Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-09-01
Continued.

AlICt LOiNAho hN''N'f
smile. you forget, count, l have
my guests to attend to-"
"Aad am | not one?" he asked
quietly.
Alice opened her fan and moved
It to and fro, but did not answer
80 you were frightened In the
ruins today?" went on the count,
drinking In the fair loyeliness OF her
face with passionate avidity
eyes; but 1t was very stupid OF
me- Please do not think me a
coward"
"And II you are afraid In broad
daylight, how can you have the
courage to sleep In a room with all
these glorious jewels?"
He touched a gltterlng bracelet
as he spoke.
II am not frightened in my own
apartment" Alice said, wondering
Just little at the way In which
he always discussed the diamonds.
The count noticed her surprise. He
adroltly changed the conversation.
"Ah, you should see the wonder
IuI tuVt6 anu WtIlh Iib'Np h"'N ny
held in my travels. Ghosts and
spirits dwelt In them, indeed"
II should be glad to travel and
see other lands"
Alice spoke dreamily.
"You wolld?" broke In the count.
"Ah, how would you like to leave
this desoate place and see nothing
but blue sky, sunshine and flowers?
Fancy garden, with orange groves
seeming the air, with terraces
leading down to bay as blue--as
blue a your starlight oyes One
can be happy In home like that"
"Do you know OF such a place."
tho girl asked, eager 10 continue this
conversation.
Eyes, | know OF such a paradise.
1t Ia mne~a mine, Now it stands
empty and deserted 1t only waits
I r n mstress--a mistress fair, lovely
as the sun, with gentle grace and
maddenlng eyes such as yours.
Yes. you are"
Count"
Alice rose quickly, but his arm
stole round her slender waist.
Yes, yes you are the only wo-
man In this wide world that could
bring happiness In such home.
Have not my eyes spoken clearly?
Did you not understand? Alchemy
Lady Alice listen! will take you
away from all this gllded misery.
You are wretchcd here. | can give
you more~lovo. Yes. girl; you
cannot comprehend what passion
is devouring my heart. For you
live alone. for love you!"
LET me go!" breathed Alice
wrenchlng herself from his grasp.
"llow dare you? How dare you in
suit me like thls!"
INSULT" the man laughed. what.
YOU pretend you have not seen my
iOye?"
Your loyel" repeated the girl with
deepest scorn. Il have seen aothing. ,
II had, should have come here
to bear your insults, Go-go--at once!
coward! l scorn you! | hate you!"
Hate me! Beware, Lady Darrell.
I am your friend, your lover now. but
make me your enemy and l will
fight you to the end"
The girl drew up her figure to its |
Gull height, and pointed to the door |
way.
Got" she said quietly. IL am not
frightened. A man to use threats to
n woman must be u coward. Col"
The count turned, then swiftly
back, he seized her arm and ;
pressed his lips to II with pas
slonate force that hurt her,
"You shall sue to me yet" he
You shall be In my
power swear It,"
Alice stood Watching his retreatins
form. Her hand was clenched on her
arm where his lips had touched It.
She felt sick and III, and was trem-
bling in every limb, She put out
her hands wildly Pride had lent
her strength, hut now when she was
alone her strength went quickly, and
scarce knowing where she was, she
sank on to the couch, white and
almost iuscnsible,
Her eyes closed. She did not see n
mans figure enter the doorway and
approach. She dimly head sud
den exclamation, and knew no more
till she felt herself gently lifted and
clasped in a pair OF arms.
Then abe opened her eyes, and her
glaace fell on the handsome face OF
Roy Darrell.
You are Ill.," he said hastily.
what j. 1t? What has happened"
She drew her hand across her eyes:
then with shudder remembered
all. Her lips opened to speak Of the
counts perhdy and insult, but she
suddenly recollected that he was the
earl's guest, aad checked herself.
81 am tired" she murmured "the
ride was long, and the evening has
tried me-"
Eyes. yes, you arc quite fatigued.
why not retire to your room. MY
mother will relieve You OF the rest
az your duties -