Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1891-07-02


Ralph liked to muse in these vener-
able halls, so fun of architectural beauty
and so interesting in historic remin-
iscences- He had gained the confidence
OF the attendants. who let him wander
at randomsthrough that part Of the cas-
tie which is ordinarily shown TO tourists.
There he spent many a long hour, and,
among the emotions awakened by such
surroundings. sometimes almost forgot
his own troubles
1t was the fashion among the summer
guests at Eisenach 10 pay visit to the
castle at least once a week Mrs War
bingham also Obeyed this fashion. One
day she complained at the haste with
which visitors were driven through the
halls by the attendants who would not
allow them 70 inspect at leisure what
ever might attract their attention.
Now, Count HOhenfels happened TO be
a relative OF the commander" of the
castle, an aged, invalid officer who had
been given this sinecure in lieu OF pen
sion. He offered to obtain permission
from that gentleman to remain in the
castle as long as they liked, without in
reference from the guides Mrs. War
bingham and another lady gladly ac-
cepted-
The Count easily got the desired per
mission, and on the following day the
pened that at the appointed time the
other lady felt indispOsed.
Thus for the first time Count Won
HOhenfels and Mrs Narringham found
themselves alone together They found
themselves alone in the vide, mysterious
halls Of the ancient castle, in an atmOs-
phere of romance, amid "reminiscences
OF love and passion, before the great
picture of the ~Singers' War.
Tupv-g hognun haaVa6 "a 10 stOOd he
fore the painting, with her arm in his.
Her heart beat violently.
He felt her arm tremble in his. His
hand found hers, and she did not with
draw It. So they stood, looking at the
life-sized, many-cOlored figures on
Schwind's great frescO, which covers the
larger part of the long side OF the hall.
He began 10 explain it, for he was
thoroughly familiar with these legends.
~Do you know the story OF Tannhau-
ser? OF course you do; you have seen
Wagner's opera.
at is a story of love and passion" she
replied. II have heard it, but let me
hear it again from you"
He told how the knight found his way
into the HOersel mountain, where Lady
Venus held court in splendor and beauty.
There he lived among the joys of love
for many years, but at last his conscience
bade him seek absOlution from the Pope.
He took leave from Lady Venus and
travelled to Rome as pilgrim. But the
Holy Father would not grant him ALSO
luton, and said not until the dry staff
he held in his hand would sprOut anew
could his sins be forgiven. Then Tam
hauser went back into the mountain,
where he was received with open arms
by the Lady Venus. But the day after
the Pope's dry staff had put forth new
leaves. Then messengers were sent all
over the world TO find Tannhauser, but
he had gone back to the Queen Of Love.
When he had finished his story the
Count thought he heard a noise behind
him, in the raised lobby where once the
beautiful landgrafin had sat on her
throne and Tannhauser knelt before
her, after his defeat, just as it was de-
picted in the painting. He turned
around, but could see nothing.
at is q beautiful story" Mrs. War
bingham said. softly, and he felt her
arm press against his at teaches that
love is tho greatest power in the world,
and they who sin from love will always
be forgiven"
She seated herself in one of the an
Client carved chairs just at the foot of
the lobby. The Count stood beside her,
one foot on the steps
The supreme moment had come.
She looked up into his eyes. How
charming she vast Never was woman
so beautiful beforel Was she Lady
Venus2 Was he Tannhauser?
"Then let my love be forgiven, alsol"
he cried, as he threw his arms around
her. His lips pressed on hers in a mo-
ment OF an-fOrgetting bliss.
There was noise behind them The
lovers started and turned
At the top of the steps leading to the
lobby stood DIR. Warringham.