Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1878-04-03

| oAio OAbO, gnu an
old lady? 2"
Such laugh as rang out into the
spring air. Otto had heard nothing
like it since he had left Germany.
Mrs. Grundy is my cat. That's
the name l scold her by. But mostly
call her Kittykins. Cats, Monsieur
knows, do not like music.''
Otto bowed with a mock chivalric
air.
"Give my compliments to Mrs. .Grun-
dy, alias Kittvkins. and tell her that |
will not disturb her again, although
must regard her not liking my music as
proof of her bad taste'
This interview gave a new flavor to
rosy glow over the spring. He longed
to have it repeated. But it was not
repeated. His young neighbor was
busy. Once or twice the door was
ajar, and he saw her bending over the
table, pen in hand, while Mrs. Grundy
alias kittykins, splendid, sleek-white
grimalkin looked gravelv on.
1t made Otto's heart ache to think of
a young creature shut up with that
eternal scratch, while all the happy
world outside grew more and more
beautiful.
But he presently had enough to do
to think and plan for himself. His
luck deserted him, if he could ever be
said to have had any luck. The peo-
pie who gave him translating found
some one who would do it cheaper. AS
summer came on his scholars went into
the country. Almost before he knew
it his meagre income slipped away out
of his hands. He went without dinner
often now. He grew wan and hag-
gard.
Marie lie Vert saw it and grieved.
''He is mourning for his beloved violin.
What selfish girl l was. 1 will tell
him so the next time l see him."
That very day she found him stand
ing at the top of the landing, by the
upon her.
The tears rushed to her lovely eyes.
II am so sorry, monsieur, | did not
think what selfish thing was doing.
Let me hear your violin again. Indeed
IL have missed it,"
He tried to smile, TO thank her. but a
mist SWAN before his eyes; he tottered
and would have fallen had he not
clung 20 the easement.
She stared at him in alarm for an in
slant and then flew away, returning in
breath with spoonful or two of wine
in glass.
"Drink, Oh, I wish | had more" ~
Scant as the potion was it revived
him slightly.
"Come with me, Lean on me. am
strong. Comet
He was still faint and almost deliri-
Gus, and he obeyed like a child.
She led him into her own little room;
drew him to a lounge, where he sank
exhausted. Her hands trembled as she
arranged the pillow.
She saw, now, that this stout young
Teuton was absolutely dying of hunger.
With quick movements she kindled
a fire. made tea and toast, went out for
a minute and returned with bit of
tender beef, which she boiled, giving
him every drop of the precious juice.
A little while afterwards he was able TO
sit bolstered up and take the tea and
toast.
s.You are so good.' he said, with a
wan smile.
She smiled back at him, tears in her
eyes.
s'Now 90 to sleep" she said softly;
and indeed he presently fell off into a
dozc.
Marie sat and watched him. Here
was romance, and she was part OF
il. How handsome he was, poor fell
low, in spite of the hollow temples and
the blue circles around his eyes.
She sat hour after hour, in a flood of
happy thoughts. At last at midnight,
Otto awoke.
care YOU better?" she said, gently.
At first he did not know where he
was. but when it came back to him he
said: -,
"Fraulein, you have saved my life.
"Oh. Pm so glad !" she said, in rich
tender voice.
He was able to stand now, to walk
slowly to his own room.
"Monsieur," she said, hastily, "you
must promise to breakfast with me-"
He hesitated, colored.
sPromise, !" she said, with charming
imperiousness.
And he promised.
The room looked lonely after he was
gone. Mrs. Grundy stretched herself
on the lounge where he had lain, and
Marie went and nestled her cheek
against the soft fur. She was only
dimly conscious that his head had also
lain there.
"Kittykins," she said, at last, II
think it's rather hard not to have any
thing but cat to love-"
Kittykins blinked sleepily at her, land
putting out one velvet paw, daintily
touched her mistress cheek.
"Oh, Kittykins," with half sob, "if
you'd only talk! am convinced you