The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1883-01-06
THE DROP OF DEW.
CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.
Visitors to the ancient City of Klop.
stag will be attracted by the elegant
five-sided bay window, more spacious
than many bed-chamber. 1t is built
OF heavy stone on level with the
second story, supported by stout pc
destal which rested on the ground. Un.
der the sashes were five panels, daintily
sculptured in high relief, and worn by
the rain until only the soul of the figures
seems left in their refined and spiritual
outlines. Above them are lucent panes
in aqua marine, the windows termina-
ting in Gothic arches.
The house is even older than the
window. 1t was formerly chapel or
parsonage, but subsequently, owned by
the famous artist, Herr Flamensbeck.
In the window, few years since, sat
ayoung man talking with the painter S
daughter.
Katrina, dearest, it is cruel. l will
not obey. 1t is senseless. 1t is the
same as denying me forever. That is
what it means"
perhaps So" whispered the tall,
graceful Katrina, with glorious, star
like eyes, head poised like Juno s
upon full, sloping shoulders, mouth
betraying vivacity, refinement and beau
tiful, glowing health of body and soul
in the red and finely curved lips. Per
haps So" she said; "but what can | do,
dear MaxP | cannot make of you what
he asks; cannot force him to think
you what he says you must be. | love
you, dear Max; | always will love you;
and | believe that you can work and
study until you satisfy his caprice"
81 will for your sake dearest Katrina,
pledge my whole soul to the task,
though | grow faint at the thought of
accomplishing it. He is now the great
est painter in the land. He inherited
his art from his father When only ten
years old he could handle his brush bet
ter than most men. He has been at it
forty years, and now he demands that
the young man, for only youth should
be welded to such beauty''-she let
him kiss her hand in return for his COM
pliment-''that the young man who
marries you shall know his art as well as
he himself has learned it. say that it
is impossible; and he means by it that
you shall never marry"
"And what do you mean, my be-
lovedP" she asked.
II mean you SHALL" he said, passion
ately. II will go away and absent N.Y.
self for years" After pause he added:
81 will return, and he shall give you to
me-
He smote his hands together, arose
and paced the room. His face was radi-
ant with his purpose, and there lurked a
mirthful hopefulness around his eyes
which was very contagious and made
Katrina smile.
''Ah, me-" she said, you'll be so sue
cessful and so great that you'll scorn the
gift even after you have won it, like the
knight who .pickedup the glove when his
lady threw it into the arena where the
lions were. He would not have q love
that was willing to demand so much of
him."
His only reply was kiss upon her
forehead. He arose to go.
II must say farewell, my darling.
Three years from to-day 1 will meet you
in this window and ask you if you still
love me, and if you wish should make
good my claim to your hand before your
father"
She faltered and turned pale at the
thought of the long separation. She
could not bear to face it.
80, stayp' she cried. "Stay and defy
a harsh father. No, no, l do not mean
that. Go and come back to me! But
not quite yet; not quite YETI
She chung to him; he folded her in his
arms, kissed her passionately and was