The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-03-05
A CHARMING GHOST.

"Sonnenschein will never marry. Son
nenschen is a confirmed bachelor"
Such was the outspoken conviction of
the male friends Of DR. Gottleib SOnnen-
schein. professor Of philology at the Uni
versity Of Bonn. and IL was always pro-
nounced with satisfaction. for TO have
lost him from their midst would have been
regarded by all as little short of ca
lamity. Without Sonnenschein, no sup
per party would have beeh deemed COM
plete.
oh. II was a good thing to see him rise
I'm his place on some special OCCASION
his deep-set eyes cleaning like will-o'-
the-wisps his whimsical face twitching
with suppressed humOr. The company
would hang on his lips in silent eXpecta-
ton 10 burst into a roar when out from
its fantastic wrappings came the reserved
Joke which was 10 sweep down the bar
riers Of decorum with its final thrust.
No wonder therefore. that for the long
vacation Soanenschein was in great de-
mand He was besieged with invitations
10 toin parties touring TO every quarter
of Europe yet, In accordance with
strange freak that had taken possession
OF him 10 wander alone. as he had done
when a lad. along the banks Of his be-
loved Rhine. we behold him leaving the
deserted town with a knapsack on his
back and stout stick as his sole COM
panion
A few DAYS later on a sultry afternoon,
D. was ascending the hill which is
crowned by the stately castle of Rhei-
neck. lie walked slowly. hat in hand,
often pausing to wipe his heated face,
for the heat was oppressive. At length,
at a bend of the winding path, he dis
covered a seat which. standing back in
the shade Of trees. invited him TO rest,
and with sigh of relief, he yielded 10
the invitation.
Soon a pleasant sense OF languor stole
over him. The lovely landscape began 10
swim before his gaze. and, ere he was
aware. he fell asleep.
The level sun was shining I'm his face
when ne awoke with murmur of voices
an his ears.
Tourists" he muttered. and "POtztau-
send. | must have slept
This Is your hat. sir" said a clear
treble voice in the English tongue.
Now. Sonnenschein understood English.
He spoke It. too. in style that was quite
comprehensive 10 the enlightened Eng
lander.
"Ach-ohl Tank you-rny hat. Ye-es, II
Is. indeed my hat leetle mees. tank
you very much" And he beamed with
comical expression Of amusement and
pleasure on the small fairy at his side.
She wore a very short pink frock. and
had very long legs for her size. A round
hat like a pink mushroom adorned her
head. from under which fell shower
of golden hair. She was rosy with health.
and looked at him NTH foyget-me-nOt
ewes. Sonnenschein admired her i'm
mensely. "Ach" he calculated. and she
tossed her sunny name coquettishly.
Are YOU going TO the castie?" she
asked. but without awaiting his reply.
I'VE are" she continued that is. father
and mother. and Jack and Jim down
there. Father SAYS We shall be too late.
DO you think they viii let MS in when we
get 20 the top?'
She looked 10 to the Professors face In
much anxiety.
lie looked at his watch
so laiew he exclaimed. I'VE must.
Indeed. hasten us"
"oh. and they are crawling like snails"
cried the child. II will run back and
hurry them up"
And / will speed me to acquaint the
asstellan Of your approach
''iHcase do Tell her we are close be-
hind" And she left him TO resume the
ascent with rapid strides.
On reaching the top he found that the
gate leading 10 the entrance court stood
open. lie mounted the moSs-grown steps.
The old woman who acted as guide had
Just been showing party over the edi-
nee. She was turning the key or the
nail-sludded portal. Sonnenscheln APP
preached her, and 80 adroitly did he ne
gotiate that when the pink fairy appeared
WITH her friends she was sraciousiy vii
"hs 70 accompany them. IL CHANGED that