HER LITTLE HIGHNESS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue VI, 10 August 1895, Page 178

HER LITTLE HIGHNESS.

Translateo from the German of Nataly Von Ebchstruth. x

Author of ' A Priestess of Comedy,’ ‘Countess Dynar,’ ‘A Princess of the Stage,’

B -3T

ELISE L. LATHROP.

CHAPTER I.

They culled him * Valleral ’ How he came by this moat uncommon nickname, the old nurse who had raised Count Lankwitz's only eon alone knew. In the days when she cradled little Cyprian in her arms, rhe had been a buxom young peasant, who knew no better lullaby for the young master than the jolly student eong she heard every day in the village, with its lively refrain, ‘juvivallera, juviva'leralera.’ * Juvivallera, juvivalleralera I’ rang in little Count Cyprian’s ears from morning to night. tVhat wonder, then, if the first word he lisped was not * papa ' or * mamma,’ but an indistinct murmur, * valleral ?’ And when he would barely si>eak, he began to sing the eong in merry Rosa’s style, so drollingly, that his parents finally themselves called him • Little Valleral,’ and thus gave the signal for general imitation. I’elted and spoiled as only children usually are, little Valleral ruled hie father’s castle from garret to cellar, but in such a gay, winning manner that no one could be angry or punish him. Cyprian, with all his mischievous pranks, was most lovable. His golden head and roguish, laughing face seemed to radiate sunshine. He was naughty through desire for amusement, not to harm or ofiend others ; and as he was wholly lacking in fear of punishment, he always confessed his misdeeds frankly, merrily and unconcernedly, and marched triumphantly through lifelike a voung conqueror, to the refrain * juvivallera, juvivalleralera.’ He had never been whipped. When the countess and his nui a e and governess once complained too bitterly of his misdeeds, and declared to his father that he was getting beyond their control. Count Lankwi<z formed the stern resolve 'O procure a switch, and one fine day a brand-new switch appeared in the nursery, and the parents, followed by the servants, went thither in solemn procession to explain to the child the terrible meaning of this instrument.

Cyprian already stood before the new acquisition, hi hands in the pockets of his first pair of tr users, and anticipated his fat er’s speech with the delighted query : * Thunder, papa, what is that jolly night up there ?’ The count looked very solemn. ‘That is a switch I’ said he, with terrible emphasis. • A switch! What is it used for!’ asked his son, with a bewitching smile. The count took it down with a somewhat unsteady hand. ‘This switch is to whip you with, Cyprian,’ he began, solemnly, but his well prepared little speech was nipped in the bud by the child’s delighted exclamation : • Valleralera ! : he cried, rushed up to his amazed father and pulled the switch from hie hand. ‘To whip with? That is fine I’ And before the horrified spectators could recover from their surprise, his little hand wielded the birch, applying it vigorously over Rosa’s shoulders and back. The nurse fled, friend Valleral rushing after her. his eyes dancing with enjoyment. The noise died away in the distance, the count and countess gazed at each other, speechless, until the mother burst into laughter and the father sighed resignedly : ‘lt is a failure, Dora. The switch is the>e, to be sure, but Master Cyprian chooses to wield it himself.’ Neudeck was a handsome old estate, but Count Lankwitz reali-ed that in modern times a considerable fortune is needed to keep up an estate. But the fortune he could leave his son would be small, and therefore all his and his wife's hopes centred in an old uncle, little Valleral's god father, who, they hoped, would make the child hie heir. Uncle Adolf was a retired cavalry general, possessed a large fortune, and was such a confirmed old bachelor that there seemed little fear that he, the septuagenarian, would ever marry. Uncle Adolf had announced his arrival on Cyprian’s fifth birthday tor a visit, and the parents had devoted their energies for weeks to drilling their unreliable little son for this momentous day. Uncle Adolf had not been favoured by nature as regarded outward charms, and was most sensitive as tn his appearance nnd easily insulted by the faintest allusion to it.

The parents confined their efforts chiefly to preparing little Valleral to make only the most agreeable speeches to his uncle, and, contrary to their expectations, the child showed himself mon obliging, and promised to treat his stern uncle most affectionately. He kept hie word.

