The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1894-11-17
Sslert Storp.
a RED r o Sc

THANK God ! we have got away at
last, said Frau Won Gerboth, with lit
tie sigh, to her faithful companion and
friend, who sat opposite to her in the
train But [ should very much like to
know what they are all saying about me !
| wonder which of the numerous men [
l lirted with is most unhappy at my de-
parture. [ suppose you haven't been
chattering too freely as to where we are
going 2
'.Not word but all the same, every
body is not willing to be fooled so easily,
and one or the other among them may
find out, if they do not already know,
where to find us.
DO you think so? Not even the crea-
tors of the world are clever enough to find
us in my opinion.
''Not even the Herr Won Hilgenan p
A slight flush, light as the shadow of Il
summer cloud, fitted across the pretty face
of the young widow.
"Oh | hardly even thought of him, =
she replied almost bitterly. ''Why do you
mention him of all other persons?'
Because it seems to me that he is twice
as clever, as all others combined, answer
ed the older woman with smile, where
upon Frau Won Gerboth said, thoughtfllly :
Eyes, [ think you are right, though he
sometimes acts as if he could not count five,
and that is objectionable.
''Yet, in the end you are sure to be-
come Frau Won Hilgenan, remarked the
other, quietly. Her words had the effec;
Of a spark in powder barrel
''Never, l tell You r cried the young
widow, with excitement. THAT would
be the last straw, indeed. why, she
added, ''he had not been to see us for an
eternity.
The last time was just week ago,
replied the older lady, dryly.
"a fortnight ago. >
II thought it was a week. -
Three weeks, now that | come to think
Of it, maintained Frau Won GerbOth.
The whistle of the locomotive anounc-
ing the approach of their destination
brought the discussion to close. it pro-
duced an effect like the blast of an alarm
bugle sounded in the ears of sleeping SOL
diers, and announcing the unexpected APP
pearance of the enemy near their camp.
In few seconds the two ladies stood
armed to the teeth and ready for the fray
which, being interpretated means they We're
loaded down with the thousand and one
parcels, bags, satchels, shawls and UNI
brellas, and were waiting for the train to
slow up and the door to be opened
The conductor, who at length opened
the door and helped the ladies out, was a
remarkable looking person for such an
office. His handsome, strongly marked
features had distinct military appearance
His mustache was as fierce as any adjutant
could have desired, and his hands were
cased in faultless kid gloves. His clothes
and his hat was certainly not of the sort
provided by the railway company for their
servants and employees.
Yet, Frau Won Gerboth, as she stepped
lightly from the car, noticed nothing of all
this, and in her anxiety to get seat in
the hotel omnibus had eyes for nothing
else whatever Then suddenly the voice
of the polite conductor opened her eyes to
his identity.
"Her Won Hilgenan How on earth
did-?"
'.Will you allow me the pleasure of ac-
companying you TO the hotel?' he said, in
a low voice, that bore witness to old ac-
quaintance, while the other lady hurried
on to get seats in the omnibus.
Il suppose there is nothing else for me
to do, under the circumstances, she said,
with well-feigned annoyance, as the omni-
bus rolled away behind the two horses,
is it very far?'' she added, with a pleas
anter smile
1T will only take us fifteen minutes to
walk, he said, ''and the path is shady
and COOL
Then they began the walk, side by
side.
s'Now tell me, she began, chow in
the name of goodness did you know that l
! was coming here2
''Oh," he replied, with shy look in
his eyes. ssThere were few indications
that was not slow to notice You also
let drop few remarks in conversation with
your elderly friend who has gone on in the
omnibus to the hotel. .
yes, but you have not seen me to speak
to for over a week, !" she commenced,
.and you had no special interest in notic-
ing my plans for the future
ssIs it only week since we last metz
he replied, tenderly, without noticing the
latter part of her sentence.
1T is indeed only week, he went
on, answering his own question. Now,
tell me why you have come here, he
added.
She made no answer, but for some min
utes seemed lost in reflection.
s.Herr Won Hilgenan, | think you are
really the cleverest man ever knew, she
said, at length, with a mocking smile but
tell me what you are doing in this lonely,
out-of- -the-way corner Of the world
oh, he answered carelessly, yet not
so carelessly as he would have wished his
voice 10 seem. II have come here to col
lect wild flowers and he stopped sud
denly.