Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-04-29
HOW | WON MY WIFE.
from the German By Rhoda.

Translated from the German By Rhoda.
The opening of the Grand Industrial
Exhibition had brought me to the city in
the early part of the spring of 1879. Tir-
ed from long standing and walking around; !;
more tired still by the shows and wonderful
exhibitions of the mighty progress of civil
lization at home displayed by this exposi-
ton, l turned my steps homeward one af-
ternoon earlier than usual had taken
leave of my friends, making an engage
ment for re union later on in the evening,
and directed my course to enc of the quiet
quarters of i,he city in which my hotel was
situated. The less frequent the bazars and
shop windows became so much more in
significant bt tcame the number Ct foot
passengers on the streets. But it seemed
to me much :lore stylish looking part
of the city than the public drives Of the
central portion. because here the high,
grave looking houses were either govern
ment Offices or were inhabited by city Off
cials or wealthy private oitizeus:
Before me walked for some distance a
young and elegantly attired lady. At a
curve of the street l succeeded in getting
a f1eeting 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 taltered, she half turn
ed, fingered for a moment, and then walk
ed hastily toward me, past me, and back
over the road by which she had just come,
Not far ahead OF US eame sauniefing aiGng
an officer, with lady on his arm, gaily
chatting and laughing. Could they have
frightened my U..knowna A sudden inter-
est stirred within me; | wished to gain
some insight ihto her strange conduct and
therefore made hasty turn, following her
and keeping only few PAGES behind.
Then ! saw hos she preesed the little
clench. d hand passionately to her heart,
and with tears in her violet eyes and a half
sad, half scornfnl expression, mprmured
something to herself which my excited inn
agination fancied to be: 80, foolish heart,
why, art thou not quiet; why mounts the
blood to my cheek and crmpels me to turn
back lest betray myself!'
This childish ebullition moved me un-
consciously, and feeling of jealousy stole
over me against that officer whom had in
voluntarily thought of in connection with
this young girl. If had only dared to
address her, but that could not bring my
self to do. She evidently belonged to tbs
first class of society. and nothing was fur
ther from my thoughts than desire to in
suit or intrude upon her. But fortune fa-
vored me. A small package which she had
hitherto carried slipped from her arm with
out her having remarked it. Quickly l
picked it up and gave it back to its fair
owner, with few polite words. She look
ed at me with a surprised, somewhat
naughty glance, as remained standing be-
fore her rather longer than was absolutely
necessary. Her large, violes, childlike
eyes were still filed with tears, and the
delicate face was deathly pale.
81 thank you," she said briefly, taking
the package from my hand. But | did not
allow myself to be dismissed thus quickly.
"You are not well, my dear young lady,"
said |; twill you not command my servi-
ces?" Something in my voice, perhaps also
my quiet, respectful manner, seemed to in
spire her with confidence. She looked at
me with wonder in her beautiful, fearful
eyes, and said, less curtly than before:
you are very kind, sir. 1 would like
to have droschke."
bowed, and while she stood at the win
dow of aower store, hurried down the
street, and soon found an empty vehicle,
in which joyfully, and with gentle feel
ing of expectation of what would happen
next, drove back to my little Unknown.
Meanwhile she had regained her self
command; 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 residence?" l asked. She named
one of the elegant streets in the west end,
and as called the address to the coach
man knew how certain would be not to
forget it myself. l closed the carriage
door; she then bowed her lovely head at
the open window and thanked me for my
service; but she spoke confused y, and in
her embarras >ment her pale cheeks colOred
with rosy blush, so that she appeared
even more charming than before.
MAY l call tomorrow and inquire after
your heslth?" l ventured to ask; but she
seemed taken by surprise at the question
and hesitated to answer, while the blush
deepened on her cheek.
"Hir' cried the coachman at this mo-
ment; the horse started off, and as | step
ped again on the sidewalk the vehicle was
already rattling away.
AS if in dream entered my hotel. I
could not refrain from laughing at my self;
this ardor, this interest about young lady
entirely unknown to me-mOre beautiful,
more dazzling visions than this childish
shy girl had often during my life crossed my
path without having attracted me particu-
4 n