With secret delight the parents eawhow lovingly the boy treated the important guest, how much taken with him Unde Adolf was, and how the two became more and more friendly. Guests from the neighbouring estates assembled for dinner, among them the pretty, amusing, young Baroness Bohden, whom the general had already met in the capital. He strolled with her in the shady park, holding Cyprian’s little hand tight clasped in his, proud and delighted that the child was so ready and willing to accompany him, and this was due to no calculating motives on little Cyprian’s part, but because the old man, with his rough caresses, pleased him, and had all the charms of novelty.

So, to the old bachelor's* especial satisfaction, he insisted upon sitting beside his uncle at dinner, and as he could empty hie glass of champagne right bravely with the old man, the two became more and more sociable. Uncle Adolf was never handsome, but wine flushed his face and made it ludicrously ugly. Cyprian thought otherwise. Never before had he seen such a face ; and as he admired everything about Uncle Adolf, he made use of a momentary pause in conversation, res'ed his hand lovingly on the general’s arm, and gazed up into his face most affectionately. * Oh, uncle <’ he cried, enthusiastically. • What beautiful little bite of eyes you have. What splendid big ears. What a crimson nose and such a lovely, big mouth ; you could easily put that melon in*it.’ The eflect of this love declaration was indescribable. Uncle Adolph sat paralysed with astonishment ; with crimson cheeks the guests gazed at their plates or choked and coughed. Only Count and Countess Lankwitz sat pale with despair, and knew, at this moment, that the uncle’s will would certainly be different from what they hoped. The general was and remained noticeably out of temper, rose from the table at a very early hour, and departed by the first train. Valleral continued to address him lovingly, but the general was gloomy and absent-minded, and seemed scarcely to notice his little nephew’s advances. * Now, all is over, he is furious, and he will never become reconciled !’ sobbed the countess, and her husband sighed his assent, But they were mistaken. Nothing seemed to go wrong with merry little Valleral. On the contrary, he seemed an especial favourite of fortune, and the more rash he was, the more did she dog his footsteps. Uncle Adolf died most suddenly, and his will made Cyprian sole heir. From the diary found among his possessions, the boy’s parents learned what a blessing instead of, as they had feared, the reverse, the boy’s words at dinner had proved. On that very day. Uncle Adolf had been nearer love making than ever before. Cyprian’s tenderness, his caresses and affectionate ways, had awakened strange emotions in the solitary old bachelor’s heart. An indescribable longing for what he had never possessed, for love and domestic happiness, filled him. And just in this mood, fate threw in his way Baroness Bohden, whose grace and charms bad already attracted his attention in the capita', and who. in the park at Neudeck, had fairly bewitched him with her pretty coquetry. He had taken a sudden, passionate resolution. After dinner, when wine had looked hie tongue, be would boldly venture to lay his heart, hand and fortune at Baroness Bohden’s feet. A« Alice von Bohden was penniless and dependent upon relatives, the general need have feared no refusal; but the thought of being accepted merely for his wealth tormented his sensitive heart. thirsting for love. But the girl's dark eyee gazed at him so tenderly, the red lips sm led so charmingly, and what they said was as delightful as though Alice were talking, not to an old greyhaired invali i, but to the youngest of handsome, irresistible cavaliers. He almost psrsuaded himself that she really cared for him. And then —

Then came the catastrophe at the table. Cyprian's child lipa truly and tenderly uttered the fatal criticism of his appearance, which did not offend the general; but the laughter, the exchange of glances among the guests wounded him deeply. And most deeply did Alice’s heartless laugh, which she barely concealed with her napkin, cut him. She fancied herself

hidden by the epergne, from the general's sight, and did not suspect that it was she whom he watched between the flowers. Her mocking smile banished his illusions, and he saw that Alice coquettod far more with the young officer at her side than with him.

Thus his belated dream of love was blighted, and little Valleral had unconsciously carved his own fortune.

And it continued thus. There are fortunate mortals who may do what they will without ever harming themselves, and Cyprian was one of these. Careless, smiling, amusing, without being fast or dissipated, always agreeable and winning, he fed a merry life, understanding admirably how to interest his governesses and tutors in anything rather than his studies.

