The little
flute and the little bird helped Albert and his mother to while away
many an hour.
As the months rolled along, the sorrows of the Countess still lay
heavily on her heart. Many a night she spent in tears and sleeplessness,
and many a day was sad and dreary. She tried very hard to cloak her woe,
and hide it from her son. In her unselfishness, she choked back her
tears and grief, filled each day with work, and gave strict attention to
her son's comfort, instruction and diversions. She always had a pleasant
word and smile for the old shepherd and his wife, whose life, though
lonely, was spent in the satisfaction of right living and lending a
helping hand. The joy that comes from doing one's best is the only
lasting joy, for every other pleasure fades and passes away.
Countess Berlow tried in every way to get news of the Count, but she had
not been very successful, although some news was printed in the daily
papers. The thoughtful old clergyman sent her a copy of the news, once
each week, as he did not receive it any oftener.
One night Albert returned carrying the paper, and said: "The good
clergyman did not have time to read it through, but he noticed from the
head lines, that the paper contains much good news."
The Countess took it and read anxiously. Finding the news somewhat
encouraging, she built hopes that soon she might return to her much
loved home; but, alas, in the very last column of the paper, she read
that many noblemen were to be sentenced to death for their loyalty to
the king.
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