The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1883-06-20

isfed. We consequently soon resumed
our pilgrimage up the Rhine. stopping
here and there wherever wefound any
thing specially picturesque or interest
ing to afford a subject for Il amateur
pencils.
1t was on September l that we
reached Bonn. Leaving my friend at
a hotel, l lost no time in making my
way to the Chateau Rotherberg, about
two English miles from the town,
where l had the great delight of being
greeted by Julia, looking fairer and
sweeter, 1 thought. than l had ever
before seen her. Madame Estorf also
accorded me a most kindly welcome,
and on learning that l was accom-
panied by a friend, insisted upon u
both dining with her on the following
day.
When I mentioned to Julia our
meeting with Madame Estorf's pretty
companion at Neureide, she laughed
merrily.
"She is the most arrant of little
coquettes, that Bertha Hansing,' she
said. "My cousin has quite spoiled
her, and so indeed has the Fraulein
Estorf. But she is a good girl, never
theless, and | don't wonder that her
mother is so proud of her."
"Where is this Fraulein Estorf?" L
inquired:
She is not nearly so pretty, in my
opinion, as little Bertha she added,
lightly, "but then she is an heiress,
and l confess that were I not so GER
tain of your not being of a mercenary
nature, l should be afraid to expose
you to such a temptation. AS it is, L
shall insist upon your bringing your
friend, since you describe him as so
handsome and fascinating. That will
deprive you of all chance of making
an impression upon the heiress," she
concluded, m~ischievously.
On taking leave, Julia and Madame
Estorf's nephew, a youth on a vaca-
ton visit, accompanied me ON a pri-
vate path through the grounds. The
scenery was lovely and the view from
the highest point Of the shaded terrace
way fine beyond description, and so l
told Traverse on my return to the
hotel.
81 viii accompany you tomorrow
as far as that point" he said, cas- it
may add a subject to myportfolio; but
/ must decline the madame's hospit-
able invitation. To tell you the truth,
Elliott, l don't dare expose myself to
the possibility of again meeting Bertha
Hansing.'
rather approved of the resolution;
so on the following day we left our con-
veyance at the entrance to the grounds
and proceeded along the terraced path
way toward the chateau. At the point
of view already mentioned was a little
round, open pavilion. upon reaching
which, imagine surprise to behold
seated there, in a comfortable wheeled
chair, old Madame Estorf, and by her
side III landlady's daughter, the fair
Bertha, reading to the old lady from a
French novel.
1t was too late to retreat; 10 we
came forward with all possible dignity,
and 1 formally presented my friend to
madame, who, in her turn, quietly re-
marked: II think uand Bertha have
met before"
Bertha blushed to her fair temples,
but glanced up with a demure, half
roguish smile. Even to ME she looked
more charming than ever, Icing dressed
more richly and becomingly than I had
yet seen her.
"This is a favorite haunt of ours"
explained the old lady. but the sun
is getting uncomfortably warm, and it
is high time that Peter should come for
me-"
Peter did presently appear, and as he
leisurely wheeled his mistress home
ward, 1 walked by her side, leaving
Traverse and Bertha to follow.
On arriving at the chateau, madame,
accompanied by her companion, went
away to attend to her toilet, she said,
and Traverse and l were for a few
moments left alone in the saloon.
"lt is all up with me, Elliott" he
said, in a low voice, but with singular
firmness. "It is an unworthy pride,
after all, which would lead q man to
sacrifice the woman he loves to
%aristocratic prejudice. l now know
that 1 do really love Bertha and if
she will have me I will marry her.
She is a perfect lady in all but BIRTH"
1t was no time for remonstrance.
Julia's step was in the hall, and after
ward Madame Estorf again made her
appearance, arrayed en- grand toilet
for dinner.
"Shall we see the Fraulein lansing
again?' 1 ventured to whisper to
Julia, but madame's quick ear had
caught the question.
1.-THE Fraulein lansing will not ap-
pear at dinner" she said, quietly !;
"but 1 will introduce you to my grand
daughter, Fraulein Estorf. ALI, here
she is, in good time"
4 graceful, elegant girl, richly
dressed in silk and lace, stood in the
doorway. Could it he possible? This
young lady was certainly our landlady's
daughter. There were the same regular
features, the same oguish eyes, though
her manner was nov n of more
stately dignity.
Traverse stood as if petriied. But
the young lady came forward and
offered her hand to both of us, with a
charming air of archness and grace.
"You have known me before as your
~landiady's daughter" she said. "That
was your own fault in the first in
stance and not mine. l am Bertha
Estorf."
1t did not take long to explain the
mystery.
"The Frau lansing is my foster
mother" said the young lady, land
when l 60 to Neureide, as l sometimes
do on business for my grandmother,
stay at her house. She was expecting
her daughter on the occasion when
met you. but grandmamma concluded
to send me and allow Bertha to visit
her mother later. l did not know of
you gentlemen being at Neureide, and
since it pleased you to take me for
your landlady's daughter, I thought it
best to humor you in the fancy. Isn't
that sufficient explanation, grand
mammal" she added, with charming
smile as she turned toward the old
lady.
"Quite sufficient for the present.
We were all in the secret, my little
English cousin included" she said,
glancing at Julia, whose eyes were
sparkling with delight through the
half-deprecating look which she cast
at me
"You will forgive my deceit, won't
you:" she whispered, as we proceeded
down the long gallery to dinner. "But
it seemed such fun. A real plot, such
as we read of in novels. And, do you
know" she added, lower still, IL think