He learned nothing, and yet knew enough to join in any conversation and to enter'ain people excellently with hie amusing chat—a'butteifly who basked in the sunshine, delighted every eye, and was welcomed by every flower, and who yet was a careless, idle thing, without any serious object in life.

The weak parents tormented themselves with the thought that their son would never pass an examination, or have a profession, but Valleral’s luck did not desert him. He was clear-headed, and the thought of wearing a handsome hussar uniform flattered his vanity. What wonder that he finally became serious at hie long detention, went to work, und actually passed the necessary examination * to be rid of school books,’ and was admitted to the army. The parents were overjoyed when they could at last embrace their twenty-year old lieutenant and Valleral, without the slightest idea of the reality of army life, departed for his new garrison in a small country town.

Subordination, service and respect were terms which conveyed no meaning to him ; that a captain is a being of great importance to his youngest lieutenant, and especially in a one-company station, was something inconceivable to Cyprian, Count Lankwitz, and highly amusing to the young tyrant of Neudeck. Up to this time he had been the leader in every place that he chose to honour with hie presence,and now, lo and behold, a captain appeared upon the scene, a plain Mr von Angerechutz, who dared address him in such a manner that in his first indignation Count Cvprian declared that the disgrace of an official snub could only be wiped out with blood.

The clear-headed, agreeable first lieutenant of his company had great difficulty in making the young hothead understand the impossibility of the act; but when Valleral had been assured on all sides that a subordinate officer may not challenge his superior on account of differences in matters of drill, he good-naturedly submitted to the inevitable, for his moods were as variable as April weather, and when his honour and reputation were not concerned, be was perfectly willing to look at matters on their comical side.

The captain was not an agreeable character. The duel which hie youngest lieutenant bad planned had, of course, come to hie ears, and he could not forgive Valleral’s unheard of arrogance. The young count who had taken all hearts by storm vexed and irritated him, and his crabb.d nature now sought relief in annoying Valleral in every possible way. But Valleral troubled himseif no further in the matter. As he now knew that he wa-< powerless against his superior in allairs of service, ho shook off all annoyances with easy good nature. In all intercourse with Cap'ain von Angerechutz, in barracks or exercise place, he was coolness personified, and this iiritated his hotheaded enemy more than he suspected ; but on neutral ground, in the club or society, it was Count Cyprian, the wealthy, jolly, agreeable heir, who could always amuse the public as well as himself by fresh little malicious acts, which drove the captain to despair.

On this neutral ground many a bitter fight took place, carried on, on Cyprian’s part, in the best of tempers, on the captain’s with ever-increasing rage and many an imprudent act. This unequal conflict was watched with especial interest by the regiment.

Valleral, always affable, good company and ever ready to he'p a comrade, had the full sympathy of all the men, even to the colonel, whom his youngest lieutenant's tact and repartee highly amused. Angerschutz had never been popular, and many a comrade saw in Cyprian the avenger of of some slight offered to himself.

Valleral occupied a bachelor apartment, very handsome for the size of the town* with stables and gardens. What wonder then if the idea suddenly occurred to him to keep a ram ! Everyone laughed and thought it quite a la Valleral that the young officer busied himself for hours with this ram; and, in fact, it was rumoured that Count Lankwitz was personally training it. For what purpose? They racked their brains in vain. Was he about to surprise some little daughter of the regi-

