The DeLamar nugget. [volume] (DeLamar, Idaho) 1891-1900, 1897-04-30

clear that the termination of the pleas
ant companionship of the last few
weeks was to be war
MY dear Baroness Irma," said the
count, advancing to meet his young
guest with ceremonious politeness, Il
am exceedingly pleased to see you. Your
visit here has given me great satisfac-
ton. You honored this house with
your presence, with the full consent
of your guardian and my esteemed
cousin, Frau Won Wolde. l had hoped,
not without grounds, that the friend
ship between you and my heir was
gradually ripening into a deeper and
more lasting feeling The alliance is
one which must give satisfaction TO all
interested in our families. Imagine my
distress on hearing to-day from my
nephew that you have refused his pro-
posal of marriage"
lrma looked toward Count Albrecht;
something that she read in his wrath
full mien made her hesitate as she an
sHered 1T is quite true; we are
friends, aud nothing more"
at cannot be, my dear young lady,
that so young n maiden should have
given away her preference without the
consent or knowledge of her guardian?
Answer me candidly: Are your af-
fections already engaged?"
The color surged into lrma's checks
and left them pale again. She glanced
at Frau Won Wolde. There was no help
for her there. This is question which
you have no right to ask, untReiJzen-
berg, and which l refuse TO answer.
must beg you to excuse me-"
Baroness Buchow is right" burst
in Albrecht. "She has suffered enough
at our hands already. She shall not be
thwarted in her will. If she honors nc
with her friendship, I accept it CRATE
fully. Listen to me, my uncle. Irefuse
to be party to your scheme.
The forest spread its wide wings even
| as far as the castle garden. Irma loved
the green paths and quiet shades, and
here she came with her book the morn
iug after her interview with the count,
and pretended to read. But, though
she kept her eyes on the pages, she read
there only Count Albrecht's parting
words-he accepted her offer of friend
ship gratefully! Driven to bay, as i.
were. in order to save her, that wa
what h. had said. During the last three
months she had come to understand
something of his uprigh;ness, Lis high
sense OF honor. He would never marry
Il woman-though she were princess
to whom he could not give his love.
81: was ny fortune" sighed lrma,
shat made him nearly hate me at first"
Did he bate her now?
She shut her book and wandered still
further into the woods, down hillside
covered with fern and moss, toward tn,
stream that ran between high rocks
chat;criag and foaming on lis way. Or
The further side of the stream YVES {;
tract of open country, dotted viii
Jumps of trees and underwood ant
bright with heather. The stepping
itoncs were half covered with water to-
lay: the current was running fierce
han its wont. She bethought herscl.
If rustic bridge a few yards further
Town.
The bridge hung high in the air, sup
,crted by rough pine stems; il was
icturcsque but a fragile affair. Hal
way across lrma put her hand on the
ail-how noisy the stream wa1!-it
.aDped of at her touch, one wooden
.lanl tottcrcd under her feet, another
ell with n splash into the water below.
She had plenty of courage; she was light
and active. She knew, moreover. that
,he could easily leap that formidable
.oolung gap and gain the bank. She
..as about 10 make the attempt, when
she was stepped by Il peremptory shout;
Gently, gently! Jump from that
,roicct;.g stem; it is shfel"
She looked up; on the edge of the
'Ieathcr-covered rock stood Albrecht
Ite;tZenbeTg.
She raused uncertain, half inclined t.
retrace her steps. Perceiving her hest
alton. he raised his voice and shouted
sill louder above the clamor of the
rushing water:
"Can you hear me, Baroness lrma?'
She nodded assent.
"Step thereto the left. Do not look
back"
Involuntarily she obeyed. lie held
out his arms. The gulf yawned between
hem. lie 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. "Is he still angry?"
II had better return the way came,
Count Albrecht. Do not trouble on my
account"
.No; do as | direct YOU. You see