Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 99: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

92 THE ARGOSY. A rather long, trying pause followed, during which Countess Minna © appeared to be struggling to regain her self composure. And at the close she said sadly and listlessly, and yet with a great effort to speak firmly: ‘““T did not come to talk of these things now, but to ask you, consin, to do all that has to be done at this time of—of sorrow. You are the head of the house now, and I trust you will use the authority.” “ Until you desire otherwise,” I answered. “‘ You may depend upon me absolutely.” : “That is my wish, cousin; and when I can trust myself, we will have a long conference.” She gave me her hand, and I was in the act of putting it once more to my lips, when hurried steps approached, and the Count von Nauheim entered the room hastily.. } I felt the girl’s fingers start and involuntarily they closed on mine in a little trembling gesture of half agitation and fear. The touch thrilled me. “I am surprised to find you here, Minna,” he said bruskly. “I think, baroness, it would have been more seemly if Minna had kept in her apart- ments.” | The old lady was more afraid of him than Minna herself, I could see, and she murmured some half incoherent excuses. “I see no wrong in coming here to welcome the head of the house,” said the girl, trying to appear firm. ‘“ Head of the house,” he cried with a sneer. “ You are the head of the house, and as your affianced husband it is for me to say what is necessary in these matters of courtesy. I have already seen Herr von Fromberg, to wel- come him as you say. Nothing more was necessary. Let me give you my arm to take you to my apartments. Come.” She hesitated an instant and seemed as if about to refuse; but then changed and placed the tips of her fingers on his arm; and as she did so turned and bowed to me, with a smile on her sweet, sad, pale face. ‘ T shall see you, Cousin Hans, soon, as I said just now. In the mean time T rely upon you to order all such arrangements as you think best—as your position here now requires.” “This gentleman need not trouble himself,” said the count, frowning heavily and angrily. “ I have given all necessary instruct'ons.” “T will do what you wish,” I said to her, ignoring him entirely. I kept out of sight my rage at his conduct until the three had left the room, and then, forgetting that I was not alone, I vented it in a heavy, bitter oath and turned to find Von Krugen’s keen dark eyes fixed upon me. I was annoyed to have thus bared my feelings to his quick gaze. I did not wish him to know that I suspected or even disliked the count; but he had seen it already. | “ He would try to ov-rrule even the prince himself in the latter time; and he takes interference very ill. He will ride roughshod over all of .us, if he can.” ‘Ah, you do not like him,” I answered. “ But there is no room for dis- sensions among ourselves. Let it go no farther.” ecomilEcooolks COLNT