The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-02-08

whence it came, nor why.
She kept thinking Of Launce, who had
dared to say he loved her-who had
dared to kiss her hand, and say she
would some day forgive him. Could she
ever do so2 Poor, lonely Launce; with
no friends, no companionship. Ah!--
was he not already forgiven2
The strains had died away, and
Gretchen was losing herself in Wild,
improbable fancy, in which she was
wooei by ono whom she loved, who was
noble and high-born, but who had eyes
like Launce's, in whose passiouase depths
was reflected her own soul.
She was aroused from this waking
dream by seeing the figure OF man
cautiously approaching from the dlrec-
ton of the boat-house. Gould 1t lie
Launco and what could he want at this
hour2 She forgot all her sympathy for
him, and, her old pride returning, she
felt angry as she realized that he was
comiug directly under her window. She
feared to ask why he was there lest
somebody should hear her. She drew
back in the shadow of the room.
"Farowell, Carissima, until we meet
againp' came in low, sad tones to her
eur.
"Launcel Launcel" her heart cried,
but her lips made no sound. When she
looked again she saw only dark object
moving along the white road; then it
faded out in the weird moonlight.
Aunt Wilmine was very angry the
next morning at Launce's failure to bring
! the usual basket of fish for breakfast,
| and forthwith installed Dutch Jaus in
his place but she was more angry at
Gretchcn's refusal that day of the Counts
offer of marriage.
She had cherished the fond hope OF
seeing her niece countess. Her grand
scheme had been successful; the prize
was within her grasp. Thus rudely to
have the enchanting dream dispelled was
more than her ambitious heart could
bear with fortitudc. She stormed and
threatened, to no purpose. Gretchen
was firm in her decision.
s'Marry the Count yourself, Aunt
Wilminc," she sad. 81 am sure you are
quite young enough for him. AS for
myself, l do not wish to be married"
81 shall send you back to the convent,
Gretchen, until you can act with reason
and give a favorable answer to the
Count" declared her irate aunt, with
tears of vexation filling her eyes.
This decision of Aunt Wilmine's
seemed to allay the anger and mortitica-
ton OF the Count, who went away with
the understanding that he should be
notified of any change i'll Gretchen's
sentiments towards him.
The prospect of returning to the con-
vent which had been a sweet, peaceful
home to Grechten for so many years, was
not very appalling rs punishment. She
looked forward to the event with much
greater calmness than to the thought
of becoming the bride of Count Won
Bruncr.
The decree of Punishment being un-
altcrable, Gretchen went back to st.
Ursulas s, there to remain prisoner un-
til her acquiesence in her aunt's plans
should set her free.
When, a week later, she wrote that
she had entered on q course of music
that would require five years to COM
plcte, Aunt Wilmine acknowledged her.
self clcckmatcd.
The summer guests at Wiesbaden
were in state of delightful expectation
over the announcement that the wonder
fulyoung violinist, Count Cellini, would
give concert ut that place
There had been a number Of new ar
rivals at the spacious Hotel de PEurope,
and the younger ladies were on the qui
vivc to d;scorer which was the famous
musician who, rumor said, belonged to
one Of the first families of Italy, and had
inherited immense wealth from q de-
ceaSed relative.
The guests were assembled for supper
at the grand table d'hote. A rortly
matron at the farther end is no less a
persouage than Aunt Wilmine, and be-
side her the fair Gretchen, somewhat
older than when last we saw her, but
with matured loveliness that far ex-
ceeds her giriish beauty. They have
spent year in travel since Gretchen was
released from the convent. Count Won
Bruuer, seated on Aunt Wimine's right,
with surviving hope still in his heart,
has Joined them at Weisbaden.
A young man seated almost opposite
to Gretchen, and who was Enthusiastically
Italian, was the target for many bright
and furtive glances. His gaze was re-
peatedIy fixed upon Gretchen, who
seemed entirely oblivious of his presence.
As he rose to leave the table their eyes
met.
At the concert that night their eyes
met again; for he was in reality the
great violinist. When he played the
music seemed 20 recall those sad strains
she had heard the night Iaunce went
away. Before her mental vision arose
the moonlit road, and on it one lone
form that faded like phantom.
The next day Gretchen and Aunt
Wimiue returned to their suburban
home, from which they had been absent
so long. Count Won Bruncr accompanied
them to again urge his suit.
"Grctchcn has no lovers, and cares for
no one elsc,' Aunt Wilmine argued with
herself, "and, now that she is older and
wiser, must see the propriety of choosing
husband. Where should she find one
save in the Count, who has been 30 faith
ful and long waitinga"
They arri ed at home in the afternoon.
Being fatigued, Gretchen kept her room
until the next day. Then, eager for
sight of her old haunts and a Chamber up
the mountain siip, she left the house un-
known to her aunt.
The Count, growing impatient at her
non appearance, sent to request an inter
view. Not finding her in her room,
Aunt Wilmine learned from the servants
I, 4 .x,,,o N