Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-01-11

tive work fell ID their path was accom-
plishsd either In the afternoon or in the
dead Of night, when others slept, and
pranks and raids were therefore dealt
in more easily, and with less chance of
detection.
No, this was now the merry time of
recreation, and the chief amusement
INDUCED in by them was watching the
girl Natalie dance-ay, dance by the
hour at time.
II she was tired, they. on the con-
trary, were never. They never dreamt
of such state of things. 1t would have
Such an incident that Just named was
Of actual occurrence.
been too ridiculous
That girl. it would seem, has for
gotten her art tonight" chimed in a
a rough-looking fellow. "She deserves
more work and less play, by far. You've
spoit her, hag-made too much of a
fine lady Of her. Who is Natalie, l
should like to know9-a waif-a miser-
able stray. That's all. Mother Hirsch."
That's all indeed" muttered Moth
or Hirsch between her teeth, half-an-
grily; but her growing was quickly
broken in upon.
Let the girl alone. Mother Hirsch-
and you also, Ishmael. You owe her
many and many turn, all of you-you
seem to forget that. There! I'm
ashamed of you," and he looked around
angrily-scowlingly. Come here. Ma
talie!"
The girl addressed came, trembling
ly.
you called me, Petrovi?''
'.Yes, child. Sit there Don't mind
them. You are too beautiful for that"
How wearily, and vet gratefully, the
girl glanced toward him
She had thrown herself meanwhile
full length upon the green sward near
ever known-the only one, in fact,
that she could ever remember, and her
heart throbbed madly, even as he
spoke.
Thank you," she whispered, "you
are always kind"
"Nonsenser he blurted out, uncere-
moniously. You're better than the
rest. thousand times. You please
my fancy, child-have always done so.
| Some day" He paused.
Some day? Yes. What then?
Some dayp'
''Some day. them" and the mans
voice was itself again-quite steady and
| gruff-''you'll marry me. Natalie
Time shall get see you queen and mis-
tress Of our gypsy camp. Natalie,"
came the next minute, in amazed fash
ion child-girl! l scarcely know
what to call you! What's amiss?"
She had suddenly started to her feet,
and stood there, mutely and imploring-
ly. like one whose heart was indeed
full, and yet whose mouth wholly lack
ed words for speech.
He watched her, almost savagely.
''Speak! You know the penalty
else"
Speak, How could she, with her
heart still trembling so mercilessly?
He had now seized her by the arm
very roughly.
Speak"
Il will say whatever you please, Pc |
rovi-anything." The words came
pasSiOnafe)v EARNESTLY and yet sinu1y |
Anything that l please, ay?"
II have already said So"
.'And You are not afraid of mep"
''Afraide Yes; horribly"
He looked astonished, and then scowl- |
ed the more.
"A man fit to scare one, indeed'' as
Mother Hirsch had frequently been
heard to say.
Did the girl think so too?
You understood the words l said,
Natalie?'
She bent her head now almost as if |
she had already been little queen.
He did not know what now to make |
OF her.
You hate me?
''Hate you! No. How could I2"
What then?'
"lil marry you.
He, too. now started to his feet in
sudden amazement.
IL IL marry you, she whispered now,
as II IN this moment afraid even OF her
sell ana her own words.
II IL Dc their queen came proudly.
lie kept her TO her word as years
went on-dld this fetrovl.
AND so the years went on.
"And am now ms wife-the WIFE
she beat her breast now sayagely,
even as she spoke-'of Michel AleXan-
droVitch. ms irlend-onr friend, IN
TACT; fetrovi's chosen companion. The
bargain, 100, made without my own
consent-wlthout my knowledge even.
Sold secreily!-and amid the hours OF
darkness,ior twenty roubles! BAH!
incrediple! she pursued, presently.
II loved HIM, too-Petrovl-madly.
Have loved him ever Stree l can re-
member. Was grateful to him as only
child can be who has one day drop
ped into existence. as 1t might seem.
from the very clouds themselves, and
like the dove OF Old, found no rest Tor
the sole OF her foot. Ah, yes, L loved
him madly, though he did not know it
then. He thought at first l hated him
must hate him, like l hated all the