Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1873-09-18


oehlnd them when suddenly strange
giare shone through the carriage window.
ne spectacle which suddenly appeared
oelore the eyes of the two ladies seemed
hueeFi the work of magic, and an I'M
eApee'eo surprise was in store for them.
Directly in front of the large barn be-
longing to the estate lay a little pond, on
whose margin Lobau, at the advice of the
inspector, three years ago had had ash
trees planted. Among the icy branches
Oh these trees now hung small, richly
adorned lamps, whose shining light, in
union with the moonbeams, were reflected
on The frozen surface of the pond, and had
a most enchanting effect When the car
rage OF the councillors widow had come
dlrectly opposite, a stern voice cried
Halt;' the horses stopped, the carriage
door was opened, and Lobau stood before
them.
Madame" said he, bowling respectful
ly to the elder lady "allow me to wish
you happy New Year"
The astonished lady, but just aroused
| from half dose, was too confused to utter
a word in reply.
| Then, at signal from Lobau, the mel
ody OF tavorite waltz sounded from the
| open barn door, where small band had
| been stationed.
"Fraulein Won Rohr," and Lobau turned
| politely to Emmy, may | ask your hand
| for the first waltz"
Herr Won Lobau," interrupted Frau
Won Herbeck, "what is the meaning of
this strange invitation?'
"Madume, unfortunately for me, last
evening your niece could not dance the
waltz | asked Of her. [ am determined
now not to be denied"
Herr Won Lobau, this must be Joke,
and it is exceedingly ill-timed"
| Madame, | made a resolve that Frau
lein Won Rohr should waltz with me be-
fore she got home, and | have always per
formed whatever / have been so deter
mined on as this. | have provided music
and light; the little pond is like most
| beautiful ballroom, the night is wonder
! fully mild, and carpets cover the ground
the short distance from here to the icy
| pond. Fraulein Won Rohr, | ask your
| hand again for the waltz
Dear aunt" said Emmy, Il should
never forgive myself il | were to expose
you a moment longer to the night air by
my refusal. Herr Won Lobau, | accept
| your invitation"
Lobau helped the young girl to alight
| from the carriage with the greatest polite
ness, and led her over the carpets which
had been spread down, to the improvised
dance-hall. Emmy was dressed as on the
ride to the ball. Lobau wore a cloak and
a shabby hunting cap. He supported the
girl firmly over the mirrOr-like surface of
the pond, to the harmony of Strauss
waltz, Life a Dance" and under the shin
ing of the stars they danced twice around
the little pond. When Emmy again step
ped on the carpet Lobau said: while |
thank you, allow me also to take leave of
you; / shall take the first morning train
for Residenz"
II wish you a pleasant excursion, Herr
Won Lobau"
No, Fraulein; I shall always live
there"
alas"
"What has happened, Fraulein?''
Il hurt my foot"
Support yourself more firmly on my
arm, Fraucin."
Il must stop moment. Herr Won Lo-
bau, | ought to speak to YOU before you
go"
THAT will be scarcely possible. The
train starts at seven O'Clock, and I have
yet many preparations to make
II ought not to keep aunty waiting any
longer, but | repeat it. | must speak to
you before you leave Charlottenhof. Here
lies my shawl'-Emmy unpinned the red
shawl which she wore around her skirts,
and let it tall-"mOunt a horse, tell our
servants that you have found my shawl,
and would like to give it to me yourself"
II will fulfill your commands Fraulein."
The few steps yet remaining were taken
in silence Lobau assisted his partner
into the carriage, and then took leave of
the councillors widow, as if nothing I'M
usual had happened.
Frau Won Herbeck was in a state of
great amazement. Scarcely had the car
riage-door closed and the horses begun
their homeward journey, when she asked
Emmy if anything had been said that
might excuse Lobau's eXtravagant be
havior Emmy kissed her aunt's hand
and begged her not to ask for an eXplana-
ton Just then; tomorrow she would tell
her everything. Hot tears fell upon the
widows hand, so she decided the best
plan would be to ask no more questions,
though she began to see into the affair.
They had but Just taken off their cloaks
when Kathrina came in to say that Herr
Won Lobau had Just arrived on horseback.
He had found Fraulein Won ROhr's shawl
and wished to give it TO her himself.
Dear aunt" begged Emmy, before
Frau Won Herbeck had time to reply, "let
me see Herr Won Lobau, and | will come
back to you directly.'
Light the lamps in the room opening
on the balcony, and tell Herr Won Lobau
that my niece will see him." said the
councillors widow to the old servant.
Emmy, | never heard OF such a
thing
Dearest aunt, grant me this short in
terview, Then you will be told every
thing" begged the young girl.
Emmy drew a mantilla over her pretty
shoulders, tied light handkerchief over
her head, and then went to the room III
which LObau awaited her coming.
Her beautiful face did not wear that
mischievous expression which made it at
other times so bewitching; her blue eyes
were full of feeling, and her voice trem
bed as she spoke to the young man.
Herr Won Lobau, have treated you
shamefuly, and you have punished me
according to your judgment, so we might
consider our account closed; but | pro-
missed my dear mother when | was a little
child that | would never 90 to my rest
at night after being naughty, without ask
ing forgiveness and being at peace with
! ali mankind. Therefore, before you say
farewell to me | must tell you that direct
| " after you left me at the ball | was heart
| ilv sorry for having offended you. You are
no longer angry with me, are yOu?'
A tumult ragged in Lobau's breast.
Sbould he seize Emmy's hand and &C