The Washington herald., 1907-09-18
THE COUNTESS CHOOSES.
BY EMMETT CAMPBELL HALL.

The countess was acting In a manner
not az all dignifed. In fact. she was
stamping her little foot and sobbiug just
as any other sorely tried girl Of eighteen
might The foot was shod in a dainty
canvas oxford, and the remainder Of her
costume consisted OF duck skirt aand
shirt waist. Scattered about the room,
on the chairs and tables. were masses of
velvet, silk, and lace, and most notice
able Of all. a beautiful gown of white
silk. on which pearls We're cleaning like
dewdrops upon a lily. There was also
a long white ven.
No, No. No, I hate everything, I
win not try II on, 1 viii not De mar
riedr' the countess cried. and she hurled
at the despised wedding gown the little
dog whip which she CHANGED 10 have IL
her hand
"But-should IL not TT, 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
Two days-never. tell you, duncer'
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.
Let's run OF and have a long talk
Hero" she whispered. 'They-your mis-
tress isn't happy, doggie."
Then she rose quickly, and together
they hurried down the driveway toward
the little lake that glimmered In the sun
half mile away
It was very 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 of trout fishing
all the servants were busy preparing for
the wedding. and there was none 70 OBJ
serve or stop her. The girls spirits rose
somewhat az she hurried along through
the sunshine. and she laughed merrily
when Hero, after elaborate ereepings
forward, failed to catch sparrow.
They passed through the gate that
marked the boundary Of the place, upon
each stone pillar Of which was carved
her family arms, and on down the public
highway to where an old stone bridge
crossed the stream leading 10 the lake.
Turning out Of the road, Che 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.
It's horrible, doggie dear" 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 continued.
speaking as one might 20 a dear friend
Il know he is a horrid cad. Hero. il
he isn't cad he MIST feel just the same
way, too, and viii hate me. II was all
arranged when we were 4 year old. And
Il isn't right, Hero. ! am just a girl
and I never had a sweetheart. and want
one. doggie. just like any other girl"
Suddenly the countess brown eyes
grew dreamy and faint blush stole into
her cheek
were sitting here just a year ago? It