ment, in his well-known charming way, with a goat carriage! Very possibly. Hans, as the ram was cal ed—strange to say, this was also the captain’s name —was an enormous fellow, with imposing horns, and of a most pugnacious nature, which fact made all visitots to the Lankwitz garden very cautious. Yet flans had never attacked anyone. The captain’s residence was two houses further down the street and he was obliged to pass Cyprian’s gate whenever he went to the barracks. One morning Valleral invited the two lieutenants with whom bo was most intimate to breakfast; and after the meal the three voung fellows happened to be at the window just as the captain set foot in the street on his way to the barracks. Ilans, the ram, was gamboling happily in the yard when he suddenly started, and raised his head abruptly. Valleral gave a long, sharp whistle, changing into the tune, ■ Gaudeamus ;’ and, as though the ram had only waited fol this signal, he rushed out of the gate, and at the approaching captain. Hans advanced with lowered horns. Angerschutz sprang aside, the ram followed ; hard pressed, the captain retreated to the house steps. Hans followed after him as though bewitched, and a wild and bitter conflict ensued. Angerschutz attacked the animal with his sabre ; but the ram seemed proof against blows and pricks, and sprang at his master’s enemy with redoubled fury, A crowd assembled. People screamed with laughter, while the captain’s face flushed crimson with rage. • Lankwitz, call your accursed beast off, or 1 will stab it. Devil take it !'

Valleral called most tenderly, while the other men almost sullocated with laughter. But it was in vain ; it seemed as though hie young master’s voice merely excited the ram to fresh fury. Finally the lieutenants descended to the street, and their combined efforts succeeded in ridding the captain of his attacker. Angerschutz trembled with rage. He read in the young fellows’ faces that he could count on little sympathy from them ; therefore, he contented h mself with making slurring remarks about a cavaliy officer who had tu keep a goat because he

tel t too insecure upon horseback, and walked off.

Lankwitz had apologised most politely, and his comrades were highly indignant at the captain’s rudeness. The next day Angerschutz rode past the gate. As though possessed with an evil spirit. the ram rushed out and attacked his horse, which, startled, shied so violent y, that his unprepared rider could with difficulty keep his seat and check the runaway. He had not heard Cyprian whistle ‘Gaudeamus.* The street was filled with laughing spectators. The amusing story that Count Lankwitz's ram had taken a violent dislike to the captain interested everyone, and all now began to suspect how and why the animal had been trained. Angerschutz was beside himself with fury, and sent word to the count that unless he got rid of the ram at once, he, the captain, would shoot it. Lankwitz replied in a highly courteous note that unfortunately he could not gratify the captain’s wish. The goat was the property of the circus proprietor R , who had trained him, and who had only left him here during his absence on a business trip. Hans was an extremely intelligent and valuable animal, and it would cost the captain a considerable sum it he harmed him.

Angerschutz was noted for his miserliness. He wrote back that he did not intend to be put to expense on the count’s account, but must request the latter to keep his cate locked, that the ram could no longer annoy the passers by. If the count did not do this be would be forced to adopt other measures. The next day the gate was closed indeed, and in addition a huge beam placed across it, but Hans grazed peacefully in the neighbouring meadow, and when the captain smiling ironically, had passed the gate, hie enemy suddenly rushed through the defective hedge and attacked that unprepared gentleman more fiercely than ever.

Angerschutz saw that the whole affair had been planned by the count to annoy him, but as he found that sly Valleral had protected himself on all sides, and that to kill the hated ram would but cause expense and fresh unpleasantness to himself, he changed his plan. At first be tried to

attack the beast with a couple of dogs, but they retreated, howling, after a few thrusts from the sharp horns of this unusual opponent, and Angerschutz only saved himself by speedy flight. For the next few days he took a most circuitous route to the barracks, and to the regret of all the affair seemed ended.

CHAPTER 11. For some days peace prevailed in the little garrison, but it was but the calm before the storm.

The captain’s eyes still flashed threateningly, and the triumphant, malicious glances he cast upon hie second lieutenant, would have exciied dis’rust in any one but Cyprian Lankwitz, whose careless nature looked upon deceit ae an impossibility. The owners of one of the neighbouring estates had sent out invitations to a particularly promising bunt, and, as Valleral was fond of all kinds of sport, he was among the hunters, while, strange to say. Captain von Angerschutz was absent. But no one missed him ; on the contrary, the young officers breathed more freely not to have their superior’ presene to act as a damper upon their spirits.

Cyprian looked so handsome in his hunting costume, and was in such high spirits, that Baroness Soldau, usually so cold and indifferent, who had driven over to call upon the daughter of the house, could scarcely turn her eyes from him.

