The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1899-04-06


angry persistence alarms me much
more. / never thought he would force
you to union you abhOrred. But you
yourself must be the judge, dearest
Lady Vic iante; if you find their perse-
cuion intolerable, if your cool DELHI
Grafton sanctions such a course, / can
give you safe and honorable refuge
from them, my own and my mothers
tenderest care, to atone for the loss OF
worldly gayeties and riches. 1t is a
question / shall never press, having
once told you wherefore | refrain. But
you are trembling sadly. See how
strong have grown; you must let me
assist you homeward."
He quietly drew her arm in his, and
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 if she were not lost in the
maZes of a dream. But as they APP
preached the chateau avenue she rous-
ed herself.
You must not go step farther or
you may be seem o, Bernard, IL 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 it is
nearly midnight. Count Emile does
not play lover or eavesdropper at that
hour, does he?"
VILLAIN! he is here to speak for
himself!' Numbered a voice behind
them, as Count German stepped forth
from the screen of a 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 | might hurl It
back"
Coward" sneered the Count, who
in truth was nearly beside himself
with rage Lady Violante's presence
is fine pretext for your safety, but
it will not avail you. Violante, as my
betrothed wife, I command you to re-
turn to the chateau; another time /
can express better TO you my indigna-
ton 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 tie subject. | am
pleased at last to have an opportunity
to give an answer which my fathers
Partially shall not soften. Your wife.
please heaven, l will never be: I loved
you not before; henceforward, from
this night. | detest your'
Count Emile laughed, a sarcastic.
bitter anger shaking the tones till
they were but an absurd muckery of
mirth
Doubtless, fair Violante, this ro-
mantle rescuer of distressed damsels.
this midnight gallant, has usurped the
claim that is rightfully mine, It is
fortunate | am warned f these freaks.
My lady, the Countess German. will
need a tight rein, and, by my sword.
she shall have it,"
Take care! you will oversten even
my patience" exclaimed Bernard.
this cowardly threatening to noble
lady, I will not listen to in silence"
And who are your" retorted the
Count, fiercely; have \ not already
compromised Lady vioiante's fair
name by this clandestine meetiny9
how do / know but you have sought
TO win her lover"
Bernard folded his arms in silent
contempt, but to his establishment Vio-
late 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. I do not Iowa
you, | shall never love you for nv
whole heart is given to him who savsd
my life, to him who stands before VIM,
That such love is hopeless, need
not tell ore who knows my father hut
surely, If you can be generous. Won
will respect my unhappiness and eave
me unmolested."
The quiverlng voice. betrayir.g how
much the words cost her, migAt have
moved some hearts. but Count Emile
was only more deeply incensod
Fine talk is this to my very faoo
l would Count Beauvais could hoo
this maidenly speech from her whom
have looked upon as my wife from
the earliest days of childhcodw bo oy-
| claimed bitterly and hhan 4i