Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1877-07-26

years ago 1 came here all JOY and
happiness. | was bride then, and
became the mistress of this place.
My husband, your father, was pure,
brave, and noble man. 1 lived in his
love, and he in mine. A year passed
away, and gentle character came to
bless us still more in our love. Then
followed ten more years OF bliss, so
sweet that they seemed to comprise
a heaven OF love and joy. Then
came the first deep. sad blow upon
my poor heart. My husband died
and l was left alone with you my
child. He died where my soothing
hand could not reach him-where
my voice could not lull him to repose,
and where my tears could not water
his grave. He fought for his country
for Austria-for Austria he gave
his life-and now the prince Of Aus
tria repays the debt by placing his
foot upon me, and giving you in
marriage to villain, a black hearted
wretch. Alas! how the clouds OF
grief, trouble, and sorrow have
gathered upon mel Leopold--Leo-
pold-my husband-would that l
slept with thel that I were at rest
with theel Leopold-my husband
my husband"
CHAPTER XXI. @-
The baroness wept aloud, and her
daughter moved to her side and en-
braced her. The faithful child for
got for the time her own SORROWS, for
she knew that another sorrowed for
her.
Forgive me, my child,' murmured
the baroness. Il would not sleep till
you are safe; but then-then-I could
lay me down with quiet hope in
heaven"
The little birds came and perched
upon the boughs OF the old linden
tree that grew up by the window.
and there they chirped and sang.
Olivia watched them, but it was not
as she used to do. The morning
breeze came sweetly in through the
open window, but it failed to cool her
heated brow. She pressed her child
more closely to her bosom, and while
she wept she prayed that God might
be merciful.
Thus sat the mother aud daughter
together, when the door OF their room
was opened, and Moritz Kraunich
entered. He came in with lofty
tread, and took a seat near the ladies.
Johanna gazed up into his face with
a half-frightened look, and a cold
shudder ran through her frame as
she noticed how strangely calm the
man looked.
"A fair morning to you ladies, I"
said Kraunich. Neither of the women
made any reply, and he continued.
"This is a fit morning to usher in a
fitting day for a most fitting and
proper occasion. Lady Johanna I
have come to tell thee that our nup-
tials shall be celebrated by the light
of this fair day"
NO, no, no-not to day." hysteric-
ally cried the maiden.
by the holy mass, my lady, 1
would not wait another day for the
imperial crown OF Germany. Cease
your tears and your entreaties, for
to-day you shall be we'd
~One day longerl Oh, grant me one
more poor day!"
Not another hour beyond that up
on which have fixed. The holy
priest Is In the castle now. l sent for
him last night, 90 as to make the
matter sure. Ere two hours shall be
added to this days tale OF noon thou
shalt be my wife. 1 will love thee IL
thou wilt but let me; but IL you
choose to be wife without love, then
the worst be with thine own"
-Moritz Kraunich," said the baro-
ness, with as much calmness as she
could assume, why do you force this
matter against our wills? Why should
you wish to wed an unwilling wife?"
why, do you ask? because its my
fate to wed her: would be lord OF
Rosenfels-I would be the baron OF
this strong place and through your
daughters hand alone can ii be
gained
"Oh, sir" cried Johanna; Il will
give it all up to you. You may take
the lands, the castle. the titles-all,
all--only let me be Free"
"You waste time and words, lady.
You know very well that the titles Of
Rosenfels cannot go without your
hand. You though a female, are the
only heir, and to me the archduke
has given you. Cease your entreat-
les, for by my soul / would not give
thee up for my own right hand. SO
be ready for the wedding; and mark
you there is no chance for your es-
cape this time. 1 have taken care
that your flighty wings should be
clipped"
mo hope--no more OF life." groaned
the poor girl, sinking upon her moth
er's bosom. i wish l were deadl'
A bitter sneer curled about the lips
OF Moritz Kraunich as he heard this.
for he saw how utterly the maiden
loathed him, and bending his head
nearer to her ear, he said:
After you are my wife, and I am
lord OF Rosenfels, you may die as
soon as you pleasel but don't die be-
fore that. beg OF you. Now for your
preparation for the ceremony, you
can make as much or as little as you
- L. IL