Daily Yellowstone journal., 1886-08-12


,ff her wreath of myrtle and put on
rery large hood, which was part of
he peasants costume, such as used to
,e worn about here, which she was going
% wear as diguise. The poor mother
was speechlees with grief, and seemed
quite dazed at the prospect of losing her
,eloved daughter.
Meantime Karl Dernau, who had also
dressed himself like a peasant, had
brought a poor, miserable, one-horsed
covered cart TO the door of the chapel,
and, after the most heartrending leave
akings. Lorchen was lifted in, weeping
bitterly. The night had grown pitch
black by this time: the lightning flashed
and the thunder rolled in the distance;
put under the cover of the darkness, the
pair safely effected their escape across
:he neighboring frontier, to where the
French had not yet gained footing,
Lorchen passing for a sick peasant girl
who was being taken to some famous
wonder working doctor. As Karl Der
lau drove off on his strange wedding
Journey he looked so brave and
ender and self-reliant that we who
we're left behind felt comfortable as
mrance that our little bird would be
'afely hidden in her nest with him for
her protector. Two years passed, and in
he meantime had been married in the
regular, ordinary way, in broad daylight,
with bridesmaids and wedding break
last, and without any of the rather un-
fanny romance which had attended
Lorchen's wedding. Still, who knows
whether the mere fact of our having
:aken part together in this romantic af-
sair did not lead to our own marriagel
Be this as it may, it is quite certain that
he next time Fritz Berger and found
ourselves inside the little chapel it was
ior our own wedding.
After time things went better in the
sown, and as the French were less fa-
vored by those in authority it was
thought safe for the fugitives to come
pack; and, as by the death of his father,
Karl had become the owner of the house
Lorchen's parents had rented-the very
mousse we are in to-day-they came and
,ettled here, and her mother with them,
and all lived happily together. How
happy we were to be together again. and
he very first time we mad a quiet hour
Lorchen told me the story of her be-
Tothed. which had never properly un-
ierstood till then.
You see, Christel," said she, "you and
[ were very intimate. and you did know
all my secrets-almost; but you did not
Know that / cared for Karl for long
time past. was ashamed to confess it
either to you or myself. But when he
,ame 10 the cellar-window that dread
iul day. just when ] was in the greatest
janger, and drove il in-I was too dazed
20 dare to open it myself-and when he
lifted me up, and before l well knew
where was, took me into the cellar of
MS own house, well, then knew that l
lid care for him, and / began to cry.
And then he sat down by me and quietly
,ook hold Of my hand, and when | was
able to speak thanked him and begged
his pardon for having made such fun of
aim before. You can guess what fol-
owed. Our betrothal was not very ro-
mantle, Christel. for we sat upon an old
sugar chest, and my dress was torn and
iusty, and the air of the cellar was damp
and musty. But what did we care for
hat? There were roses all around us,
and we were in Elysium, and as for the
romance, we had enough before the day
was out to last whole lifetime"
This was Lorchen's confession. and
we both thanked heaven for making us
10 happy and bringing us together again.
We two kept together through all that
lime of terrible waiting and fighting and
misery. But at last-at last came the
news of victory, and the hills blazed
with bonfires. The fatherland was free
and our loved ones were safe and
coming home crowned with laurcls. We
lad suffered great deal, but thought
ourselves fortunate in having been a.
owed to look on while such great events
were doing.
But where have l got to with my
chattering! l was only going to tell
you"
"Oh! Granny" l interrupted, you
have not told me bit too much;
could listen all day"
"Well, said she with smile, "you de-
serve something for giving up going to
the chapel TO sit Nth an old woman.
When began l only meant To tell you
how Aunt Dernau was imprisoned in the
cellar, that you might see what dan
yerous gift beauty is
sH-m, Granny, l don't like your
moral.' answered. ~The French are
Tar enough off now, and for my own
part shouldn't mint running the risk
Of being tolerably ni"e looking"
Granny was going to scold, but the
corners of her mouth twiched, and
before she could recover herself had
jumped up, exclaiming:
listen, the bells have been ringing
this long time; the wedding is over, and
they will be here directly!"
/ went once more hastily through the
rooms to see that everything was in
order, and then I strewed flowers all
down the stairs to the front door, and
then Granny and / waited at the win
low.
Soon the head Of '.e procession made
its appcarence-such long, long process
'ion-first came the old people, several
'ouples, and then the young ones, and
'astly the grandchildren all decked with
flowers; but the br' al pair, who were
that day celebrating their golden we'd
ling, were the mos beautiful sight Of
all.
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