Baroness Soldau was considered the wealthiest heiress in the whole neighbourhood. An only child, she was heiress to a large, wholly unencumbered estate, with fine coal mines, a palatial villa in the capital, and besides, a considerable amount ot ready cash, which would make her large, bony hand seem highly desirable to most men.

And yet she had no visitors, strange to say, for although she was no beauty, she was far from ill - looking. Tall, very brunette, somewhat awkward in figure and manner, Bianca von Soldau gazed for the most part, right coldly, ill-humouredly and misanthropically upon the world. In spite of her twenty years she was not youeglooking, nor was she in either mind or body. Severe and pessimistic, she lived secluded as a nun, and it was said that

Captain von Angerschutz was the first lover who had ever seemed to find favour in her eyes, for he was as bitter and pessimistic as the young lady herself. It therefore excited gieat astonishment when Baroness Bianca had actually laughed aloud onco or twice when Count Lankwitz had recently er corted her to dinner, and to-day, too, all marvelled at the unfeigned interest with which her eyes followed the young hunter as often as he drew near. Unsuspecting this great distinction Valleral made one fine shot after another, and returned victorious to dinner, where he entertained the whole table, especially the young ladies, of whom Baroness Soldau was one.

At first she had intended paying a short call only, but had remained solongthat the hostess was not wrong in thinking that she would please the young lady by inviting her to remain to the hunt dinner.

Bianca accepted very gladly, and during the meal singled out Count Lankwitz for her especial attention, consisting merely in a p easant smile and the glance of her large, beautiful eyes. Yet Valleral was teased greatly afterward about hie new conquest, which amused hi-11 highly, since it made him the captain’s rival. What could be more amusing than to contest Baroness Bianca with Angerschutz, who had already believed himself almost at his goal? How furious it would make him it his goldfish were to forsake him and turn to his enemy ! Cyprian could give the avaricious man no greater blow, and his eyes danced at the thought. He proceeded to make himself most agreeable ; and Baroness Soldau’s cheeks, as they flushed more and more deeply, proved how well lie succeeded. The flirtation was watched witli amusement, and looked upon merely us a new bit of malice on the part of the lieutenant, directed at his captain ; for serious intentions seemed out of the question. There could not have been a more unsuited, unlike pair than Cyprian and Bianca ; and besides, the youngest lieutenant, barely twenty years old, surely did not think of matrimony. And they were right. At that time nothing was further from Count Lankwitz's thoughts, although hie remarkable success with the cold Bianca flattered his

vanity, and her radiant, beautiful eyes p'eaaed him more and more. Ao length the gue-is departed in the of mood*, and Valleral mounted hie horse to return to hi* garrison. When he rode in at his gate, hie man stood on the threshold, awaiting him. with pale cheeks and disturbed air ; but Valleral was in too merry a mood to notice thia, threw him the reins and entered the house. There on the table in the sitting room, gleaming in the lamp light, lay a couple of gold pieces. Cyprian drew near and glanced at them. A hundred marks ! What di 1 that mean ? He went to the table. • Hey, August, what is that money on the table ? W here did it come from ?’ August drew himself up and saluted, his face anxious, his voice hoarse. • That is for our ram, count ’ • For the ram !’ Valleral s voice thundered through the low room. • Devil take you, what do you mean ?’

* Does nut the count know about it?’ stammeied the hussar, anxiously. ‘1 have no suspicion. Where in Hans ? What has happened to my ram ? Lankwiiz threw open the door of the adjoining stable in wild excitement and raided a lantern.

The stall was empty. No sign of Hans. Thu b’ood left the young officer’s cheeks. • What has happened to the ram August? Has anyone killed him?’ he asked from between his teeth. The man saluted again. ‘The count had scarcely left the yard this noon when the captain came with another man, and without calling me. went to the stable. 1 suspected something wrong, and drew nearer respectfully. But the captain did not look at me, but said to to the other man : “ Here is the ram. Trained for the circus. He can do all kind* of tricks. U hat will you give for it Levi ?”

