden should have
given away her preference without the
consent or knowledge of her guardian?
Answer me candidly: Are your affec-
tions already engaged?'
The color surged into Irma's cheeks
and left them pale again. She glanced
at Frau Won Wolde. There was no
help for her there.
This question which you have no
right to ask, Count Reitzenberg, and
which refuse to answer. / must beg
you to excuse me.n
'Baroness Buchow is rightr' burst
in Albrecht. ''She has suffered enough
at our hands already. She shall not be
thwarted in her will. If she honors
me with her friendship, 1 accept it
gratefully. Listen to NE, my uncle. |
refuse to he party to your scheme"
The forest spread its wide wings even
as far as the castle garden. Irma low
ed the green paths and quiet shades,
and here she came with her book the
morning after her interview with the
count, and pretended to read. But,
though she kept her eyes on the pages,
she read there only Count AIbrecht's
parting words-he accepted her offer of
friendship gratefully Driven to bay,
as it were, in order TO save, that was
what he had said.
During the last three months she had
come to understand something of his
uprightness, his high sense of honor.
He would never marry a woman
though she We're prineess-tO whom
he could no. give his love.
at was my fortune" sighed Irma,
''that made him nearly hate me at
/ first" Did he hate her now?
| She closed her book and wandered
still farther into the woods, down a
hillside covered with fern and moss, to-
ward the stream that ran between high
rocks, chattering and foaming on its
way.
On the further side of the stream was
tract of open country, dotted with
clumps of trees and underwood and
bright heather. The stepping stones
were half covered with water to-day;
the current was running fiercer than
its wont. She bethought herself of
rustic bridge few yards further down
the stream.
The bridge hung high in the air,
supported by rough pine stems; it was
picturesque but fragile affair.
Half way across Irma put her hand
on the rail-how noisy the stream was.
it snapped Off at her touch, one wood
en- plank tottered under her feet, anoth-
er fell with a splash into the water be-
low.
She had plenty of courage; she was
light and active. She knew, moreover,
that she could easily leap that formida-
bic looking gap and gain the bank.
She was about to make the attempt,
when she was stopped by perempto-
ry shout:
Gently, gently. Jump from the
projecting stem; it is safe,'
She looked up. On the edge of the
heather covered rock stood Albrecht
Reitzenberg.
She paused uncertain, half inclined
to retrace her steps.
Perceiving her hesitation, he raised
his voice and shouted still louder above
the clamor of the rushing water:
''Can you hear me, Baroness Irma?
She nodded assent.
''Step thereto the left. Do not look
back"
Involuntarily she obeyed. He held
out his arms. The gulf yawned be-
tween them. He could be of no help
''The stem will bear your weight
Do not be in too great hurry"
"Why does he look so grave?"
thought Irma- as he still angry
81 had better return the way | came,
Count Albrecht. Do not trouble on my
account.
mo; do as | direct you. You see
which is the best place to stand? Drop
your book-it might be in your way
and jump as far as you can. Now!'
One spring, and Trina was safe on
the moss and heather, while the plank
on which she had thought to stand,
slipped into the foaming water.
Albrecht held her hand clasped in
his.
THANK heaven that you are safer
he cried. "Oh, Irma, my Irma,
could not stop youl l came just too
late for that. l could only look on in
agony. Are you frightened? Are you
hurt?''
81 am not hurt. / did not know
that it was dangerous. l did not, in
deed"
She saw him turn pale at the thought
of Eer peril, and the tears which she
had not shed for herself fell fast for his
distress.
"The bridge should have been de-
stroyed long ago; it shall be done to-
day. did not dare to join you or to
speak to you until you had passed the
worst. If you had been killed-ahi |
cannot bear to think of It'll should
never have known another days hap
piness, and it would have been my
fault-mineI How could / let you
wander about alone when / was long
ing to be with you? My Irma, my best
beloved! Thank Heaven / have you
safe at last. Surely we have played at