Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-03-20

austria, Where we had extensive cor
tracts for the building of railroads. L
that country L spent the greater part @
my boyhood and youth. There / wa
educated IN the best schools, my fathe
sparing no money to have me laugh
every thing that gentleman Shouts
know. My mother died when 1 was
mere infant, and as my fathers vocation
made 1t necessary for him to travel
great deal, my life was often lionel,
one. For society 1 depended entirel,
upon my fellow scholars, my tutors am
masters. 1t was my fathers intention
however. that when had finished m
studies should go to one of the grea
European capitals, there to mix witt
the world.
''But when this period arrived 1 wa.
in no haste to avail myself of the ad
yantages he offered me. My tastes were
studious, my disposition contemplatiVe
and was lover of rural life.
''My father had leased an old castle
in Corinthia, not far from the mount
aims; and here he kept his books and
charts, and here came for recreation
and study whenever his arduous duties
gave him little breathing spell. For
| several months / had lived at this
castle, happy when my father was with
me and happy when was alone. 1 ex-
father would introduce me to some of
his influential friends. But day by day
postponed the journey.
walking one morning few miles
from the castle saw at the edge of a
piece of woodland female figure seated
beneath tree. Approaching nearer, 1
perceived that she was young, and that
she was sketching. 1 was surprised,
for knew that in this part of the world
young women, at least those of the
upper classes, to which the costume
and tastes of this one showed her to be-
ong, were not allowed to wander about
the country by themselves; but although
| stood still and watched the young
lady for some time, no companion ap-
peared upon the scene.
''The path had intended to take led
past the piece of woodland and saw no
reason why / should diverge from my
proposed course. 1 accordingly pro-
ceeded and when I reached the young
lady bowed and raised my hat. 1 think
that for some time she had perceived
my approach, and she looked up at me
with face that was half merry, half in
quisitive and perfectly charming. can
not describe the effect which her express
sion had upon me. 1 had never seen her
before, but her look was not such one
as she would bestow upon stranger. 1
had the most powerful desire to stop and
speak to her, but having no right to do
so should have passed on had she not
said to me in the best of English: Good
morning, sir Then l stopped, you may
be sure. l was so accustomed to speak
to those met in either French or Ger
man that 1 involuntarily said to her:
Bon jour, Mademoiselle.' you need not |
speak French, she said; 4 am neither |
English nor American, but speak their |
language. Are you the gentleman who
lives in Wulrick Castle? If so, we are
and I wish you would tell me |
why you live there. nearly all the time
alone
cat this I sat down by her. 4 am
that person, said, and handed her nv |
ard. But before say any more, please
ell me who you are Il am Marie
Dorfier. My fathers house is on the
'ther side of this piece of woodland;
you can not see it from here; this is
part of his estate. And now tell me
Why you live all by yourself in that old
'uin.' 1T is not altogether ruin 1
part of it is in very good
condition. And then I proceeded to
i've her an account of my method of
ife and my reasons for it 1t is inter
sting, she said, but it is very odd Il
o not think it half so odd,' 1 answered,
rs that you should be here by yourself
That is truly an out-of-the-way sort of
hing she said, but just now / am
DING out-of-the-way things. If I do
OF do them now l shall never have the
pportunity again. In two weeks 1
hall be married, and then 1 shall go to
rague, and every thing will be by line
nd rule. No more delightful rambles
y myself. No more sitting quietly in
ne woods watching the little birds and
ares No more making q sketch Just
here please, no matter whether the
round be damp or not 4 wonder {
lat you are allowed to do these things
Ow,' l said. Il am not allowed she /
answered. 4 do them in hours when I
n supposed to be painting flower pieces 6
an upper room,' But when you're v
arried,' said, your husband will be v
our companion in such rambles.' v