Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-09-20
:Ge Countess
 Chooses.
 By Emmett Camobell Hall.
Copyrighted, 1907. by E. c. Parcells.

1 dainty canvas oxford, and the re- mainder of her costume consisted of a l duck skirt and shirt waist. Scattered | about the room on .the chairs and ta- 1 bles were masses of velvet, silk and 1 lace and, most noticeable of all, a beautiful gown of white silk, on which pearls were gleamlng like dewdrops upon q lily. There was also a long white veil.
 "No, no, no. I hate everything! l will not try 1t On I will not be mar riedv' the countess cried. And she hurled at the despised wedding gown the little dog whip which she chanced to have in her hand.
 "But-should it not fit. To think of it. And only two days more"- One of the two frightened maids protested, but suddenly shrank back from the fiery eyes the Countess Evelyne turned upon her.
 1.-TWO days-never, tell you, dunce!' the countess blazed and, turning, ran from the room.
 Down the stairs and out of doors the countess sped. At the door her setter sprang toward her with joyous yelps, and the girl dropped on her knees and | clasped both her arms about his neck.
 Lets run off and have long talk, Hero" she whispered. "They-your mistress isn't happy, doggie."
 Then she rose quickly, and together they hurried down the driveway to- ward the little lake that glimmered in the sun a half mile away.
 It was very quiet, just an ordinary pretty country place, and not at all what one would have looked for in tho summer home of countess. Her un- ce, who was her guardian had gone off trout fishing, ill the servants were busy preparing for the wedding, and there was none to observe or stop her. The girls spirits rose somewhat as she hurried along through the sunshine, and she laughed merrily when Hero after elaborate creepings forward fail ed to catch sparrow.
 They passed through the gate that marked the boundary of the place, up- on each stone pillar of which were carved her family arms, and on down the public highway to where an old stone bridge crossed the stream lead ing to the lake. Turning out of the road, the countess followed the course of the stream until she had reached a little moss covered bank. which, screened by bushes, made a perfect bower. Here she dropped upon the ground, with little sigh of content ment. The dog lay down beside her, pushing at her hand with his cold, wet nose.
 Its horrible. doggie, dear" the girl whispered, pulling at the silky ears, ; land I haven't any one to help me at all. Even you can't, Hero"
 The dog looked into her face with grave, questioning eyes.
 "They are going to marry me off to some one never saw" she continued, speaking as one might to dear friend. q know he is horrld cad. Hero. If he isn't a cad he must feel just the same way, too. and will hate me. It was all arranged when we were a year old. And it isn't right. Hero. am just a girl, and never had sweetheart, and want one, doggie, just like any other girl"
 Suddenly the countess brown eyes grew dreamy, and faint blush stole into her cheek.
 Do you remember, Hero. when we were sitting here just year ago? It was the day we thought he was con- ing to the house, and we ran of to keep him from seeing us. And we were just sitting here like this when Robert came along. And we never knew any more than just each others name-Evelyne and Robert. And we laughed and said we'd meet here again some day. hut he never came back. I guess he has forgotten"
 She grew silent and sat gazing dreamily at the water flowing swiftly past. Then suddenly there was the sound of parting branches. and she looked up into the eyes of that well remembered friend of a day, In bis face was a look of delight and sur prise.
 "Evelyne:" he exclaimed md strode forward with outstretched hands.
 "So you did remember. Robert?" she said and gave him both of hers. and a glad little smile came to her red lips.
 'T have never forgotten. was pass ing along the road up there in my ma chine and stopped just to see the place again. did not hope to see you," he answered.
 He had not released her hands. but now she seemed for inc first time to notice that fact and withdrew them. bEIsbing.
 They sat down side by side on the messy bank. and the golden hours slip ped by unheeded. Almost unconscious ly their hands had met and Ciaspe,I Then his arm had stolen about her. and her head had come tO rest against his shoulder There seemed no past, 10 future. cnIy inc present. Slowly, as if drawn by a force he could not rs- sist, he turned his head toward her. and their Iips met cIingingiy.
 With a wrench the countess tore her self free and sprzng tO her feet She hid her face In her little hands and sobbed
 "Oh- you sho1ldn't have done that. Robert. IL makes ii too hard to bear.