Year: 1875




fast becoming subjected, and her inabil-
ity to rise above and conquer it. d,


One evening d party were strolling
toward the beach. It was moonlight
evening, and nothing could surpass the
beauty of the sea, with the soft light
falling on the waters, and the white
sails of little skiffs upon the waves. At
distance one solitary wanderer paced
up and down the beach, and occasion
ally seated himself on the rocks. The
gay party went to the vsry edge of the
water. For sometime the conversation
was general, but the beauty of the night
tempted them in different directions
and the company separated into smaller
groups. 1"


Nettie and count Lenardo were left
standing on the sandy shore. For a
few moments there was silence be-
tween them, Nettie being impressed
with the beauty of the moonlight spark
ling upon the smooth sea, and her COM
panion equally absorbed in his own
contemplations. - s. ..s....


Suddenly taking her arm, the Count
led Nettie to secluded seat under q
shelving rock. George followed close
in their footsteps and soon found him.
self SO near as to distinguish their
lowest tones. and was yet secreted from
view. He blushed when he thought of
bis position. II; seemed mean and dis
honorable TO be dogging the steps of
his own wife. But the thought of the
danger surrounding her was the motive
that promoted the act.


The influence of the evening was
particularly. inspiring, and the impetu-
Gus nature of the Count burst out into
extravagant expressions of love and
tenderness. Now, for the first time,
did the scales fall from Nettie's eyes,
so that she saw clearly her position.
She resented the words addressed to
her by her companion, and with all the
dignity of her outraged woman's nat
ure, threw back the insult offered to
her welded love.


Butt was vain to strive to check the
fountain pent up in the breast of the
young Count. She found, too late, that
her willwa powerless. He entreated
her to fly with him to his own country,
and pictured in most glowing colors
the splendors of that country. Nettie
would have torn herself from him, had
she possessed the power to do 80; but
her companion had clasped her arm,
and, as if fearing to lose his prize,
held her almost frantically in his strong
grasp,


All stratagems are fair in love, my
pretty Nettie,' said the Count. II
have prepared this little surprise for
you"


At this moment a strong arm was
laid upon the Count, and q powerful
grasp wrestled the lady from his hold,
bore her swiftly toward the carriage.
The Count was unprepared for resist
ance, and the surprise of the attack
so unsettled him as to leave no chance
for regaining the lady.


Take this lady to the - hotel"
said the stranger, with voice that
carried authority with it. 9. She has
tainted and must be taken Immediate
ly to her ROOM"


COACuIldh uOolOubcu, HUI
standing the turn affairs had taken.


"Go~ said the rescuer, ' and your
most extravagant demands shall be
satisfied"


At the promise of better remunera-
ton, tho coachman enlisted in the
strangers cause, and without further
delay hurried the horses over the road.
The Count saw with deepest chagrin the
failure of his stratagem, and to avoid
any personal exposure, left the branch
in the early morning boat.


When Nettie again became conscious,
she raised her head which had been
pillowed on her husbands shoulder,
aud joyfully gave vent to her feelings.
"Oh, George, my dear true husband,
from what danger have you rescued me-?
Take me home with you, and teach me
in the future how 7 can best prove my
self worthy of your love-" 'a


"Do not reproach yourself, Nettie;
your danger is past. I am guilty in a
participation OF the wrong brought
upon you. We will begin a new life
together, and God will give US strength
to persevere in it, and be made better
by the experience through which we
have passed." 3


Nettie was soon able to accompany
her husband home to the city. The
bitter trial through which she had
passed had taught her that there is
something more noble for woman to
receive than admiration and fattery.


A PoEr's IDEA OF CALIFORNIA. Bay