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

replied. Ii you don't believe me, ask
fraulcin herself"
Il have asked her, said Frau Stein
bart, and she told me To ask you"
The Disagrecable Mar was much
amused He had never thought of Bcrnar-
dine in that way.
He paid the bill and then did something
which ra4her astonished Frau Steinhart
and half convinced her
He took the bill TO Bernardine, told her
the amount of her share, and she repaid
him then and there.
There was a twinkle in her eye as she
looked up at him. Then the composure OF
her features relaxed, and she laughed
BE laughed, too but no comment was
made upon the episode Then began the
goodbys and the preparations for the re-
turn journey.
Bernardine bent over Catharina and
kissed her sad face.
"Frauloln will come again." she whis-
pered eagerly.
And Bernardine promised There was
something in Bernardine's manner which
had won the poor girls fancy-some un-
spoken sympathy, some quiet geniality.
Just as they were starting Frau Stein
hart whispered to Robert Allitsen:
1t Is little disappointing Co me, Herr
Allitsen. ! did SO hope you were be-
trothed"
August, the blre spcctaclcd driver,
cracked his whip, aud OF the horses start
ed tsssiswarIl
For some time there was no conversa-
tion between tho two occupants OF the
sledge Bernardino was busy thinking
about the experiences Of the day, and the
Disagreeable Man seemed in a brown
study AT last he broke tho silence by
asking her how she liked his friends and
what she thought Of Swiss home life. And
so the time passed pleasantly.
He looked at her once and said she
seemed cold
You arc not warmly clothed, I" he said
II have On extra cont. Put it on. Don't
make fuss, but do SO ut once know
the eiiit,f.tcs and you don g.
She obeyed and said she was all the
cozier for IL. AS they were nearing Peters
hof he said half neryously:
so my friends took you for my be-
trothed. hope you are not offended"
why should l bes" she said frankly.
II was only amused, because there never
were two people less loverlike than you
and are"
mo, that's quite true" he replied in
tone Of voice which betokened relief.
$50 that really don't see that we need
concern ourselves further In the matter"
she added, wishing 70 put him quite at his
ease. I'm not offended and you are not
offended, and there's an end of IT,.
You seem TO me to be n very sensible
young woman i'm some respects, the Dis
agreeable Man remarked after pause
He was now quite cheerful again and felt
he could really praise his companion. AL
though you have read so much, you seem
to me som.times TO take q sensible view
of things. Now, / don't want to be be-
trothed to you any more than I suppose
you want to be betrothed to me. And yet
we can talk quietly about the matter with
out scene. That would be impossible
with most women"
Bernardine laughed.
well, l only know" she said cheerily,
that have enjoyed my day very much,
and I'm much obliged to you for your
oInpanionship. The fresh air and the
change OF surroundings will have done mo
good"
His reply was characteristic of him.
1T Is the least disagreeable day have
spent for many months" he said quietly.
"Dct me sottle with you for the sledge
now, she said, drawing out her purse,
just as they came in sight Of the Kurhaus.
They settled money matters and were
quits.
Then he helped her out Of the sledge,
and he stopped to pick up the shawl she
dropped.
Here Is the shawl you are always drop
ping" he said. you're rather cold,
aren't your Here come to the restaurant
and have some brandy. Don't make q
fuss know what's the right thing for
YOU"
She followed him 20 the restaurant.
touched by his rough kindness. He him.
self took nothing, but he paid for her
brandy.
That evening after table d'hote. or rath.
CT after he had fnishcd his dinner, he roso
10 go TO his room as usual. He generally
went OF without remark. But tonight
he said:
Good night, and thank you for your
companionshlp IL has been my birthday
today, and I've quite onjoyed It,"
(Contfnuad Erfdavl