Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1868-08-06

verified to the subject which preoccupied
both
Father" size said, Il know you have
understood my sorrow since Walter left us,
and have every hope that you will ap-
prove of the VOW have made, and con-
sent to the request am about to lay be-
fore you"
"Speak on, my child" said Heinrich
81 have no doubt your wish is reasona-
ble."
1t is. then, father DEAR" resumed
Hulda, "that you will allow me to retire
for time from this life of care and luxu-
ry. Two noble Lords have for my sake
abandoned their native land and the home
of their ancestors, and are mourning hard :
ships, of which we know nothing, in for
eign chimes. The one signs in in6del
chains the other forsaking the love of
mother and sister, pursnes Els wav over
unknown lands, willing to assume now
captivity and I, the cause of all, am livi-
ing idly in the home of my childhood,
summed by fathers love, served by at
tached domestics This cannot be:
must withdraw. and labor for myself
and for them. On the road to Wiener
Noustadt stands stone cross, beside
which pilgrims halt to repose and pray
there let me await in pilgrim garb the re-
turn of the absent knights there let me
devote mytime to same useful work, and
spin for the poor, till Heaven, touch ed by
my humiliation, shall send them safely
ack."
Then old Graf, somswhat reluctantly,
yielded to his daughters wishes. He
boughta cottage near the old Gothic mon :
ument, and repaired tbither with her
Daily now did Hulda resort to the spot,
working with her fingers, distaff in hand
while she poured forth her innocent pray
ers, till she was known to all the country
round as the ''Supinnerin am Kruz"
About fifteen months had thus rolled
away. One evening Hulda was kneehng
on the old moss grown step, as was her
won't, when suddenly she heard the APP
proach of quick footstep, and beheld a
pilgrim near her, making his way to the
well-known hating place. The instincts
of love are keen, and notwithstanding the
double disguise, they were soon in each
others arms. After the sweet Joy Of
meeting had been expressed Oh either side,
Hulda with blush inquired what tidings
the wayfarer had brought of Adolph, and
learned that on reaching Damascus, Wal
ter was Informed of the Sulan's death,
which took place two months previously,
and that the Austrian slave he was in
quest of had, by that generous monarchs
desire, received his liberty. His suisse
quent fate it had been veay difficult to trace
Notwithstanding the most minute research
es, as DO one seemed to know with any
certainty whittier be had betaken HIM
self. From one informant he had receiy-
ed the mournf Il tidings that Adolph had
fallen into profound melancholy, and
had died of broken heart. Hulda was
deeply touched, and declared that without:
more positive information she could not
consent to exclude him from her life so
that Notwithstanding her fathers anxiety
to see her at once and happily married. she
obtained his consent to wait at least anoth
er year, in order to give HIN timo to APP
pear.
The stipulated term was drawing to a
close, when one evening, as old Ritter
with his daughter and her lover were seat
ed round the fire, they were startled By
the clatter of hoofs in the courtyard below
and in few minutes figure mufaed in
martial clock stood on the threshold
"Adolph V. Liebach p exclaimed all
three in breath, but the returning wan
derer waved them back.
Friend" said he mournfully but ten
derby, Il come to witness your happiness
for a moment, and to take my last farewell
before my final return to the wars; wish
to pronounce my satisfaction at your un
ion."
How" exclaimed Walter, "did you
think | would meanly and cruelty take ad-
vantage of your absence to rob you of the
bride who is yours by every right? Adolph,
good and generous Adolph, Hulda is
yours, and yours only, and you only are
worthy of her"
Adolph's surprise was great, but he re-
piled. with melancholy smile, CIV hat |
did, Walter, | did with entire sincerity
of purpose, and nothing can now alter the
resolution | then tool" and as he spoke
he opened his vest, and displayed upon
his breas. the cross of the Knights Tenn
plar, whose VOW he had taken. MY on
" happiness" he continued, "now con-
sists in knowing that you are happy; Go
not make my task more difficult than 1t al