New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1886-05-05

path, which sometimes skirted rich
and beautiful fields and sometimes
lost itself in windings through shad-
owy thickets. The trees were don
ming their youthful garb of spring.
The acacia had as yet only a
few leaves, while the chestnut and
cocious, were already strutting in their
opulent green robes, as if proud of the
vigor OF their sap. The hawthorne,
which grows here among other trees,
not IN hedges, as it is made to do in
more civilized countries, was all cover
ed with snow OF flowers that waited
to us long breaths OF perfume. All this
beautiful savage nature spoke to the
soul and seemed to promise unutter-
able Joy.
At last the sun rose It was magic.
all 1t daintily gilded the hawthorne
blossoms, the trunks and branches Of
the trees, and flung rosy light upon
their foliage. And the same roseate
CLEANS sparkled in the clear-blue
waters OF the river, which flowed all
calmly at our feet.
charm that I cannot explain came
slowly over me. My sensibilities Seem
ed strangely intensified; Thought that
my perceptions had become more del
icate, more subtle than they had been
before. Perhaps it was the beautiful
but sleepless night that had excited
my nerves; l fancied so at the time;
but be that as it may, I know that
never again during my life did the
sight OF fair landscape under the ris-
ing sun fill me with such emotion.
felt like one about to weep.
Then l looked at that beautiful
young woman, who, during two long
months, had ministered to me with
such loving care and kindness, lest
should feel lonely at being so far away
from my own home. Shebeamed with
roseate health and youth, with good
ness and frankness. In her, and in the
splendid scenery that seemed to make
a background for her picture, there
was summed up for me all the great
and mighty poetry of nature.
We walked on slowly without speak
ing to one another. do not know if
the morning air had intoxicated me,
but felt a lassitude that l could
scarcely strive against.
II feel tired, Mariana, I said to her;
'let us rest here a moment, thou
madest me run about little too much
in the village"
"Then let us sit down, my young
gentleman" she answered.
Mariana had one peculiar grace
her sweet speech. She did not, per-
haps, express herself with the elegance
OF the city women; but the admirable
tone Of her voice-a voice low, deep,
melodious, and caressing-lent great
charm to all that she said.
We seated ourselves up onthe trunk
OF a tree that had been recently cut
down. She was not much inclined to
chat that day. In order to make her
talk l asked her all sorts of questions
at random. l even asked her about
her husband, who had long been alb
sent on military duty, never suspect
ing in giving this turn to the converse
ton l was venturing upon dangerous
ground.
'When dost thou expect thy hus-
band to return?" l asked.
II do not know" she answered me,
"if he will soon return. He wrote to
me that he would not be long away;
but it is now six months or more since
IgOt that letter, and | havenot heard
any further news OF him."
"Thou must feel lonely at home.
Were you living long together before
he went away"
"Three weeks only"
"And thou must have cried for him
a great deal when he went to join the
Service?"
She smiled.
"How can 1T concern thee to know"
she replied.
"Was it any harm to ask thee?"
"No." she answered after moments
reflection, cit was not any harm.
But dost thou wish me to answer thee
very frankly-to tell thee the whole
truth?"
Certainly or else do not answer me
at ALL"
"Well, then, l will say to thee that 1
did not cry when he went away l
did not love him. Twas married to
him against my will"
''And now thou dost not love any
One?' l asked, with real interc-f.
eyes, I do" she returned with a.
smile.
"And may I know whom thou
lovest?'
"Thou mayst."
'"Then who?"
II love this ring"
And she held up before my eyes the
lHtle gold ring had given her at the
morning service.
"But there is no sense in loving a
ring-an inanimate object that can
not speak to thee,-that cannot tell
thee one wish of the hearth"
Mariana blushed, but mado no
answer And as she remained silent
long time, I said:
"Why dost thou say nothing? Is
it because thou hast suddenly become
dumb?"
"No," she answered sweetly, "Ihave
not become dumb; but l think it is
better that | should be silent, for I am
very much afraid that all this talk
would lead 11s tO NOTHING oOOd -