The Dupuyer acantha. [volume] (Dupuyer, Mont.) 1894-1904, 1899-06-08

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 a 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,
l take it, demands somewhat more gen.
tlemanly bearing, or 1 might hurl 1t
back"
Coward" sneered the Count, who
In truth was nearly beside himself
with rage. Lady Violante's presence
is a fine pretext for your safety, but
1t will not avail you. Violante, as my
betrothed wife, 1 command o to re-
turn to the chateau; another time 1
can express better to you my indigna-
ton at this u~nladylike conduct. Go
now"
His words aroused the proud blood
Of which Count Beauvais boosted, 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. 1 am
pleased at last to have an opportunity
to give an answer which my fathers
partiality shall not soften. Your wife,
please heaven, I will never be; 1 loved
you not before; henceforward, from
this night, l detest your
Count Emile laughed, a sarcastic,
bitter anger shaking the tones till
they were but an absurd mockery of
mirth.
Doubtless, fair Violante, this ro-
mantle rescuer of distressed damsels,
this midnight gallant, has usurped the
claim that is rightfully mine! 1t is
fortunate l am warned of these freaks.
My lady, the Countess German, will
need a tight rein, and, by my sword,
she shall have It,"
Take care! you will overstep even
my ~patience!" exclaimed Bernard,
this cowardly threatening to a noble
lady, ! will not listen to in silence"
And who are your" retorted the
Count, fiercely; have l not already
compromised Lady Violante's fair
name by this clandestine meeting?
how do I know but you have sought
to win her love?"
Bernard folded his arms in silent
contempt, but to his establishment Viu-
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 w 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 a 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
fercely to Bernard, he added, "it is
to your meddling presence 1 owe all
this, a nameless a~dventurer, never ven.
turing to show your face in honest day.
light. By heaven, | will see it now!'
lie hastily drew a small box from
his pocket, ignited a roll of p into
a flame, and held up the impromptr
torch close to Demands face, which
t the starlight but dimly revealed. Al
5 the flame frightened and shed it's glare
over the calm, proud features, Coun'
Emile suddenly ground his teeth:
Hugo, by heaven!"
Eyes, Hugo" repeated Bernard scorn
fully, land what then, Count Emil,
Germain?"
The count had been getting NOR,
r and more furious in his anger. H
: cast aside every restraint now, an,
q suddenly drawing a pistol, he exclaim
ed, hoarsely:
This, Them 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 Violante, she had hastene
to meet Celeste, who at the sound c
- firearms anne hurrying toward then
Here, my lord, is your flute" sal
e Celeste, and, as the Count strobe pas
n her, she added to her mistress-"Hl
lordship came so CALAMITY to give yo
s a %serenade, l told him which way yo
e had gone, but | did not think he woul
= be so long in finding you"
stop prating, Celeste" said Vic
IS lante testify, "if it be possible, let |
: get into the house silently"
d Once in her chamber, Lady Vlolant
sent off Celeste's inquisitive eyes, an
s burying her throbbing forehead in hi
n hands, murmuring:
e Hugo. Hugo might have guesse
III it myself. Truly there is no longer
ST CLEAN of hope, yet shall never cea'
= to love him, peasant though he be-"
Il CHAPTER vi.
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