Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1878-09-06

chivalrously, seeing in her, perhaps,
something of the winsome beauty of his
! lost darling.
He told me one day that he intended
visiting America for change OF scene,
and was delighted when proposed his
returning with Jessie and me.
"You will be just in time for the
| Centennial" h" | said.
Jessie laughed. "What do you sup
pose the mature sons of Fatherland
care about our infantile display of fire
worksp Wilson is much more rabid
Republican than am, for all my Puri-
| tan ancestors"
"Of COURSE" said the Baron. For
him the eagle has just began to scream. "
cas- it were. But isn't my country
something to be proud OFF You can't
deny that"
alt is-it is-but the Republic is as
yet mere experiment. Whether"
'Oh, uncleN Jessie expostulated
81 will take that back" he said
smilingly. "Or rather will suspend
Judgment till | have seen the country
with my own eyes"
"You must own," remarked, "that
as a school, or | might say theatre,
for Independent thought, it cannot be
surpassed"
"By the way" he cried, "have you
seen thsP Prof Mintner's Philology of
History"
"Indeed | have. 1t is admirable
Perhaps you are not aware that he is a
countryman of yours, and contem-
porary of mine at Halle"
"Possible Did you know himP''
81 did may say knew him init
mately. 1t was by my advice he went
to America" My uncle regarded me
with an expression of wonder and de-
light.
81 have great admiration for the
man." he said, "and shall not rest
till | have seen him."
'Nothing easier. He is to spend the
winter in New York, and will be de-
lighted to meet such an appreciative
master as yourself"
Jessie rose hastily and went to the
window. What had struck herP
"He must be still a young manP'
"Seven and thirty, or thereabouts,
and the most promising young man in
America. saw him not long ago.
Here Jessie turned and gave me one
of her meaning looks, from which |
understood / was not to resume the
subject, so it was dropped for the
time. But during the weeks that fol-
lowed (the voyage was a long and
stormy one) my uncle seemed con-
tinually occupied with the Philology of
History, or with his anticipations of
the great Professor.
When at length we arrived in New
York l found Hans already there, with
his wife and little son, and all were
forthwith invited to dinner by my
charming little wife--who had in
structed me on no account to make any
premature disclosures.
When the bell rang that afternoon
my heart gave one leap, and sank
down into my boot-heels Jessie
showed me into the background and
went forward with the Baron, looking
as self-possessed as if she held in her
expressive little fist the strings that
work the Fates.
Wilhelmina had been prepared for
the meeting. She approached my
uncle very quietly AMI put her arms
about his neck.
Dear papa" she said.
He looked at her for moment and
then his face flushed. He turned with
out word, but Hans stood before the
door, pale and determined.
Sir" said he, sit was L who stole
away your daughter. She is now my
wife. If you have any anger for her,
let it fall upon me-"
The Baron did not utter a word. He
seemed to be passively waiting till
Hans should move out of his path.
Jessie silently left the room
81 was poor man." Hans resumed,
speaking very slowly, and with pain
ful composure, "and she was the heir
ess of Steinau. She was Baron's
daughter, ana in my veins was not one
drop of noble blood. But she loved me-
Now we are man and wife"
He paused and cast one look of un-
utterable love upon Wilhelnfina, who
stood drinking in his words as she
leaned on my arm. As for me, if it had
not been for my lovely burden, be-
lieve L should have turned and fled.
The ominous calmness of the scene,
was to me unspeakably more terrible
than the most violent outbursts of wrath
You may take her from me-" Hans
continued, "but you cannot divorce
our souls. You may cast me off as a
vile thing, but you can never make her
as if she had not been mine. If it is a
stain upon her, so be it,
He turned again toward his wife,
who met his eyes. There was conse-
Grafton in that look NV uncle said
not word. Then Jessie distinguished
herself-blessings on the little woman.
She came in softly behind Hans, and
stood before the Baron with something
in her arms-it was Wilbelmina's child.
The little fellow took long and won
derful summary of his grandpa's feat
ures, and then doubled up his fists and
howled-the little wretch.
That broke the spell. / went up to
my uncle and laid my hand on his arm,
Wilhelmina still beside me- We were
very melancholy and very silent, except
little August who walled dismally.
Presently the Baron raised his head,
and turned his eyes toward Hans.
Mr.. Minter, he said, "you ran
away with my daughter. Do you re-
pent of it?'
"Nor' shouted Hans (his heir was
shrieking), "by Heaven, I'm glad l
did it,"
The Baron laughed. Little August
was borne away, screaming and
crowned with glory.
a AlaSi nOor Uhnct