The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1899-03-16
make his usual call here, and interrupt

make his usual call here, and interrupt
u.s."
M. Bernard took the book. but paused
to say:
The old Count German! | have
heard of him; what sort of a character
do you give him."
Indeed can hardly tell. He is Ger
tainly variable At one time, genial
courteous and charming-and then
again. SO morose, reserved and suspc-
ious-he quite frightens me from MN.
But his SON"
Never mind his son." interrupted
her companion with frown.
Poor, young Count German! what
persistent dislike you maIifest toE
him" said Violante, laughing-"while
he is so extremely anxious to kno"
you
"A single meeting would suffice for
us BOTH" muttered Bernard.
do you know him. asked the girl.
with new suspicion.
The abruptness Of the question
startled him, and he faltered:
Il did once-that is, | have heard
and then waiting to collect his
| thoughts, he added, btterly-"be sure.
| if you are a friend 10 either Of us, you
will never bring about meeting, or
mention the name of one 10 the
other"
Lady Vioante was lost in deep and
vi f,1
watched her face uneasily, and yentur-
ed meekly:
Il told you l was made up Of mys-
teries-do not try TO pierce them. and
vex yourself over what will be un-
fathomable and unsatisfactory. Let
the Germans be banished from our
conversation henceforward, and it will
be pleasanter for us both. Now for our
poem"
But another interruption come from
a servant, who brought in small bas-
ket Of fruit, which he said an old
woman had left at the door. saying it
was for the sick stranger at the Chat
eau
Lady Violante saw from her guests
face the basket was of no common sig
nificance, and dismissing the servant,
she herself handed it to Bernard.
The moment the door closed upon the
servant he hastily rolled out the fruit,
and drew forth, as she had already an
ticipated, small slip of paper, over
which his eye darted hastily, while he
muttered, evidently forgetful of his
auditor:
Selfish that ! have been. in the in
toxication of my own happiness, have
forgotten how much she must suffer
from suspense and anxiety. 1t was rash
and reckless for her to venture here in
any disguise"
Lady Violante rose in embarrass-
ment: she did not wish to hear what
was intended only to be spoken in his
own mind-but with a mournful smile
he returned to the present, and tossing
her the note, he said abruptly:
"You will see why must appeal to
you once more for your aid 1 did not
mean to compromise you again. in the
slightest way, but you see what frantic
alarm it is needful for me to calm.
The note was written in a delicate
female hand, and ran thus:
Il can bear my agonized suspense no
longer Why do you not write TO me
again? | heard from passing gossipers
what has happened. and what detains
You at the Chateau; but a thought and
fear assails me. | see our enemies 90.
ing thither every day. How will you
escape their eyes? 1t was noble in YOU
to save the beautiful young lady-but
Oh, 1t was rash to risk so much in re-
naming at the Castle. | tremble for
you lest you fall into their hands. Ber-
card, Bernard. come back to me as
SION as possibler'
Lady Niolante read il through. and
then in slightly constrained voice
said:
Il am only more bewildered. Surely
l can truthfully assure you no enemies
to you come near the Chateau. The
lady's fears are groundless."
He shook his head impatiently.
Let us have no further discussion
concerning them. l will not conceal
from you, SO much faith have I in vour
generous sympathy with misfortune
that 1t is the Germans to whom she re-
fers-ncr deny that my careful avoid
ahce or the young Count is to prevent
the unpleasant results of his recogni-
tlon. know all say plunges you yet
deeper in baffled conjecture. vet T
would fam implore you to have faith
In me; not az right, but as a favor T
ask it,"
She sighed even while she smiled