Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-10-18


and old Reebstock sleeps so soundly
he'll not wake up"
Then leaning over the fence he imi
tated the first crow, slow aud grave
hoarse in the morning fog You coulC
almost see the cock shake his feathers
and balance himself on the railing Five
or six hens came down the steps of the
hen-house, looking at the moon above
the roof
"You rogue" said Theodore, who
taught you these things"
But Kasper Moss laughed gently and
whispered, Don't ask me. Tn fool. u
The hens, surprised at the error, start.
ed up the steps again; put the idiot, full
Of mischief, chased them and made
them hutter aud cackle.
Then, turning suddenly, he initiated
the song of the lark saluting the morn.
ing He put in it so much tenderness
that Theodore, with tears in his eyes
stretched ont his arms and murmured,
"0h, Gretchenl Come, come, Gretchen,
my loyel r4y JOY my lifel Gretchen,
it is my heart which sings for theel'
He leaned against the wall, his head
bent down, dreaming Of Gretchen, and
Moss continued his sweet trembling
rotes.
Gretchen, in her light sleep, had heard
the quail, and tbought it sream; then
the growing Of the cccks, and il seemed
still dream; then the noise of the hens,
and her eyes opened. No light came in
at the little window, and she turned
/ .vo;,, 80 l.a.,,, .c frh.1lo..f H.. ~ -,
she heard tho lark, when the soft tremb-
ling notes reached her heart, she rose
gently, saying, Yes, tits morning"
She shpped on her pretty dress and
turned 10 the,open window.
Theodore had heard her move. He
started TO escape; but the momeat the
shutter was thrown up his timidity van
ished He leaned in at the low window,
and notwithstanding a low cry from the
young girl, seized her hand
30 Gretcheh, Gretchen lie said, 9 |
love theei'
The moment he had pronounced the
words he trembled violently, Gretchen
moved like little dove surprised in her
nest, aud with blushing cheeks STAN.
mered softly:
Theodore; dear Theodorel"
She could add no more, for father
Reebstocks shutter opened suddenly
above the window, and out in the night
air came n terrible OATH followed by the
words, What do ! see here?
Everybody was instantly consiernated,
Theodsre aud Gretchen fell into each
others arms and then separated, fright
ened at what they had done Moss, his
arms in the chair, ran swiftly away,
making The cry of duck escaping in
the reeds from dog. His harsh, nasal
voice sounded farther and 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 ienle and ran towards the
orchard, while Gretchen, trembling,
closed her window quickly A neigh
bors great dog walked BY the noise,
barked and shook his chain. t 2 N-
Theodore walked the fields until
morning, repeating, as in a dream,
Gretchen, Gretchen. / love thee II
Then, remembering Gretchen's words,
Theodore, dear Theodorel" he thought
himself the happiest of mortals.
About five o clock he entered his own
Aogse, apd vainly tried to sleep. as he
remembered thst ReahslQck had perhaps
recognized him, and might in future
shut his door to him. This thought gave
him great uneasiness The next day
his sadness had much increased. " |
am the most unhappy person 10 the
gorld," be said. "Old Reebstock viii
certainly 40 SON eshlg terrible. it may
be shall never again see 6retehen. If
| could see her but once morel But |
shall never dare to pass the house"
Descending the steps with his sad
thoughts for company, he walked slowly
along tho atrpet his eyes fixed on the
yene end the sign OF the brsVery, which
he could see in the distance. Nothing
seemed to be changed Everything vent
on as usual The herdsmen were pass
ing through the village. playing on their
bagpipes, and followed by long line of
goats and pigs; the young girls were GO
ing to the sopnt9ig, their pitchers in
their hands; and Kasper soss strstohed
out on bench before the public house,
slept quietly In the sunshine.
Theodore gradually approached The
brewery, his canvas on be arm, de
was passing the door without daring to
tnrn his lead, when he heard loud voices
calling.
They are calling raeN he said.
The windows of the large room we're |
open, and already a good number we're |
at the tables; burgomaster Weinlad, with |
his great red face, his large hat on the |
back Of his head, his heavy cane be-
t~eeE bis legs; the tailor thinner, in his |
gray jacket, his nose besmeared With to-
baeoo, bis green cap pulled oyer bis esrs;
the little barber Spite, bis pewter plate /
by the side Of his bottle, his hair brushed !
up in a pyramid in the old French fash
ion, his loud voice sounding through the !
room; these and many others Old Bar
beg p9s placing pans Of curiled milk |
1chind@ tie store, snd great sheets Of
sunshine, filed with moles, covered the |
tables and the seats.
Theodore entered, much agitated |
Father Reebstock, IN his brown coat with /
great steel buttons, was sitting Reaf the |
clock, facing the door. Gretchen, Who /
was looking out Of the window, dropped |
her eyes. ,9 -FT Il.
The men we're talking together. All |
seemed rs usual Bat the moment the /
artist stepped ever tte door.siil, Reeb- |
stock, raising his arm toward MIA, efisa /
out --..~. 1
Monsieur Theodore do you love ny |
daughter Gretchen2'
The young man felt himself ts:ru pale
BE opened Lis mouth 10 reply, but could
not speak a word. keebstook repeated:
" Do you love my daughter Gretchen"
Everybody was aghast. Each one, his
glass in his hand, remained motionless,