Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-08-25
Continued.

seen life or happiness till beheld
you"
He scarcely knew what he said, Sc
enthralled were his senses by his
passion and her beauty.
you are attracted by the dia-
nonds, not me-" Alice said hurried
ly, feeling a greater dread than ever
steal over her.
The hall was quite deserted; she
longed for a glimpse of a servant.
but no one was about, and she could
not pass down, for Count Jura stood
right in her path
Diamonds" he repeated with a
start. For the first time he noticed
her jewels. They had escaped him.
1t was her radiant beauty that had
seized his eye 49," he said slowly,
you wear the celebrated Darrell
gems tonight, countess. You would
he good booty for robber."
Alice laughed neryously but she
was thankful that the passion had
died out OF his eyes, and she said
lightly:
Eyes; but l am afraid Of no rob-
bers."
Women are always brave" the
count observed. glancfng now at the
sparkling gems with keen curious
lock; "but | don't mind confessing
that, man as l am, should not care
/ to sleep In a room with these world
famous jewels. I should expect to
have very unsettled slumbers."
Il have never tried it," Alice
answered, still lightly, though she
longed to get away from this man;
but I shall do so tonight for the
first time. | will let you know to
morrow whether my slumbers We're
disturbed l don't think l am very
much afraid. And now, count, 1t
is getting late. Will you pardon me
i must 60"
The count bowed and stood aside,
then leaned over the oak balustrade
ard watched the dainty figure glide
down.
Tonight" he muttered; tonight,
she said. It's we'll. Paul shall not
accuse me of playing ana not work
ing. And yet how fair, how beauti-
full she is! What are diamonds 10
such loveliness as hers? If she were
but free, il could but clasp her in
my arms and press my lips to hers.
Pshaw! l am raving-it can never
be! George, old fellow. wake up,
remember you have work to do to-
night"
Alice passed on to the great salon.
The room was empty as she entered
it: she was early, but her courage,
| instead of sinking, rose higher and
higher as she walked through the
brilliantly lighted apartment, and
caught the reflection Of her beautiful
fern in the many mirrors.
She was standing by the fireplace
when the earl came in; her back was
turned, and seeing only a slender
graceful form, he hurried up to 1t.
He carried lovely bouquet of flowers
In his hand
Valerie" he said, In low passion
ute tones, Il have kept my promise;
here are your flowers Lady Oar
rell, you," he exclaimed, as Alice
turned slowly and faced him. Then
almost involuntarily he muir
mured How beautiful you are! Lei
me congratulate you! You will in
deed win all hearts tonight"
Thank you" Alice answered quite
composedly, though her own heart
was beating wildly. What a change
had come into his voice. The first
words had been love-aden, but the
next breathed only compliments.
Il trust am to your satsfac-
tico. You wish to find Miss Ross?-
She is not yet come down
The earl flushed again, that strange
fascination that Alice seemed TO
exercise over MIN came into his mind
once more.
Il brought her some flowers he
observed confusedly: she always
likes them"
Viking" returned the young countess,
seeing his confusioa, and plying
him. II never saw so many wonder
full plants till came here"
Our lighthouses are considered very
fine-we must so over them 10
gether," cried Roy. forgetting all
about Valerie and the bouquet, and
gazing at his lovely young wife with
new sensation la his breast.
Alice's eyes dropped, she did not
wish him to notice her agitation.
Il am afraid 1t would be too much
trouble, my lord" she said. turning
from him and forcing herself TO
speak coldly.
"Trouble--oh no! Tell me what
hour you will be free tomorrow and
I am at your service"
Alice felt a thrill Of establishment
that melted into moment OF perfect
bliss.
Il am free all day" she murmured.
Then we CAN
The earl got no farther. for two
people entered the room at this in
slant. They were Count Jura and
Valerie, gorgeous in crimson satin
and her rubies and diamonds.