Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-07-31

Wilhelm had risen too. He looked won
deringly into Gretchen's face. He could
not as yet grasp the whole meaning of her
words. The charm of her presence dazzled
and confused him.
My hero !" The girl caught his right
hand and held it to her breast, to her lips.
Il was never worthy of thy love. But
since | have learned 10 realize the vanity
and frivolity of my past life | have learned
to prize thee at thy true worth. Thy letter
of remuneration reached me this morning
| am here to answer it in person. If my
love has any value for thee still, take it,
or'-Gretchen' voice sank to whisper
" it is thine"
Wilhelm understood now. The blood
mounted to his face, his lips trembled
Hush, Gretchen he said, in strange
unsteady voice. Al cannot accept the
sacrifice. / must not let thy pity blind
thee to-"
PITY who dares pity thee? am not
pitiful, but proud-proud of thy fortitude
and patience. But if thou hast pity for
me, and for my many faults-if thou carest
Gretchens voice broke. Wilhem's arm
stole round her, her head rested against his
shoulder, he bent down, and touched her
hair with his lips. But in the midst of his
rejoicing painful remembrance occurred
to him" Der arme Franz ~ he exclaimed
with a blank face.
Franz Don't be troubled for him."
said Gretchen's reassuring voice. Franz
is q great man nOw-an officer. He has
passed out of our station-your's and mine
He will make new friends and acquire new
tastes. One day he will pay his addresses
to lady in his present rank of life. Then
be will be thankful-never doubt that he
will be thankful-that an insignificant vii
lage maiden had discernment enough, in
the days of his new advancement, to de-
cline to become his wife"
When Frau Bauer returned from the
Lust .Garten she found guest at her house,
in the person of Gretchen Kellner. The
girl remained for supper, and amply proved
her appreciation of the excellence of the
potato salad. When the meal was over,
Wilhelm conducted her across the street. to
her home at the Favorit Backerei. How
long a time the lovers consumed in trav-
ersing the few yards, or how many words
they found to exchange upon the way, it
is not the business of this history to in
quire. As they were standing together at
the threshold of Herr Kellner's shop, the
Englishman came up at his swinging pace.
He recognized his old acquaintance, the
Fraulein, and DOTTED his hat in salutation.s
He saw Wilhelm, too, and took in at once
the change in the young mans expression.
The once sad face was one broad, beaming
smile.
"S-on exclaimed the Englishman-he
had caught the German style of ejacula-
ton" Now, at last, unless am very much
mistaken, my friend, the soldier has I'M
conUovertably and consciously won a
peaceful victory-not a MiltoniC one, by
the-by-a victory in love"
He walked on whistling under his breath.
Only to think he said TO himself with
rather a conscious little laugh, =" that the
Fraulein Gretchen has succumbed at last y
The Englishman's own relationship to the
damsel in question had not been exclusively
professional; certain interviews, which had
savored unquestionably of Irritation, oc-
CURED to his remembrance. Zone never
understands a woman; Gretchen is not,
after all, the heartless coquette for whom l
took her I'll be shot if l don't believe
that it is her soldiers apparent failure in
life-his failure to win the applause of the
Weindorf world-which has gained him
her love at last. "-Annette Caithrop IN Home
Chimes.