Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1873-09-18

anxiety which oppressed ner uuuei d
forced gaiety, which was SO hard 10 no
that at last it became impossible, and she
felt very unhappy. Was this the Dali
from which she had expected SO much
happiness?
No lady received more bouquets, none
were so often chosen. Emmy had the
best partners, her young friends chatted
gaily with her, her aunt smiled content
edly. But what had become of Lobau!
At the hour of midnight twelve heavy
strokes resounded through the hall, ana
every one FASTENED to his friends ana ac-
qnaintances to wish them Happy
New Year" Emmy stood like little
queen, surrounded by a crowd of gentle
men and ladies, who offered the bright,
charming girl heartiest wishes. Yet she
was so far from being happy!
Frau Won Herbeck and several OF her
cquaintances remained to the supper
1t was two O'Clock in the morning when
Emmy and her aunt entered the carriage
to return home.
Brilliantly shone the full moor, count
less stars glistened in the dark blue heav-
ems A slight frost adorned the twigs and
branches of the trees with all sorts OF fan
tastic buds and leaves, which cleaned
like silver. Dead peace rested over the
still landscape. Not breath OF WIND
stirred; nothing was heard but the swift
rolling of their wheels throu Oh the snow.
Emily was tired-so she told her aunt
and both ladies leaned silently back
against the white cushions of the travel
ing carriage. Again Emily lifted her
head as they approached Charlottenhot.
All the occupants seemed to have retired
to their nights rest; Lobau's windows
only were lighted A heavy sigh escaped
the lips of the young girl. They had
left the gentleman's house but few steps
behind them when suddenly a strange
glare shone through the carriage window.
The spectacle which suddenly appeared
before the eyes of the two ladies seemed
indeed the work of magic, and an un-
expected surprise was in store for them.
Directly in front of the large barn be
longing to the estate lay little pond, on
whose margin Lobau, at the advice OF the
inspector, three years ago had had ash
trees planted Among the icy branches
Of 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
most enchanting effect When the car
rage of the councillors widow had come
directly opposite, 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
word in reply.
Then, at a signal from Lobau, the mel
ody of favorite 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
Tor the first waltz"
"Herr Won Lobau," interrupted Frau
Won Herbeck, "what is the meaning OF
this strange invitation?"
MADAME, unfortunately for me, last
evening your niece could not dance the
waltz asked of her. l 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-
| tore 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, l ask your
hand again for the waltz"
Dear aunt" said Emmy, 81 should
never forgive myself il were to expose
you moment longer to the night air by
my refusal. Herr Won Lobau, l 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 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 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."
81 wish you pleasant excursion, Herr
mo, Fraulen; l shall always live
there"
"Alas-"
"What has happened, Fraulein?"
81 hurt my foot"
support yourself more firmly on my
arm, Fraulein."
81 must stop a moment. Herr Won Lo-
bau, ought to speak to you before you
CO."
"That will be scarcely possible. The
train starts at seven o'clock, and l have
yet many preparations to make"
III ought not to keep aunty waiting any
longer, but repeat it, l 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 fall-"mount horse, tell our
servants that you have found my shawl,
and would like to give it to me yourself"
~ 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 IN
usual had happened.
Frau Won Herbeck was in state OF
great amazement Scarcely had the car
-; ,ra In,,r olnoaI ord tho hnrcoa hau,tn