Rensselaer Republican, Volume 14, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 July 1882 — THE COUNT’S DAUGHTER. [ARTICLE]

THE COUNT’S DAUGHTER.

“I have come to your country to live,” eaid the Count de Cassel, with deliberate emphasis. He leaned, elegantly on the mantel. “You have answered my advertisement,’’ the count continued, “for a private instracton in English for my daughter. I desire her to become as well acquainted with the language as I am.” “I obseive,” replied Mr. Frank •Chariton, “that you speak the pure tongue.” • “You flatter me. You are just from college, you say.” “And teaching is an oceupatlon that I resort to as means of present support. I shall study for the bar some day, I hope.” “That is in accord with the English way. Well, your recommendations are excellent, and I will introduce you to my daughter.” The count left the room. He was staying at a West End hotel. Presently he returned with a beautiful girl of 18, dressed with elegance, but with refinement and good taste as its chief characteristic. She received Mr. Frank Charlton with distinct courtesy, and the arrangements with regard to the course of study were made in a business like way. From day today as he met her in the count’s private apartments, he felt himself compelled to avoid social topics altogether, net only because her father was always in an adjoining room, but because of his pupil’s continued reserve. But with respect to the lessons hedid not restrain his utterance, but spoke with enthsiasm and eloquence. On one occasion when Frank was more than usually eloquent, he suddenly raised his eyes to hers, and found that she was regarding him with an expression that seemed responsive to an emotion that had long been consuming him. This was one of the few’ days when the count was not visible. He ceased speaking. “Speak on,” she said. “Why, mademoiselle?” ‘.Because I have learned to love to hear you.” Frank’s heart leaped Into his throat. “Is it possible?” he said, speaking as though to himself. “I thought nothing that I could say had proved to be of interest to you.” “A woman knows how to conceal her thoughts,” was the reply. “Now I am rewarded for my efforts, and this appreciation is fitly expressed on this, the last day on which I may instruct you.” t, “The last day? Why should you go?” she exclaimed, suddenly; and with an instinctive movement she extended her hand slightly toward him. His hand met hers also by an instinctive movement; and in that instant their hands clasped in the embrace of thj long hidden love of each for the other. In anot >er instant they were clasped in each other’s arms. The “ next they became aware of the presence of the count, who stood in the door calmly surveying the scene.

The count stepped into the room and taking his arm led her away; and placing himself between them he looked at Frank with the efcine calm, deliberate manner that marked all his movements. “Have you friends?” he asked. “Yes,” replied Frank. “Close ones, I mean; living relations who would miss you, or be alarmed at your absence, should you decide to accept the invitation,which I now extend to you, to visit me at my new country seat in Hampshire, to-morrow. I have Just heard your declaration to her. and before this affair goes any further I desire to become better acquainted with you.” “My dear count,” cried Frank in ecstacy, “from my heart I thank you.” “What I ask now is that you hold no further conversation with my daughter just at present. Do you promise?'' “I do.” * And during the ride into Hampshire the next day the two lovers said not a word to each other. Arrived at a certain station a handsome awaited them and they were conveyed over a country road upon which was situated many handsome country seats. Presently they entered the spacious grounds of the most stately mansion they had seen. Evidences of reflnment and wealth, lavishly expended, abounded all around. As they drove up to the grand entrance the count said *. “Eugenie, this is the surorise I have promised. This is our new home—the finest estate in this country of fine estates.” As they alighted from the carriage Edgenie expressed her delight In enthu&siastic terms. Tne imperturbable

count -stood and" listened Wlthoht a smile, and then paid: “This is ours. Wealth and refinement the Awn grand in As they ascended the grand staircase EOtrlhrk: ln " ply 10 her “But wealth is not all that is necessary to make life endurable.” And then she whispered in his ear—- “ What ii wealth and refinement without the of those we loveJ' , toJyour room,” said the ment and then said: “This is your mistress, Phoebe—conduct her to her apartm nts.” Then, turning to Chariton, he bade him follow him; and Frank followed up a flight of stairs and through a large corrdor t, an apartment apparently situated remote from the place whence they started. “Please be seat: d,” said the count, and then calmly sat down himself and said, abruptly: “You see, now, what my daughter’s social position is?” “I do, sir,” “I appreciate the fact, sir,” continued the count, “that two young persons, enrown togetner ror some time, are likely to conceive for each other an affection which they would < all love. I have expected my daughter to fall In love w th some one; but I Intend to regulate that matter myself, and to see to it that her affections are placed upon a person whose position is such as to render him an appropriate match for her. You see by this time that you are not such a person. Now, I will offer you a fair sum—£2,oCo—to depart from her forever.” Frank sprang to his feet, his eyes sparkling with indignation, and exclaimed : “Do you think I am to be bought?” “But X2,uuu is a large sum. Mere is the money. It will start you well in life.” “Never, never, never,” cried Frank, pacing the floor excitedly, “I will double it,” saiu the count. “Good heavens!” cried Frank, his whole frame shaking with passion; “what do yon think! am?” “I will give you £50,000 said'the count, with the same imperturable calmness as before. “I will not bld a penny more. I give you one minute to decide, will you give her up?” “Never!” almost shouted Frank, “Sircoutinued he, I am a gentleman. I am capable of teaching your daughter and I am therefore her equal You are her father; but love is yet a higher authority. I will not give her up. I will marry her, she being willing,with or without hercensent.” “But I have interposed a barrier,” replied the count, with provoking calmlness—“a barrier of distance. Whilst we have been talking, she has been riding. I have sent her away in charge of trusty servants, and you will never see her again till she Is In love withone whb is ner equal in social landing. Meantime you will remain here at present.” With these words the count suddenly stepped from the room and closed t:>e door.

Frank sprang to the door. It was locked. He flew to a little room adjoining. The only door leading from that was also locked. He tried the windows. They were securely fastened with iron shutters. He was a prisoner. In despair he threw himself on a chair under the chandelier. He had not been there a moment before he became aware that the light was diminishing in brilliancy. He sat and wailed in dumb despair. How long he could not tell. Suddenly he became conscious of a presence in the room, and with startling distinctness he heard a whisper in his ear. “Follow me,” said the voice. “Who are you?” said Frank, putting out his hand to grasp the unseen visitant. “I am Mademoiselle Eugenie’s maid.” “Well, what would you do with me?” “Conduct you where you may join her, and escape with her.” “What assurance can you give me that you are not playing me false?” “Only my word, monsieur.” “Go on, I wi'l follow. Anything is better than this imprisonment.” He felt his arm grasped, and he suffered himself to be Jed away—whither he could not guesh, as darkness reigned supreme. Presently he was stopped and his arm was released. He whispered for the guide. Again he felt a hand on his sleeve, and a voice that thrilled every fibre of his being whispered his name. “Eugenie!” he almost cried a'oud, as he clasped her in his arms. “How is this?” “I do not know. I was brought here in total darkness by that woman.’ “Where are we?” “Heaven knows. The house is new to me as to you.” Suddenly there was a flash of light, and a brilliant, dazzling brightness filled the room. The count approached. Not a smile on his face; still deliberate, easy, elegant. Looking at Chariton, he said: “Chariton, I have tested you. That is all. I have wished my daughter to marry a true man. whom she should love, and who would truly love her. This is better than wealth. I have wealth enough for us all. Take her and God bless you both. Here is the clergyman. Marry her.” And the two were married on the spot ■ Colonel NoalTlirrTof Marysville, Ohio, known throughout the country as the Union county giant, who has been confined to his home by inflammatory rheumatism for several months, has,been stricken with paralysis and his condition is regaided as critical** • w < { a ■ .A / i ■. i