The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-08-23
HOW / WON MY WIFE.
! fron tha German Nv Rboda

anu WdlkluS drOuuQJ IuOf6 GlFSQ Sbu1 W WV
shows and wonderful exhibitions of the mighty
process of civilization at home displayed at this
exposition, turned my steps homeward one af-
ternoon earlier than usual. ! had taken leave of
my friends, making an engagement for a reunion
later on in the evening, and directed my course
to one Of the quiet quarters Of the city in which
my hotel was situated. The less frequent the ba-
zaars and show-windows became, so much more
insignificant became the number of foot passen-
gers on the streets. But it seemed to me much
more stylish. looking part of the city than the
public drives of the central portion because here
the high, grave-looking houses were either gov
eminent Offices or were inhabited by city Off
Gals or wealthy private citizens
Before me walked for some distance a young
and elegantly attired lady. At curve in the
street l succeeded in getting heeting glimpse
Of her profile, and felt myself thereby urged to
observe carefully even the knot of golden
blonde sunshiny hair, half covered by the dark
English hat, as well as the extremely delicate
graceful figure of the still youthful girl.
Suddenly her step faltered. she half turned,
fingered for moment and then walked hastily
towards me, past me, and back over the road by
which she had just come. Not far ahead of us
came sauntering along officer, with lady on
his arm, gayly chatting and laughing, Could
they have frightened my Unknown2 A sudden
interest stirred within me- / wished to gain
some insight into her strange conduct, and there
fore made hasty turn, following her and keep
Ing only few PAGES behind
Then saw how she pressed the little clenched
hand passionately to her heart and with tears
in her violet eyes and half sad, half scornful
expression, murmured something to herself
which my excited imagination fancied to be:
20, foolish heart, why art thou not quiet; why
mounts the blood to my cheek and compels me
to turn back lest betray myself n
This childish ebullition moved ma I7ncon-
sciously, and feeling of jealousy stole over me
against that officer whom had involuntarily
thought of in connection with this girl. If
had only dared to address her; but that could
not bring myself to do She evidently be-
longed to the first class of society, and nothing
was further from my thoughts than desire to IN
suit or intrude upon her. But fortune favored
me. A small package which she had
hitherto carried slipped from her arm without
her having remarked it. Quickly | picked it
up and gave it back to its fair owner, with a
few polite words She looked at me with a sur
prised, somewhat naughty glance, as remained
standing before her rather longer than was alb
soutely necessary Her large violet, child
DELEGATE face was deathly pale
II thank you," she said briefly. taking the
package from my hand. But / did not allow
myself to be dismissed thus quickly.
'sYou are not well, my dear young LADY, said
l. will you not command my services
Something in my voice, perhaps also my quiet,
respectful manner, seemed to inspire her with
confidence She looked at me with wonder in
her beautiful, fearful eyes, and said, less CURLY
than before
you are very kind, sir. l would like to have
a droschke."
bowed, and while she stood at the window Of
a flower store / hurried down the street, and
soon found an empty vehicle, in which joy
fully, and with gentle feeling of expectation
of what would happen next, drove back to my
little Unknown.
Meanwhile she had regained her self-com-
mand; only her hand yet trembled as she, in
entering the carriage laid it lightly in mine,
and it felt ice-cold through her glove.
your residenceW asked. She named one of
the elegant streets in the west end, and as /
called the address to the coachman knew how
certain would be not to forget it myself
closed the carriage door, She then bowed her
lovely head at the open window. and thanked
me for my service; but she spoke confusedly,
and in her embarrassment her pale cheeks col
ored with a rosy blush, so that she appeared
even much more charming than before.
MAY call tomorrow and inquire after your
health9" ventured to ask; but she seemed taken
by surprise at the question and hestated to an
swer, while the blush deepened on her cheek
'HilD cried the coachman at this moment the
horse started Off and as stepped again on the
sidewalk the vehicle was already rafting away
AS if in a dream, entered my hotel. could
not refrain from laughing at myself; this ardor
this interest about young lady entirely I'M
known to me-more beautiful, more dazzling
visions than this childish, shy girl had often
during my life crossed my path without having
attracted me particularly. / was a riddle to
myself. However, | made the firm resolve to
find out by tomorrow some particulars about
this new street acquaintance.
few hours later / sat with number Of
pleasant friends in one of the best restaurants
under the lindens The conversation was lively
and cheerful and there were many ladies and
gentlemen continually going in and out.
In the neighborhood of the table at which we
sat and made ourselves merry was gathered a
large party, joyous and gay like ours
Some young girlish faces before US having at
tracted me- involuntarily looked around formy
Unknown, but there, yes, certainly, there he
was next to the little blonde coquette, with the
seductive little snub nose and the snowy white
felt hat the officer of Lutzower street, the same
before whom my little friend had taken flight,
for although had no foundation for the idea,
since we had met many other men on that
street, could not help thinking of the large,
snowy, handsome but utterly blase and inso-
lent-looking lieutenant of infantry in connection
with her.
Who is that pale ofacerq" asked / of my friend
Erich
s'WhereY"
indicated the direction to him. sThe one
with the black beard, next to the little blonde
LADY,
Hep said Erich, and laughed 'ssWhy, he
is the lately betrothed, the handsome Paumwolf.
l thought you sure must know him.
mo, no; but what is the story about him?"
inquired.
"Well-nothing more than that yonder blonde
has-with some trouble it must be admitted
captured him for life, after he has caused nearly
ninety dine others to dream of the same happy
fate. For myself, / never could have attained
such an elegiac calm, after breaking off love
affair But he has been unfortunate. Young
ladies' with and without pedigree, with and
without money-bags bow down to him, after
he has devoted himself to them for half an
hour entirely conquered by his irresistible
destinations. And it is just the same with the
old ones. Many, to be sure, aege, indeed, that
behind that titanic brow there is nothing but a
corn-field, and that a thrashed-out oneln
While Erich had been speaking my eyes had
wandered away from Paumwolf. His pale face,
framed in by curling black beard and hair, re-
minded me, in fact of the Zeus Of Otricoli To
me it was in the highest degree repugnant
Enough tears have recently been flowing
from beautiful eyes, since his betrothal with
- hoe fha