The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-05-16

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ss.INhos1ld'lfko b. cook the forellen,r she
said very quietly. esssra1 y~t,5e.s
1t was months since she had done any
thing in tho house. The old mothers
heart beat with pleasure
"Catharina, my best loved child" she
whispered, and she gathered the poor, suf-
fering soul near to her.
| In about half an hour the Disagreeable
Man and Bernardine sat down to their
meal Robert Allitsen had ordered bot
tie of sassella, and he was just pouring 1t
| out when Catharina brought in the forel-
len.
why, Catharina," he said, 'you don't
mean you've cooked themy Then they
will be good"
She smiled and seemed pleased and then
went out of the room
Then he told Bernardine her history and
spoke with such kindness and sympathy
that Bernardine was again amazed at him,
but she made no remark.
"Catharins was always sorry that was
Ill, he said. when / staid here, AS I
have done for weeks together, she used TO
take every care OF me And it was kind
ly sympathy which could not resent. In
those days was suffering more than I
was very pitiful. She could not bear TO
hear me cough. used TO tell her that she
must learn not to feel, but you see she did
not learn her lesson, for when this trouble
came on her she felt too much. And you
see what she is. !"
They had q CHEEKY meal together, and
then Bernardine talked with the old moth
er while the Disagreeable Man busted him
self with his camera Liza was for putting
on her best dress and doing her hair In some
wonderful way. But he would not hear Of
such a thing, but seeing that she looked
disappointed he gave in and said she
should be photographed just as she wished.
and off she ran 20 change her attire She
went up to her room picturesque, homely
working girl, and she came down a tidy.
awkward looking young woman, with all
her finery on and all her charm off
The Disagreeable Man grunted, but said
nothing.
Then Hans arrived, and then came the
posing, which caused much amusement.
They both stood perfectly straight, just as
soldier stands before presenting arms.
Both faces were perfectly expressionless.
The Disagreeable Man was In despair.
.'Look happy" he entreated
They tried to smile but the anxiety TO
choly which was too much for the gravity
of the photographer. He laughed heartily.
Look as though you weren't going TO
be photographed, no suggested. LILA,
for goodness sake look as though you were
baking the bread. And, Hans, try to be-
lieve that you are doing some Of your beau
tiful carving"
The patience OF the photographer was
something wonderful. At last he succeed
ed in making them appear at their ease.
And then he told Liza that she must GO
and change her dress and be photographed
now In the way no wished. She came
down again, looking 80 times prettior In
her working clothes. Now be was in his
element. He arranged Liza and Hans On
the slcdge Of timber which had then driy-
en- up, and made a picturesque group of
them all, Hans and Liza sitting side by
side on the timber, the horses standing
there so patiently after their long journey
through the forests, the driver leaning
against his sledge smoking his long china
pipe.
THAT will be something like picture"
he said to Bernardine when the perform
ance was over. Now L am going for
about miles walk. Will you come with
mo and SEQ what am going 70 photo
graph, or will you rest here till / come
back"
She chose the latter, and during his alb
sence was shown the treasures and posses
sions of Swiss peasants home.
She was taken to see the cows in the
stalls and had lecture given her on the
respective merits of Schneewitchen, a
white COW, Kartoffelkuchen, dark brown
one, and Roselin, the beauty of them all.
Then she looked at the spinning wheel
and watched the olo hausfrau turn the
treadle. And SO the time passed, Bet'nar-
dine making good friends of them all.
Catharina had returned to her knitting
and began working, and as before not
noticing any one. But Bernardine sat by
her side, playing with the cat, and after
time Catharina looked up at Bernardines
little thin face, and after some hesitation
stocked IL gently with her hand.
"Fraulein Is not strong" she said ten
derly. IF fraulein lived here, should
take care of her."
That was a aremnant of Catharina's past.
She had always loved everything that was
ailing and weakly.
Her hand rested on Bernardine's hand.
Bernardine pressed 1t In kindly sympathy, |
thinking the while Of the girls past hap
piness and present bereavement.
Liza Is betrothed," she said as though |
to herself, They don't tell m but i
know. *as ashetrothed once"
She went on knitting. And that was all |
she said Of herself
Then, after a pause, she said
"Fraulein Is betrothedP'
Bernardinc smiled and shook her head, |
and Catharina made no further inquiries |
But she looked up from her work from |
time to time and seemed pleased that Ber- |
nardine still staid with her. At last the |
old mother came to say that the coffee was
ready, and Bcrnardine followed her into
the parlor.
She watched Bernardine drinking tho |
coffee and finally poured herself out cup |
too.
This is the first time Herr Allitscn has |
ever brought friend, she said. He has
always been alone. Fraulein Is bctrothed |
TO Herr Auitsen--is that so' All, am |
glad. He Is 90 good and so kind"
Bernardine stopped drinking her coffee. |
u