Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1878-12-18
THE WALK FOR A D0WRY,
A Legend Of Iiirsci,berg.
~ ms. q, Y. rLLrf,

'poth NV tho uonu, tHo nh'h' w." ""'' ''"'
Or doth tho shadow Of unrIghtoous deeds,
Done in this life, reach far Into the tomb y
II was on All Saints eve, in the
year 1867, that stranger extremely
well dressed, but pale aud thin, as II
in feeble health, aud accompanied by
his servant, stopped ut the door OF a
respectable inn in the town OF Sch
weidness The servant inquired II &
comfortable room could be procured,
and having been answered salislactoli'
ly, assisted his master to dismount.--
The gentleman was received at the
door by the host, who showed him
into the best apartments while the
hostess, elated at the arrival OF q dis
tinguished looking guest, hastencd 10
give orders for bls supper.
The large table was set for the eve
ming meal in the room below. A
number Of burghers from the town
were teas,ing around it, discussing,
amid heavy draughts Of beer, the af-
fairs Of the town aud State, and the
prospects of peace or war. We leave
them TO their debates, to glance ut
what was passing in the large old
kitchen belonging to the establish
ment.
The large chimney OF the kitchen
that yawned like cavern, was flank.
ed on either side by stone bench
On one OF these sat young and
beautiful girl. Her dress was ofcoalse
serge, and i'll fitted; but her graceful
form, and face shaded by protusion
of brown ringlets, would have adorned
the highest sphere. No poets lay
could have done more thai justice 10
the beauty OF those large dark eyes,
now fixed on the ground; or, the soft,
round arm and white hand that rested
On her lap. Her spinning wheel was
before her, but it stood idle, for she
was absorbed in thought. Presently
a tear glis,ened on the fiinges OF her
eyelids, and slid slowly down her pale
cheeks.
A young man, of handsome face and
figure, had entered the room unper-
ceived, and stood for "a moment gazing
on the detected girl. AT last he came
nearer, and leaned over her affection
ately.
In tears again, Margaret" whisp'
cred he. "Nay-look up, sweet one,
and smile, for there is now no cause
for grief: l will speak to my parents
to night"
"Oh, no, no T. cried the girl earnest.
ly, while she wrung her small hands
with an expression Of hopeless an
guish "Do 1t not, Franz Thy
father will curse thee thy mother
will never pardon thy secret marriage
with the poor maiden Be silent,
Franz, till am dead. 1t will not be
long till then, I am sure"
"No, Margaret, said Franz, Il
cannot, l will not be silent. have
met with good fortune; sm no long
er dependent on my father"
Good fortune! ! Hast thou found
a treasure Z"
"Not that: but the count, to whom
the great forest of W belongs,
is in want of forester. Old Casper.
whom Lave 40 often visited, as thou
knowest, died this morning. l said
uaught to thee, beloved, Of my hopes,
while l feared disappointment: but
now, all is happiness. The count is
pleased with me, and has given me
the place."
"Ah, my husband, would gladly
rejoice with thee !" answered the
young girl. "But have not thy pa
rents, who know Of thy kindness
toward me. ofien reproached me with
mean birth, as well as my poverty l.
Would they not ere now have sent me
swav. but that the inn needs an activ g