‘The dealer, whom the count knows, bargained for a long time, said that such an animal was of no value, and then they talked in a low tone, and finally came to an agreement. Levi drew out his purse and paid the captain something, and he said : •• I will add something to that so the count may have a fair price.” Then Levi tied a rope around our Han’s neck, and dragged him off, and when I tried to say something the captain snubbed me, so that I went back to the stable, for I could say nothing more. But our Hans is gone, and now—now they have perhaps already killed him, for Levi said he was in fine condition.’ Valleral had listened in silence, his brow was flushed, his eyebrows contracted, betokening storm.

‘Good,’ said he shortly. ‘ Bring me a bottle of sherry, August,’ and he turned his back an J returned to the house.

He sat there half the night, puffing wreathes of blue smoke, and drank one glass of wine after another. Finally a light dawned in his eyes, he laughed softly and raised his head triumphantly. Now he knew how to answer the captain, and went happily to bed and slept until broad daylight, for the next day was Sunday, and the captain always spent that day in the neighbouring city. This Sunday Captain von Angerechutz returned home early, and, in accordance with his custom, made a tour of house and stables to see if all were in order. His man’s face had never had the slightest interest for the captain, nor did he notice to day how changed it was, as the fellow silently waited to be questioned, and to-day tho captain asked no questions, tor he was in a very bad temper. He had called upon the parents of Baroness Soldau and for the first time had been denied ad-mi-B’.on without reasonable excuse. And thi« time he had intended to ask for the hand of the lady of his choice. Could it be true what he had heaid rumoured, that Linkwitz had dared interfere with his superior, and that Miss Bianca was really interested in his enemy. A feverish unrest tormented Angerschutz. He resolved to ride out to Soldau that evening. He had counted with such certainty upon this match, that failure would be of considerable moment to him. Followed by his man he entered the stable, raised the lantern he carried and gazed around.

‘Confound it—where are the horses?’ came breathlessly from his lips. As no answer followed immediately, he turned an<l stared at his man. Gottlieb stood before him with shaking knees, the picture of distress.

‘Fellow!’ thundered Angerschutz. ‘What has happened to the beasts?’ ‘ They —they—Count Lankwiiz sold them to Levi this afternoon, c iptain,’ stammered the hussar. * There are two hundred marks in on the table—’ An inarticulate cry of rage. The lantern crashed on the paved floor, the stable door banged, and Gottlieb sat alone in the dark, overwhelmed with despair, and wished the ground would open and swal ow him and Count Lankwiiz.

Never had a story created such a sensation in military circles as the account of Valleral'a bold act in ca'mly revenging

himself on his captain, who had sold his coat, by selling the captain’s horses. Of course, the affair ciused much talk, became serious, and passed from one official board to another, but Valleral did not worry over it He knew that his prank was heartily laughed at and applauded, and his colonel did not look very fierce when he gravely told him that it was impossible for Count Lankwi*z longer to remain in his regiment, and to be prepared for a transfer as punishment. The voung offender did so with the most charming grace, and had no fault to find with being ordered, until the matter was decided, to ano hersquudron, where, under agreeable superiors, he led a most charming life.

Valleral had always been lucky. Why should Dame Fortune desert him now, when he had amused a whole country with his ready revenge ? The dreaded transfer came, but a loud cheer rang through the club room, in which, tor two weeks, Cyprian and hie young comrades had each evening drowned their grief at parting with champagne, when, stammering with surprise he read aloud the ominous letter from the regimental adjutant. Transferred to the St. L. body-guard of Clans, to one of the most elegant of regiments, the most brilliant garrisons, where a ducal court resided, and his father-in law already possessed a magnificent villa. Omost delightful of colonels, to • punish ’ his young lieutenant thus. Hie ears should have rung with all the enthusiastic cheers that Valleral proposed for him. And Cyprian’s father-in law ? Ab, that was another story.

The evening that Captain von Angerschuiz vainly sought his horses to honour Castle Soldau with a proposal, Valleral had sat at the feet of Baroness Bianca, and asked her laughingly if she would not think him, the youngest lieutenant, ouice too bjld if he already thought of matrimony. With a deep blush, she assured him that she would think him merely very sensible, ‘ Brilliant. Then we are quite of one mind,’ he had cried, thus encouraged, seized her two cool, ugly hands, and drew them hastily to his lips, * and if you think it sensible for me to fall in love with you Bianca, then be sensible, too, and take me.’

