The Osceola times., 1880-02-14

| "Give me your address, old man, and
permit me to visit your daughter to-
morrow. Also give me your word of
honor that you will not inform her, or
inslnuate IN any manner, that l am
rich man."
The old man held out his hand.
81 give you my word. l am anxious
to convince you that have spoken the
truth. My name is William Schmidt,
and there is my address," giving him at
the same time bit of paper which he
drew from his pocket.
"And my name is Karl Trait. I am
the son of Anton Trait. Take these
bank notes-but only on one condition,
that you do not leave this house until /
fetch you from it. Waiter! a bed room
for this gentleman. You require rest,
Herr Schmidt. Goodnight. To-mor-
NOW you will see me again"
IL.
In one of the narrow and ill-lightcd
streets Of Sachenhausen, in an attic of a
lofty and unsightly house, sat a blonde
about twenty years OF age, busily en-
ployed with her needle. The furniture
of the room was clean and tasteful. The
girls whole dress would not have
brought many kreutzers, but every arti-
Gle fitted her as well as if it had cost
hundreds. Her fair locks shaded face
frightened by pair of eyes of heavenly
cleanliness reignedin everything around
her. Her features were delicate, like
those of one noble born, her eyes be-
trayed sleepiness and anxiety, and ever
and anon deep sigh rose from the
maidens breast. Suddenly steps were
heard on the staircase, and der face
frightened with joy. She listened and
doubt seemed to shadow her brow.
Then there came knock at the door,
which made her tremble 30 much that
she almost wanted the courage to say
"Come in" A young man, shabbily
dressed, entered the room and made a
low and awkward bow.
81 beg pardon, Miss" said he, "does
Herr Schmidt live here?"
"Yes, SIR; what is your pleasure?"
"Are you his daughter Bertha?"
81 am"
Then it syou that seek. lam from
your father"
"For heavens sake, where is he?
Something must have happened-he
has stayed away all night"
"The misfortune is not very great"
",Oh, my poor poor father! What shall
l hear"
The young man seemed to observe
these visible marks Of anxiety with
great interest. He said:
"Do not be frightened. 1t is nothing
Of great importance. Your father met
last night with an old acquaintance, who
invited him to tavern. They had
supped together. but-when the landlord
came for the bill your fathers friend
had decamped, and left him to pay the
score. He had not sufficient money for
this, and now the host will not let him
go until he is paid, and declares that
until he gets his money he will send
him to prison."
ITO PRISON. exclaimed the girl, "Can
you tell me how much the bill comes
to?"
"Three forms and half"
ooh, God" sighed the girl. "All !
have does not amount to more than one
form, but will go at once TO Madame
Berg and beg of her to advance the
money"
"Who is Madam Berg?"
"The milliner for whom work"
"But if Madam Berg does not advance
the money-what thcn?"
The girl burst into tears.
IL am afraid she will refuse.
already owe her one form and she is
very hard"
"For what purpose did you borrow the
money you owe herr"
The girl hesitated to reply.
You must trust me.
well, my father is very weak, and re-
quires strengthening. l borrowed the
money to get quarter of fowl for
him."
Under these circumstances I fear
Madame Berg will not give you any. /
possess nothing, Have yon any valu-
ables more? Here is one forin, 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 N othing in the
world hold more sacred than her men,
ory, and the promises l gave her; but
still, for my fathers sake must not hesi-
tate"
With trembling hand she took the
book down from the shelf
90, sir" she said, during many a
sleepless night l have been accustomed
to enter the secret thoughts Of my heart
on the blank leaves at the end of the
book. hope no one will ever know
whose writings they are; you will prom
ise me that"
Certainly, Bertha. l will take care
that your secrets are not profaned. But
now get ready, that We may CO."
While she left the room to put on her
bonnet and shawl. Karl Trait (for the
young man who was no other than our
heroJ glanced over the writing in the
book, and his eyes filled with tears OF
emotion and delight as he read the out.
pourings of a pure and pious heart; and
when they had left the house together,
and she was walking beside him with a
dignity of which he seemed unconcious,
he cast upon her looks of respect and
admiration.
They went first to Madame Berg, who
did not have the advance required, but
assured the young man that Bertha was
an angel Certainly this praise Mr..
Trait valued higher than the money he
asked for They pawned the book, and
the required sum was made up. Bertha
was overjoyed.
"But if you spend all that money to-
day." remarked the young man, ION
what will you live tomorrow"
81 do not know, but I trust in God.
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. 1t is i'm
possible to describe the joy he felt when
he saw the Young girl throw herself in