The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1899-03-16

| rode up the avenue! Count German |!
much interested in you and longs tt
! see you. Why do you so obstinately
refuse TO receive any visitors? HI
might so much enliven these dreary
hours. Promise me l may bring hin
here tomorrow.
Bernard was gnawing his lip tiercely
Never" exclaimed he, in SO deep q
| tone it startled her. Have patience
! Lady Violante, | am fast growing
! stronger, you will soon be rid OF me
Till then you must remember the prom
Use you gave that | should be INDUCED
in this one imperative demand"
Now you are unjust as well as I'M
kind You know nothing is further
from my thoughts than the wish TO be
rid of you. 1t is only that | cannot
bear TO think of you immured here in
the dreary loneliness of this chamber,
that makes me press upon you other
acquaintance. Besides, | am vexed
that others should so misunderstood
you, the Count"
What of him." demanded Bernard
with a flashing eye.
Nay do not look so angry. He does
not understand it-and jests a little
about the misanthropical hermit who
saved my life. He will not comprehend
my explanations"
Il beg you will not make any eX-
plantations to Count German on my be-
halfr' began Bernard haughtily; but
her beseeching glance arrested him.
4 n
will you not allow others tc know you
as good and noble as you appear to
me? What is this mystery that sur
rounds you?"
The black cloud came sweeping over
his face, the gloomy fire lent it's gleam
TO his eve. and with bitter, bitter
sigh, he said:
ct is my fate Cannot help It, l
wonder that you do not also shrink
from me. You who know more or the
mystery than any other. Do not let
pity keep you here, Lady Violante.
"Alonev sighed she in return. Il
would there was less concealment-
and yet I must own it is not pity, not
even gratitude, that draws me toward
you
what them" demanded he eagerly.
sincere. earnest friendship" replied
she in clear, steady tones-the sincere
eyes never blenching from his lmpas-
stoned gaze. Il like you, see so much
that is good and noble beneath this
cold mask you strive to wear. There
is genuine affinity between our minds
and it grieves me that others can
not share in my appreciation Of your
worth
He checked a bitter smile, to say
mournfully:
1T is your own surprising goodness
not any worth of mine: and you know
nothing of me-not even my name-if
| be noble or peasant, rich or poor, in
nccent or guilty"
Nay" said she, catching only at one
idea, mo one could think of you as
peasant-your very carriage assures
one of noble blood"'
Again, a scornful, cynical smile was
repressed as he turned his face from
observation-and then he said, with a
gravity that was almost solemn:
Lady Niolante. | am a mysterious
being-isolation and danger and mys-
terry are my portion; but again | as
sure you it is my misfortune, not my
deserving. Very sweet and precious TO
me is the sympathy you have given
these days, filled with pain though
they have been, are the happiest OF my
sorrowful life. That | was the humble
instrument of saving you from a
frightful death, will be a cause of
thanksgiving and rejoicing to my dying
day-and yet | am so proud that any
attentions shown to me by you out of
gratitude TO that, become hateful and
repulsive. o, Lady Violante, |, SO un-
loved and alien to all the rest of the
world, cannot afford to lose the sweet
drop in my bitter cup. Think not OF
what is due your preserver, but care
for me for my sake"
The fair girl looked at him wistfully.
The rapidly blushing and paling cheek
betrayed the agitation he strove to con-
ceal. The starting tear that only for
a moment dimmed the eagle eye. moved
her deeply.
Strange mortal said she. holding
out her hand with the tenderness of
woman, and yet the dignity of queen
How many times already have you ex-
torted from me that aside from all
owe you | cannot help admiring and
loving you"
He bent over her little hand, and
with the one respectful kiss fell burn
ing tear.
God bless you. come what will here
after, shall be able TO say, the cup Of
Joy has once been lifted to my lips,
and the memory Of this moment shall
have power 10 Danish my gloom
Come" said Violante, taking up a
hook from the table Won shall finish