The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1899-04-14

led the way from the cliff to the high
way, and to beguile her agitation, he
began calmly discussing the last poem
they had read together. Violante lis
tened to the calm, sweet tones, half
wondering II she were not lost in the
mazes Of dream. But as they ap-
preached the chateau avenue she rous-
ed herself.
"You must not go a step farther or
you may be seen! o, Bernard, it was
thoughtless in me, for the sake of en-
joying your company, to permit it. You
must return this very moment"
NAY, Lady Violante, you are need
lessly alarmed. You forget that 1t is
nearly midnight. Count Esnile does
not play lover or eavesdropper at that
hour does he?"
"Viliain! he is here to speak for
himself!" Numbered a voice behind
them, as Count German stepped forth
from the screen of myrtle bush.
With faint scream Violante flung
herself before Bernard, who, drawing
himself up to his haughtiest height,
said calmly:
You give me an ugly name for an
Introductory one. This fair companion,
| take it, demands somewhat more gen.
tlemanly bearing, or 1 might hurl It
back"
Coward" sneered the Count, who
in truth was nearly beside himself
with rage. Lady Violante's presence
is u fine pretext for your safety, but
it will not avail you. Violante, as my
bctrothed wife, I command you to re-
turn to the chateau another time I
can express better to you my indigna-
tion at this unladylike conduct. Go
now"
HIS words aroused the proud blood
OF which Count Beauvais boasted, even
in Violante's gentle veins. She step
ped back to Demands side, while she
returned scornfully:
Your betrothed wife! indeed, sir.
but this is the first time you have per-
sonally alluded to the subject. l am
pleased at last to have an opportunity
to give an answer which my fathers
|
please heaven, l will never be; loved
You not before; henceforward, from
this night detest your
Count Emile laughed. sarcastic,
bitter anger shaking the tones till
they were but an absurd mockery of
mirth
Doubtless, fair Violante, this 70,
l
mantle rcscuer of distressed daclsels,
this midnight gallant, has usurped the
claim that is rightfully mine! 1t is
fortunate l am warned of these freaks.
My lady, the Countess Germain, will
need tight rein, and, by my sword,
she shall have it,"
Take care! you will oversten even
NY patience" exclaimed Bernard,
this coward!y threatening to noble
lady, will not listen to in silence"
And who are your" retorted the
Count, liercoly; have I not ALREADY
compromised Lady Violante's fair
Eanlc b. this clandestine mcctinyo
how do l know but you have sought
to win her love-"
Bernard folded his arms in silent
contempt, but to his astonisEmcnt Viz
Ia2tc answered for him:
Count Emile, you shall have a fair
understanding, if you persist in urg-
ing your suit, the consequences will
be on your own head. l do not love
you. l shall never love you, for my
whole heart is given to him who saved
my life, to him who stands before you.
That such love is hopeless. l need
not tell one who knows my father: but
surely, If you can be generous, you
will respect my unhappiness and leave
ME unmolested."
The quivering voice. betraying how
much the words cost her, might have
moved some hearts, but Count Emile
was only more deeply incensed.
Fine talk is this to my very face.
1 would Count Beauvais could hear
this maidenly speech from her whom
l have looked upon as my wife, from
the earliest days Of childhood!' he ex-
claimed, bitterly, and then turning
flercely to Bernard, he added, lit is
to your meddling presence 1 owe all
| SAAos q uo4ACiCoS never ven
turing to show your face in honest day
light. BY heaven. will see it now!
He hastily drew a small box from
his pocket, ignited roll of paper into
a flame. and held up the impromptu
torch close to Demands face. which
the starlight but dimly revealed. AS
the flame frightened and shed its glare
over the calm, proud features. Count
Emile suddenly ground his teeth:
Hugo. by heaven!"
Yes, Hugo" repeated Bernard scorn,
fully, "and what then, Count Emile
Germain?"
The count had been getting more
and more furious in his anger. He
cast aside every restraint now, ant
suddenly drawing pistol, he exc,aim
ed, hoarsely:
This, then" and fired.
His agitation prevented accurat,
aim, and while the horror-stricken Vic
lante sprang forward in frantic terror
Bernard stood calmly defiant.
| As for V;oionto sho had hosYeno.