This she had done, with radiant face, and thus at twenty, Valleral was engaged and soon married.

Over this prank, which surely was planned merely to drive the captain to desperation, people had at first gravely shaken their heads ; for to engage oneself merely to vex another stemed too frivolous, and they pitied the deluded girl, who surely was about to make a most unhappy marriage. Never was a greater contrast between a couple than between gay Cyprian and the grave, misanthropical Bianca. How soon the young butterfly would tire of his plain, uninteresting wife, and neglect her—this catastrophe was awaited with true eagerness.

But they had utterly mistaken Valleral’s honest heart. If, at first, the fact that Angerschutz was driven wild at the loss of the heiress had lent a zest to his courtship, his fiancee's radiant happiness made a great impression upon him, and her whole manner which expressed the tend erest, most adoring love, made him rejoice to meet her with the same tenderness. What at first was somewhat feigned, soon became reality, for Bianca’s was a deep, richly gifted nature, which revealed itself in ail its wealth to her husband as fully as it concealed itself from the world.

Count Lankwi'z’s marriage proved a most happy one, and his treatment of Bianca fairly exemplary. After a year a son was born to the young couple, and Valleral, the twenty one yearold father, was be-ide himself with pride and happiness. He was as much of a favourite in the new garrison as he had always been everywhere, and so all felt the deepest sympathy with the count in his great and sincere grief when, after scarcely two years of wedded life, his wife was taken from him by death. A severe inflammation of the lungs had laid her upon a sick bed, and Cyp>ian tended her with unselfish devotion until her last breath, which was a blessing upon him. With Bianca his good angel departed. His sense of duty to her, as well as the young wife’s good influence, had restrained him. Now that he was alone again, he fell back into his bachelor ways and soon became the gay, flippant young man of former days. He became a man of the world in the good sense of the word — always active, ready for anything, handsome, elegant and a universal favourite.

He resigned while captain, and spent most of hie time in travelling, while his little eon, Cyril, was brought up by his mother’s parents.

The child was said strikingly to resemble his mother. His nature had from infancy proved to be unusually grave and thoughtful, nnd he seemed unnatural in contrast with other children of his age. Cyril whs as exemplary a child as his father had been spoiled and unruly. Cyril

scarcely need training. He obeyed without questioning, played quietly by the hour, and when he had once given a promise, held to it with a tidel.ty which amazed everyone. He had also inherited his mother’s extreme sensitiveness. Easily deeply otlended, he would brood over an injury and ponder for days how to revenge himself; and he would revenge himself each time, not in a malicious or sly way, but so as to show the offender how bitterly he had wronged the boy, how unjustly he had acted.

The child was somewhat pedantic, although he had also inherited his father’s talents and capabilities ; tor Cyril learned with the utmost ease, and took de ight in writing little stories which displayed great imagination. That the-e were chietly of a deeply religious and sternly moral nature surprised the friends of the family most of all, and they could not marvel enough at the strange ireak of nature which had created in father and toil such absolute extremes.

As Lankwi'z, senior, had been nicknamed ‘Valleral,’ some wit nicknamed the pious, grave, steady Lankwitz, junior, ‘Hosanna ;’ and this odd name was circulated widely. But, strange to say, the relations between father and son were most affectionate, anil their devotion to each other remarkable. Whoever saw the two together would think them brothers, the gav, laugh* ing, youthful father would even have been taken for the vounger, now that Cyril had grown taller than he, and his dark eyes gazed out at the world with the same look of premature age that his mother had had.

But Valleral and Hosanna wandered through life arm in arm, in fond attention, and the Oder Cyril became, the more did he occupy the place of his early deceased mother, like her, acting as a beneficial restraint upon his vivacious father.

(To be Continued.)

The bicycle is steadily reducing the value of horse* and streetcar shares and increasing the value of human beings by making them more healthy. — American paper.

There are people so good at excuses they commit o lie rices simply for the chance of making them.