The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-08-28
THE COUNTESS CHOOSES.
By Emmett Campbeu Han.

Copyrighted. 1907, by lE. c. Parcells. The countess was acting in manner not at all dignified In fact she was | stamping her little foot and sobeing just as any other sore1y tired girl of eighteen might. The foot was shod in dainty canvas oxford, and the re- remainder of her costume consisted of duck skirt and shirt waist. Scattered about the room, on the chairs and silk and lace, and most noticeable of all, beautiful gown of white silk. on which pearls were gleaming like dewdrops upon a lily. There was also long, white veil.
 NO! No! No! I hate everything! I will not try 1t on! Twill not be mar ried!'' the countess cried. and she hurl- ed at the despised wedding gown the little dog-whip which she chanced to have in her hand.
 "But-should 1t not fit! To think of it! And only two days more" One of the two frightened maids protest ed. but suddenly shank back from the fiery eyes the Countess Evelyne turn ed upon her.
 Two -days--never. I 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 hef arms about his neck
 Let's 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 veDv quiet-just an ordinary pretty country place, and not at all ] what one would have looked for in the summer home of a countess. Her uncle who was her guardian. had gone off trout fishing, all 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 merrtly when Hero, after elaborate creepings forward. fail- ed to catch a sparrow.
 They passed through the gate that marked the Boundary of the place, up- on each stone pillar of which was carv- ed her family arms and on down the public highway to where an old stone bridge crossed the stream leading 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 a little sigh of contentment. The dog lay down beside her, pushing at her hand with his cold. wet nose.
 Its horrible. doggie sdear," the girl whispered, pulling at the silky ears. 'and 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 continu- ed. speaking as one might to dear friend. T know he is a horrid cad. Hero. If he Isn't cad he must feel just the same way. too, and will hate me-. It was all arranged when we were 8 year old. And it isn't right, Hero. am just girl, and I never had Q Sweetheart. and I want one, doggie. just like any other girl"
 Suddenly the countess's brown eyes grew dreamy and faint blush stole into her cheek. sk
 Do you remember, Hero. when we were sitting here just year ago7 It was the day we thought he was coming to the house, and we ran off 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