The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1874-12-17
A German Love Story.

MEMORIES: A STORY OF GERMAN LOVE.
Translated from the German by George T. Upton.
l2mo. Cloth Full Gilt Red Line border,
Tinted Paper, $2.25. Chicago: Jansen, McClurg
& Co.
Without any exaggeration, we think
this is the most elegant, tasty and beauti-
full Holiday Book, which has come under
our notice the present season. 1t is writ
ten in sort Of dreamy style, something of
the Tx Marvel fashion, and is particularly
pleasant reading for winter evening. In
fact, it would be a fascinating book for
any season. The Author gains our SYM
pathy and interest with the first words Of
the preface: "Who has not at some period
of his life, seated himself at writing-ta-
Bile, where, only short time before, an
other sat, who now rests il the grave!
Who has not opened the drawers, which
for long years have hidden the secrets OF
heart now hurled iro ilccsir letters which
were SO precious to him, the beloved one;
here the pictures, ribbons, and books with
marks on every leaf. Who can now read
and interpret them: Who can gather
again the withered and scattered leaves
of this rose, and witty them with fresh
perfume
The whole burden of the book seems
to be Swallowed forth in the following
words which we find in the second
Memory, "a flower cannot blossom with
out sunshine, and man cannot live with
out love-" In the third Memory he is ia
ken up to the castle to see the Princess and
her family. A daughter Of the Princess,
the Countess Marie, who is an invalid is
brought into the room. He sees her and
loves her, "as only boy can love, and
boys love with an intensity and truth and
purity which few preserve in their youth
and manhood" He thinks, as many low
ers do, that she is too pure and good for
earth and asks himself "why she had been
sent into this world, when she could have
rested SO gently on the bosom Of the
angels" After this he goes to college and
is absent socoe time. He returned home
during the Summer vacation. Years have
added new charms to item, and upon her
invitation he calls to see ker. But she evil
IDENTIFY is not long for this world. She
says every day l grow weaker" The
fifth Memory is principally devoted to
Theology and Literature. In the sixth
Memory she is growing worse and the old
Doctor calls and warns him not to see the
Countess again, and suggests that he trav.
Ell awhile stating that she is to be sent
away to the country. But it SO happens
that they meet in the country. In the
last Memory she tells him ''My friend,
we see each other to-day for the last time.
Let us part in peace, without complaint
and without anger" She has felt her
utter weakness and feels that she has
been friendly to him and encouraged him
more than she ought. II welcomed you in
frank and friendly way because had
known you 50 long, because felt 50 well
in your presence-why should not tell!
because loved you" But she Is sorry
she has been 90 frank and friendly with
him. 81 deeply regret that have caused
you this sorrow. Tell me you forgive me
and then let us separate as friends"
He confesscs his love toward her, and
wishes to have her for his own. He says
In my arms will bear you to the altar,
and on my knees will swear to be yours
in life and in DEATH" After talking and
reasoning with her she finally says: lam
yours. God wills it. Take me just as !
am; 80 long e live am yours, and may
God bring US together again in o more
beautiful life and recompense your love-"
Leave me alone now, l cannot en-
dure more, Aay sciedersAen! My friend,
my loved one, my saviour" He leaves
her and goes to his room, but about mid
night the Doctor comes to see him and
tells him "Our angel is in Heaven. Here
is the last creating she sends you" It
was ring with the words "As God wills.
And thus they part for life.
This story is one Of the most beautiful
and exquisite of prose poems. 1t is poetry,
though written in prose style. It is puri- |
flying, ennobling, exalting. We have
never read more tender, touching and |
aifectionate love story than this. It re-
fleets great credit on the translator and
publishers. It cannot have other than q
good influence wherever 1t is read. That
It viii have good sale during the Holiday |
seassn we have not q doubt.