Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-12-26
CHRISTMAS CHIMES.
Translated for the REcoRD-US1os. from the
German OF A. Geisel, by Louise ]. Conrad

Translated for the REcoRp-UNlos, from the
German of A. Geisel, by Louise J. Conrad
I.
A dreary December day draws near its
close; whirling snowfakes fall upon the
frozen earth, covering it with white, gilt
tering robe; across the heath the keen
north wind is whistling shrilly. Sud-
denly above the noise of warning elements
arises silvery chime, and as It's tones
grow fuller and richer, the storm gradually
dies away, subdued by the magic of the
bells. tbs the glad season of Christmas.
and thousands of happy hearts in castle
and cot realize that true saying, at is
more blessed to give than to receive
In lordly castle, whose towers and tnr.
rets look proudly down upon the sea-
washed coast, and snowy landscape at its
feet, dwells the family Won Guntershausen.
Far back, in the time of the Crusades, their
ancestors had been distinguished for bray.
cry. The present Baron, it is true. has
performed no illustrious deeds TO ada
glory to his name; he ls a frivolous noble.
man, who seldom visits his home. prefer.
ring merry life at the Capital. although
duty bound to guide and guard his mother
less children. The care of these unfolding
blossoms is Entrusted to his sister, the Lady
Adelaide; The young people are all very
hveiy ano tneir overlooking spirits often
make duty thorny path for the old lady:
for as upon sunny landscape shadows
stand out in strong relief, so in these other
wise talented natures appear the stubborn
will and naughty pride characteristic OF
their race.
In the long hall of the castle Lady AIDE.
laide is making final preparations for the
happy feast, while awaiting her brother.
who has promised to be with them on this
Christmas Eve.
Around cheerful fire in the tower.
room merry group, unmindful of natures
strife, sits chatting and laughinelv won
dering what St Nicholas will bring to
them.
Il wonder if Aunt Adelaide will ever get
through, exclaims Emme, a charming
girl OF fifteen.
Helen, slender brunette of nineteen,
chides her with, Don't be so impulsiye
Emme."
How yirtuous Helen isl' This from
Eugene, tall youth, who, despite his
eighteen years, has reached only the sopb.
omore class, carelessly adding, When
papa comes this evening / shall tell him
that school life is uncomfortable. intend
to be an officer
But. Eugene, an officer must have a
thorough education and
Silence You know nothing about the
matter" he broke in hastily. How can
you presume to question my knowledge?''
Eugene is right" came from Hans, the
younger brother, ut is hardly worth while
to discuss his attainments.'
An angry flush mounted to the elders
brow, but before he could retort Emme
cried out 20, listen to the Christmas
chimes! IT papa were only here" The
door was suddenly opened, their aunt ap.
pearipg on the threshold, her face betray-
ing an unusual emotion
"Auntie, what is it? Has something
happened to papa?" cried Helen anx-
iously.
The old lady shook her head. Nothing
has befallen him-but u.s. she mur-
injured brokenly. Unable to say more,
she handed Helen a telegram. Read it.
Oh, the shameln
The dispatch was short, but the few
words brought mountain of shame and
sorrow upon the little group anxiously
gathered around Helen. The telegram
came from the Baron's Secretary, and in
formed them that their father had depart
ed, the previous week, for America, to
escape the payment of debt of honor. Mr..
Schroeder, the Baron's attorney, would ar.
rive during the evening to inquire into the
state of his affairs, and make other neces.
sary arrangements,
With pale, sad faces, they gazed upon the
fatal paper which had, with one blow.
crushed their happiness. Again and again
they read the terrible words. "a Gunters-
hansen, and cowardr' Grid Hans, angrily.
HushI' whispered Helen, with CULVER
ing lips, you have no right to Judge, Re.
m ON 10 ho 10 fof
The hours that followed passed on wings
of lead. The Christmas chimes were silent
now. Noiselessly, up and down the CORR.
doris, passed the servants, speaking in
whispers of the castle disgrace. The night
shades were gathering, and the glimmer of
the Christmas candles came from the
homes of rich and poor down in the vii
lage, when the noise of wagon wheels
broke the silence of the castle courtyard.
Perhaps papa is coming back" whis-
pered Anna to her aunt, who mournfully
shook her head. At this moment the foot.
man announced, "Dr. Schroeder wishes to
speak with my Lady,"
She arose with faltering steps, but before
she could leave the room Helen was at her
side. Let me go with you, Auntie," she
whispered, and placing the old lady's arm
within her own, led her to the library,
where the attorney awaited them.
DR.. Schroeder, who was one of the most
prominent lawyers of the Capital, had for
several years conducted the business affairs
of the Baron, and had also amicably set
tied a suit of long standing against re.
moved branch of the family.
The strong character and personality of
this man impressed bis fellow. citizens even
more than the brilliancy of his mind. AL
though Kurt Schroeder had crossed the
threshold of thirty, he had never given a
thought to the establishment of q fireside
OF his own. Contentedly he passed his
days IN entire devotion to his profession
and his Office; and at home ruled over by
an old servant, bequeathed to him by his
parents.
Possessing strikingly handsome appear
ance and a large fortune, small wonder
that he was the ideal of mothers with mar
rlageable daughters; but until now old
Emile had safely reigned supreme over the
domestic affairs.
The fact that he had come at once to
console and advise this unfortunate fam.
lily and to make their lot an easier if not
happier one, bespoke the warm. hearted
nature which had lost nothing by contact
with the worst side of men. As LADY Ad-
elaide, leading on Helen's arm, entered the
library, DIR. Schroeder met them with
friendly greeting, and Immediately brought
up the subject which had caused his visit.
A letter, dated at Liverpool, had informed
him that Baron Hellmuth, having lost
large sums at the gaming table and not be-
ing able to pay them, had given his note,
and as the day of payment was near, had
fastened TO place the ocean between him
self and his debtors. The letter slso con-
tanned instructions to his attorney to make
these matters known to his (the Baron's)
family.
DR.. Schroeder did his utmost to spare
their feelings in speaking of their relatives
base conduct. That the Baron had forged
note OF ten thousand marks, with his at
forneys name, to carry on his loose mode
of living in America, DIR. Schroeder con-
ceaied from them. He was deeply touched
by Helen's silent sorrow. and would have