Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1885-10-19

| tlence, she exhibited to us the vaIl-
Gus works of art spread out indis
criminately before us, and answered
our many questions. Yet, during all
our conversation, the same sad ex-
preston seemed to dwell upon her
face, as if nature had placed it there.
Her name, she told us, was Kathrina,
and we learned at the hotel that she
was unmarried, and her family name
was Essel.
Remaining at Meiringen several
days, we became quite well acquaint-
ed with Kathrina, found her always |
gentle, courteous and patient, but
never saw her arrayed in any but
black garments, nor did the sad ex-
preston ever leave her face. One
day, as we strolled through the show
room at her side, one Of us said to |
| her =
'Do you live here all alone?'
"Oh, no." she answered quickly. |
''My brother and l live here togeth-
er. He is the carver now. 1t was
my fathers house till he died and |
then we two took it. My father was
a carver, too; but my brother is a
| better one."
She paused for moment, and a
bright light came into her eyes, as
she added slowly, "Ah, he was best |
of all !"
"Your father,' 1 asked not COM
pretending her statement.
'sOh, no, no! Karl Ah, he was
grand, so strong in the wrist, and
yet with touch as dainty as la
dy's! There was not carver in the |
whole valley who could rival him."
Then, after moments pause, she
said in low tone -
"Will you come with me and see?
l will show you, but they are not for
sale. Oh, no not at any price, and
please do not ask me-.
She led the way to an inner room,
S mall and neat, in which were many
carvings hanging against the walls
and resting upon the tables.
"They are not for exhibition, like
/ those Others she said. pointing to
the show-rooms, "hut | would like
to have you see them
Then she showed them to us, and
we marvelled at them. They certain
ly were the perfection of wood-carv-
ing. There were punches of grapes
as perfect in form as they are made
by nature; roebucks, about to spring
from rock, that you almost expect
ed to move; birds, with partly open
ed wings, that seemed ready to soar
away; dozens of things, in fact, SO
/ marvellously carved that one could
scarcely believe that they were cut
by Swiss peasant from block of
wood.
Doubtless, our faces showed our
surprise; for she asked eagerly, as
she turned toward u.s.
care they not graud?''
We frankly admitted that they
were, and asked,-
"Who was the artist?"
''Karl, my Karl" she answered in
low tone.
"Has he gone away2"
''Gone away! All! on the long,
long journey. He is dead.''
1--WE did not wish to wound your
feelings" l said, regretting that |
had asked the question.
"Oh, it is not unpleasant, she
answered softly, 'to talk about the
dead. 1t brings US nearer TO them.
Shall / tell you about him p
We were somewhat surprised, but
we assented quickly to her offer; and
there, among the works of his hands,
she told us his story.
There was no hesitation on her
part; and she spoke cheerfully, rath-
er than sadly, as she said =
ssHe was born an artist, but he
came to my father to learn the me-
chani cal part of wood-carving. No
one in Meiringen was acquainted
with him. He came from beyond the
hills. My father took him into his
workshop and his home, and then ev-
erybody knew my Karl. How beau
tiful he was.-so tall and broad
shouldered. He had soft hair and
beard, and large blue eyes. How
gentle and kind he was, with smile
always upon his face! Everybody in
the village loved him and how could
1 help loving him, as l did, every
day and living in the house with him?
When he asked my father for leave
to marry me, he had my heart al
ready; and, when my father consent
ed, l was the proudest girl in Meir-
ingen. Karl was to be my Karl in
June, and it was only March.
''My only brother, Adolf, did not
like to carve; and, when the driver
of the diligence died, the postmaster
gave my brother the position. Adolf
was pleased with the appointment,
and everybody at home rejoiced with
him. Karl wished to take all of Adolf's
friends to the post-office on the first
; day. and cheer the new driver; but
my brother feared that the noise
might frighten the horses, and make
him drive badly. AT all events,
said Karl, Il will 60 up on the hill,
and wave my hat to you as you drive
: awav'