Connecticut western news., 1892-02-18
THE MATCHMAKER.

Not that son of Priam, the beloved of Andromache. but still real prince of his race, and greatly beloved by one small woman. A magnificent mastif is Hector. as brave and bold. not to say as gallant and noble. as many hero with two legs less AS for dogs not be certain such an idea deserves to live in "a chill condition of doglessness" to the end of his days. will tell you about Hector and you may judge for yourself
 Having been suddenly thrown upon my own resources. as so often befalls R girl brought up in luxury in this swiftly whirling maelstrom of our American life, determined to cultivate the only decided talent possessed, that for paint ing. Dresden was recommended to me as place both cheap to live in and of. fering unusual facilities for art study. l accordingly went there. Without chaperon? Certainly. l was to be per son of affairs. and what was business woman to do with so costly. not to say inconveuient. an appendage as a chape- ron2 All winter studied and copied in the gallery. and when summer came took the little steamboat which runs up and down the Elbe. lowing it's smoke stack 80 deferentially to all the bridges and hunted up picturesque castles to sketch.
 "Lieben-feisen" was the beautiful old schloss fell specially in love with. 50 finally persuaded an old couple who lived near 1t to take me to board for few weeks They had rather a nice lit. tie house and 8 garden that sloped down to the waters edge. There, under the overhang1ng trees. usedlto sit for hours gazing up at the massive towers just on the other side of the castle wall Now and then feeling of loneliness swept over me. and my heart yearned for some of the pleasures of my joyous past.
 One morning l asked my landlady if any of the numerous German laws wouli be infringed if should go in swimming At first she declared would drown i'm mediately. but when l assured her thai had known how to swim since a child she finally consented, with a protest as to the general unusualness of AmericaL behavior.
 How refreshing it was! What happi ness to plunge fearlessly into the cool clear waterl Not living soul was to be seen: not a sound to be heard. Suddenl, great splash startled me. felt my bathing dress seized between the shoul. ders and myself dragged vigorously out of the water upon the bank. WIS thor oughly terrified, but fortunately made no resistance. As looked up an enor nous head appeared and large pair oi eyes gazed inquiringly into mine.
 had always loved dogs. but this mon strous disturber of my peace was so for midable that dared not move. He, too WAS motionless: and read on his collar the name. "Hector." At last 1 raised my hand very gently and patted him on the neck. and to my infinite relief per ceived a slight vibration in the tip ena of his tail. Just as 1 was wondering how far l dared presume upon that friendl, symptom he lapped his rough tongue all over my face. Then l sat up and laughed. and he jumped and frolicked as large as young lion, as gentle as II kitten.
 Presently tried to go back into the water. but to thls he forcibly objected and l WAS obliged to submit. When l returned to the house he accompanied yne. to the terror of my hostess. He belongs up at the schloss." she explained, ''the young graf is away travelling. and almost all the servants are afraid oi him." #....# .
 Poor fellow, thought: he has been lonely. too: that is what we read in each others eyes. After that Hector and were ins-parable. He came every day and we explored all the surrounding country together. 1 am sure he though, yes. thought. inst as much as you or can think--that he saved my life and consequently ought to appoint himself my guardian. To me he seemed like a living link to the beautiful old castle. q protector and faithful friend.
 One morning as we were returning from long walk saw advancing that always novel sight to American eyes, a woman and dog harnesssd together. dragging cart. In this instance the cart was full of vegetables. It was evi- dently market frau taking produce to town. Now Hector was a true knight. valiant, loyal and gentle, but he pos sessed also that other characteristic of knighthood, he brooked no intruders: and no sooner did one of his kind appear than he challenged him to combat. 1 knew this and, trembled, but hoped for the best.
 Unluckily. however, that plebeian dog. as he approached, presumed to give a defiant bark which settled his fate Ip- stantly Hector gave one spring, and seiz- ing. his boastful adversary shook him out of his harness in less time than it takes to tell of it. overturning the cart and scattering the vegetables in every direction. was distressed beyond meas rire, and called Hector in the most com inanding tones l could assume. Then l coaxed him. all of which he entirely ig- nored. Meanwhile the other one of the span was by no means quiet.
 She was indeed perfectly furious--she abused Hector. she abused me. she abused the aristOcracy, to which she seemed to think we both belonged. as highway robbers and assassinsi In my desperation picked up a stick to com pei Hector to obedience, but she mistook my motive and advanced upon me in Il rage. "Silencer' We turned quickly Just out of the wood came young man in uniform. evidently an officer. The dogs stood still an instant. and rushed forward and grasped Electors collar.
 He did not consent kindly to being led of. but the other dog had been pretty we'll chastised by this time. Hector felt