Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1874-02-26

uo1Eb ONO O&y SuU VO1O mo / W0o W W sss
bride. His mother smiled and blest NJ
And III was in heaven of peace and
gladness. The days went by, and weiwer'
for our marriage. He laughingly loft III
ono morning, saving he would take bis las,
hunt; because after he had q wife he could
be allowed no such freedom. H. went
away to Pilatus to hunt. He never-come
back"
The girl rose, aeroely olasping her hands
together.
"The terrible storm.spirit took him in
his embrace; he 10 ling up there in the
snow, and every storm is buryiag him
deeper from me. A year tonight he has
been sleeping there-snd I have been watch
ing down here. Mein 0ott, mein Gott
mein Franz, mein FranzW
Aud again she leaned her head upon the
stonework in . passion Of tears. I took her
hand, soothingly, In mine-but what could
say to the young stricken heart? only
held her cold hand, silently waiting for her
to grow quiet. Presently she raised her
head.
"Forgive me for intrudi1g my grief upon
you, but it has been relief. I have never
ehed teazs since he Left 70, until tonight ;
the horrible pain seems to be softened In
my heart through these tears. thank you
for your patience. 1must 60 into the house
-good'night.''
Goodnight, Natalie. Gott sei nsit DIR ! "
She bowed her beautiful head an instant
ct my words, and then glided away. I sat
down to think over the story had just
heard Cruel Pilatusi It did not look so
fair q It had an hour ago. So mueing,
must have fallen to asleep. When reused,
the moon was still shining, through with q
fainter light. was about to rise and re-
turn to the'house, when, CHANGING to glance
toward the terrace, I saw some one leaning
against It. Was It Natalie againP look.
ed closely. Il was man. 1rose and up.
preached him. He started at my footstep
on the paved walk, and turned full toward
me. A tall, noble-looking fellow-though
could see even in the dim light that his
lace was pale and thin. Something inspir-
ed me with . strange idea before I
knew what would say, exclaimed:
It 10 Franz-ntct soakr?"
The man came to my side. hastily.
Eyes, I am Franz; but who are you? I
do not recognize you. And-and-Natalie.
Is she well-does she live ?''
"Ye., che lives, but believes you dead.
How did you get hereP"
"9he loves me still-waits for mop"
"Yes, yes"
NY mother 2'
"Ives, and only needs to know you live,
to be restored to health.''
"N,tn GoM se; Dank ~ And tho strong
head sank down just where Natalie's had
been an hour before he cried and sob.
bed for joy. After little we sat down TO-.
gether upon the garden-seat, aud Franz told
me how he had been caught in the storm,
and nearly died; was rescued by the hunt
ers-had brain.fever in tho peasants hut
they had taken him to had lain several
months weak in mind and body; at last
rallied, and, by slow degrees, recovered /;
but tho year had passed, nearly, before he
was fit to start for homo. He had reached
1t, fearing, hoping, and when he reached
the garden, had been utterly broken in heart
least he vas to find them all dead-or shock
them to death BY his appearing to them, his
told him al about Natalie and his mother !;
and, having made him promise to be patient
and wait my return, went to the house to
call Natalie. The rcd morning light was
just breaking over the hills, Natalie opened
her door as approached it. She looked q
little pale.
"Dear child" began !, gently a" some
one who saw your dear Franz is h re-, and
would like to speak to you of him"
eyes, dear friend, dreamed of Franz;
lot us 60 and see this visitor.''
took her hand and led her to the garden.
Franz stood turned from 10. I led her to
his side. She looked up. He opened his
arms.
"FranzW
"Natalie!
She lay clasped to his breast. They spoke
no word. I saw their trembling, olasping
arms, and bowed haeds. turned away. I
could not look upon their unutterable Joy.
I leaned my old head down on tho terrace
and wept.
Well We are going to have wedding
in the garden to-day, l shall give away the
bride. Franz, the bridegroom, IL busy msk-
ing wreaths for the terrace-and Natalie
fits here and there, touching and retouch.
ing, after the mother, who forgets she il an
Invalid.
I hear Natalie singing " Ach die Welt il.
IN HknH,a ~