Beaufort Republican. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1871-1873, 1871-12-28

was thrown back, all his timidity vanish
ed. He leaned in at the low windoW, and
notwithstanding low cry from the young
girl, seized her hand. 80 Gretchen, Gret-
chen,n he said, Il love theel'"
The moment he had pronounced the
| words he trembled violently. Gretchen
moved like little dove surprised in her
nest, and with blushing cheeks stammered
softly, "Theodore; dear Theodorel"-
She could add no more, for father Reeb-
stocks shutter opened suddenly above the
window, and out in the night air came
terrible oath; regular German oath, fol-
lowed by the words! "What do Isee
herep"
Everybody was instantly consternated.
Theodore and Gretchen fell into each 9TH
er's arms, and then separated, frightened
at what they had done. Moss, his arms
in the air, ran swiftly away, making the
cry of duck escaping in the reeds from q
dog. His harsh, nasal voice sounded
farther away He had something to laugh
about; but Reebstock did not laugh, and
the artist, crushing his hat in his hand,
leaped over the fence and ran towards the
orchard; while Gretchen, trembling, closed
her window quickly. A neighbor's great
uOS, Wdhtu Wy GuC uOloC, UdlhCu auu
shook his chain.
Theodore walked the fields until morn.
ing, repeating as in dream, "Gretchen,
Gretchen, love thee!" Then, remember.
ing Gretchen's words, Theodore, dear
Theodore!'' he thought himself the happi-
est of mortals.
About five O'Clock he entered his own
house and vainly tried to sleep, as he re-
membered that Reebstock had perhaps
recognized him, and might in future shut
his door to him. This thought gave him
great uneasihess. The next day his sad
ness had much increased. II am the most
unhappy person in the world" he said.
"Old Reebstock will certainly do some
thing terrible. 1t may be | shall never
again see Gretchen. If I could see her
but once more! But shall never dare
even to pass the house."
Descending the steps with his sad
thoughts for company, he walked slowly
along the street, his eyes fixed on the vane
and the sign of the brewery, which he
could see in the distance. Nothing seemed
to be changed. Everything went on as
usual. The herdsmen were passing
through the village, playing on their bag
pipes, and followed by a long line Of goats
and pigs; the young girls were going to
the fountain, their pitchers in their hands;
and Kasper Moss, stretched out on bench
before the public house, slept quietly in
the sunshine.
Theodore gradually approached the
brewery, his canvas on his arm. He was
passing the door without daring to turn
his head, when he heard loud voices;call.
ing:
"They are calling me,' he said.
The windows of the large room were
open, and already good number were at
the tables; the burgomaster Weinlaud,
with his great red face, his large hat on
the back Of his head, his heavy cane be-
tween his legs; the tailor thinner, in his
gray jacket, his nose besmeared with to-
bacco, his green cap pulled over his ears;
the little barber Spi tzshis pepper plate by
the side of his bottle, his hair brushed up
in a pyramid in the old French fashion,
his loud voice sounding through the room;
these and many others. Old Berbel was
placing pans Of curdled milk behind the
stove, and great sheets Of sunshine, filed
with notes, covered the tables and the
seats.
Theodore entered, much agitated.
Father Reebstock in his brown coat and
great steel buttons; was sitting near the
clock, facing the door. Gretchen, who
was looking out of the window, dropped
her eyes.
The men were talking together. All
seemed as usual. But the moment the ar
list stepped over the door.slll, Reebstock,
raising his arm towards him, cried out,
Monsieur Theodore, do you love my
daughter Gretchen?"
The young man felt himself turn pale.
He opened his lips to reply, but could not
speak a word. Reebstock repeated: s'D0
you love my daughter Gretchen!"
Everybody was aghast. Each one, his
glass in his hand, remained motionless,
looking first at Theodore, and then at
Gretchen, and then at the brewer. Fin
ally Theodore, his voice half choked by
the beating of his heart, cried eff love
her?"
He turned to Gretchen with a look so
tender and pleading, that the young girl
ran towards him, and throwing herself in
to his arms, melted into tears.
The old brewer burst into a great laugh.
"Ha! ha! ha! 1 knew very well that they
loved each other," he said. "It wasn't
me who needed to be told Of it,"
All the others, seeing him laugh, cried
"Ha! hal ha! He is smart, the old Reeb-
stock; he knows everything"
"Well," said the brewer, ssince you
love her so well, take her, take her for
your wife; but stay with me in my house."
Then as he sat down, he added in grav-
er tone, "you all understand They are
to be married in fifteen days."
Well, Reebstock had grandsons and
granddaughters whom he trotted on his
knees. Long afterward, when he was
very old, he said to his daughter and her
husband: "My children, remember one
thing. We have heaven to thank that we
are so happy. 1 heard the cock crow be-
IL &C