The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-11-06

nearu at mluHiSnI on Inc water over
the spot; and indeed, not far from the
shore, the crater of an extinct volcano,
filled with huge blocks of lava lying
among lovely flowers and wild rasp-
berry bushes, has furnished the roman
tic German Imagination the material
for the legend. On one shore the five
towers of the immense deserted Elev-
enth-century Benedictine abbey and
church loom up above the trees. Across
the lake, half an hour rowing distant,
between n PERCEPTIONS wall of rock,
overgrown with vines, and the waters
edge, is the empty Jesuit college, where,
in winter, Hans and Babettes' presence
alone prevent the lonely lake from be-
ing an utter solitude.
The witching spirit of the place had
gradually crept over Lucette, and
soothed the pain of her unnatural po-
sition. While it was still summer she
used to sit on the shore where the
water rippled among the reeds, and
think, until her poor brain ached. of
some way out of it all. When it grew
colder, she lowered around Babette,
learning to spin, and creeping into the
old woman's heart, full of sympathy for
her silent, gentle guest.
Max had made them flying visit
Ito satisfy himself that everything was
going on right" he said, and one cold
November afternoon was back for the
second time, surprising Lucette at the
spinning-wheel. He came in laughing,
saying his responsibilities as guardian
were making an old man of him. in
fact, l don't know what | used to think
about, Lucette, before had you to think
of; it seems so natural now to be taking
care of You that
But it is not natural" interrupted
Lucette, land am always trying to
plan way to relieveyo of the charge.
1t must be SOON"
"Why, what is the matter with the
little hermit? | thought you were con-
tented here now. Is it too lonely? Are
you growing tired of Babette?"
20, no. would be happy if it were
right TO be here; but it is not, and |
must 90 away"
A startled look came into Max S face
Promise me-" he said, Selling her
hand, promise me that you will not
90 away. [ will not let 90 your hand
until you do
[ can only promise you not to 60 be-
fore | feel [ can stay no longer she
answered, eXtricating her hand.
This is all folly. Where could you
90 without moncy?-for you have
never accepted any from me, and you
must need some now. Everybody
needs money sometimes. You must
want clothes, too, for the bundle Fritz
got at the school was very small. and
this dress" stopping to scrutinize her
appearance, ''iS not warm enough for
this weather. | came almost on pur-
pose to see how YOU were dressed. Do
you Know" and he broke into laugh,
~ found myself wondering the other
day. in the lecture, when l ought to
have been taking my notes, if You did
not need a pair of boots? Don't you?
80, | assure you, no." and she
blushed as she drew her feet as far
under her chair rs possible.
THAT movement looks very sus-
picious, and firmly believe You do.
So I'll send pair along with the other
things, only | will have to guess at the
size"
80, please don't" she pleaded. 81
could not accept anything. You have
already done more for me than 1 can
ever thank you for; am more grateful
than You can ever know"
''And with that ought to be con-
tented, [ suppose" He arose and
walked to the window.
"Iou forget said Lucettc, quietly,
''what you should remember, that it is
your duty not to think of me at all"
Il know what you mean" he an
swered, impatiently. ''You are always
reminding me of my cousin; but you
would not be so severe if you knewhow
she amuses herself in my absence. ."
AS he was going away after the hour
and-a-half visit, he said, as he took her
hand to bid her good-bye: Il was
tempted a little while ago to empty the
exchequer here. As reward for not
doing it, won't you call me Max-just
once before go?"
Without hesitating she looked up in
his face and said MAX"
He seized her face in his two hands,
stopped and kissed her, and was gone.
She was still standing in a kind of
"Babette, L must 90 away tomorrow.
The Herr Baron has LETT some money
with you, which | will take as a loan,
and 60"
The wise old Babette had passed in
and out of the room several times dur
ing the visit. Without understanding
the conversation, which was in French,
she had nevertheless more than once
shaken her head and looked grave.
And you will do right, dearie. This
can be no lasting shelter for you. But
where will you go?'
That must be my own secret, Ba-
bette. If you knew you might be obliged
to tell, in which case | might as well
remain here. If do not write it will
be sign all is going well"
The next morning, when Babette
came with the coffee, note which a
had brought in the night |
was on her plate. 1t read:
Lucette, am on my knees before you, beg |
Cing forgiveness. 1 have betrayed my trust |
like a coward. VIII you forgive me? l will |
expect an answer in three days, in Paris.
Very soon after, she had started with |
Hans for the station at the foot of the |
and was soon on her way to |
Paris.
On arriving. she went directly to a
large depot of antiquities. the daughter |
of the proprietor of which had been |
her pupil. She would try to find po-
sition as saleswOman there. To her |
she was accepted at once. at Il
salary sufficient to keep body and soul |
together. That day she found room
on the fifth floor of shabby house in
the neighborhood, bought spirit lamp
to make her coffee, and was ready for
work the next day. 1t had been agreed