Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1880-05-21

ready owe her one form, and she is
very hard"
For what purpose did you borrow
the money you owe her"
The girl hesitated to reply.
You may trust me-"
"Well, my father is very weak, and
requires Strengthening I borrowed
the money to get a quarter of fowl for
him"
Under these circumstances I fear
Madame Berg will not give you any.
possess nothing. Have you any valu-
ables more? Here is one form, but
that is all upon which we could raise
some money"
Bertha considered for moment.
81 have nothing" said she at length,
"but my poor mothers prayer book.
On her death-bed she entreated me not
to part with it and there is nothing IN
the world hold more sacred than her
memory, and the promise I gave her !;
but still, for my fathers sake, I must
not hesitate" With trembling hand
she took the book down from the shelf.
80, SIR" she said, during many o
sleepless night I have been accustomed
to enter the secret thoughts of my heart
on the blank leaves at the end of the
book. I hope no one will ever know
whose writings they are you Will
promise mo that"
Certainly, Bertha. I will take
famed. But now get ready, that we
may CO."
While she left the room to put on her
bonnet and shawl, Karl Trait flor the
young man who was no other than our
hero) glanced over the writing in the
book, and his eyes filled with tears Of
emotion and delight as he read the out
pouriDgs of pure and pious heart !;
and when they had left the house to-
gether, and she was walking beside
him with dignity of which she seemed
unconscious. he cast upon her looks of
respect and admiration.
They went first to Madame Berg,
who did not have the advance re-
quired, but assured the young man
that Bertha was an angel. Certainly
this praise Mr.. Taft valued higher than
the money he asked for. They pawned
the book, and the required sum was
made up. Bertha was overjoyed.
"Bnt if you spend all that money to-
day." remarked the young man " on
what will you live tomorrow"
81 do not know, but trust in God"
I shall work the whole night through"
When they went to the tavern the
young man went first to prepare old
Mr.. Schmidt for the part he wished
him to act; then he fetched Bertha.
It is Impossible to describe the Joy he
felt when he saw the young girl throw
herself in her fathers arms and press
him to her heart.
She paid the bill and triumphantly
led him home. Trait accompanied
them, and said he had q few more
kreutzers in his pocket; she had better
go and get something to eat. It was
late before Trait went home that night,
but the leap FROM the Main bridge was
no more thought Of. He came to the
house every evening, he said, to share
with them his scanty earnings.
About fortnight after, as he was
going away one evening, he said to
Bertha: evil you become my wife {
lam only poor clerk, but I am hon
est and upright"
Bertha blushed and cast her eyes to
the ground.
A few days after, the young couple.
simply but respectfully attired, and &C.
companied by Herr Schmidt, went to
church, where they were married in a
quiet way. When they came out man
and wife an elegant carriage was stand
ing at the door, and footman in rich
livery let down the step.
"Come," said the happy husband to
his bewildered wife, who looked at Iii m
with abatement.
Before she could utter word the
three were seated in the carriage driv-
ing away at quick pace. The carriage
stopped before splendid house in the
best part Of Frankfort. They wcre re.
ceived by number of domestics, who
conducted them to apartments decora.
ted for them in the most costly manner
"This is your Mistress" said Trait
to the servants, "and her commands
you have henceforth to obey. My
darling wife," said he then, turning ia
Bertha, " am Karl Trait, one of the
wealthiest men of this CITY,"