The St. Johns herald., 1896-08-15

I O~
 a deep corner of the bag.
 She glanced quickly and sharply at
 the address, and then with an exclama-
 ton of vexation let the letter hurriedly
 drop.
 'Not from Baron Horn, after all?"
 asked her father, picking it up, and yet l that is his writing. Heavensi why, 1t
 is for you, Lili; it's addressed to you"
 "Oh! impossiblep' said Lili, quietly,
 while a faint blush rose to her pretty cheeks. Tt must be a mistake"
 By no means" returned her father, smiling. Here, open it. Let us all see it. Oh, what lovely card! Why. Katharina, where are you going?"
 But the father received no answer.
 The above-mentioned Baron Horn was young nobleman who had just re- turned from Africa. It was we'll known that he took great pleasure in visiting l the Von Krohn family, and under all manner of pretexts took every oppor. | tunity to be with them. Of course ev- cry one thought that the attraction was the rich and beautiful Katharina, and she herself took particular pains to | spread this view of the matter. Accustomed as she was to a large number of enthusiastic admirers, she had never for moment imagined that the baron could interest himself in her | quiet little sister until she was remind. ed to-day in a rather unpleasant man. her of the possibility of such thing.
 She read her letters through and be- came better humored.
 How stupid of me to get so cross," she said, as she smiled at her lovely face in the glass. Tt is not possible that he favors Lii when he knows me-"
 There came a gentle knock at the door, and the servant girl came in and announced that the carriage was at the door
 Katharina at once remembered that Baron Horn had promised to go for a drive with her, and with this thought her face grew bright once again.
 A charitable bazaar was to be open ed in a neighboring town, and, as the father was not able to go, Baron Horn had offered his escort to the two young ladies.
 The baron was as punctual as most loyerS-that is to say, he came half an hour before the time, and found Kath- arina quite ready, to his great astonish- ment, for as a rule she kept everybody waiting half an hour, at least.
 Her purpose of frustrating a tete-a- tete between Lili and the baron was completely successful, for she did not move from his side until they all three were ready to get into the carriage.
 The father stood with beaming face on the doorstep and waved a fond fare | well after them.
 ''This Horn is a very sensible fellow" he thought to himself, land I admire | his choice. It will be very hard to lose Lili, but would let him have her rath- CT than any one else"
 Although the bazaar was crowded | the arrival of Baron Horn and his two | lovely companions caused considerable | excitement, and they were speedily sur rounded by acquaintances.
 Among these was a Capt Linke, a tall, blonde fellow, and one of Kath- arina's most sincere and faithful ad- mirers.
 How glad I am to see you here," he said.
 Really? Why?"
 May show you why? Please come with me. At the other end of the hall there is fortune teller, and want you to see what she will tell you"
 May we join your" asked the baron
 Certainly. Come, we will all go to- gether."
 The mysterious room that held the fortune teller was reached. The for tune teller proved to be a little figure in the middle of disc.
 Round the disc were figures and numbers and slips of paper arranged Anyone who wanted to see into the fu- ture paid mark, set the figure revolv- ing, and took the slip of paper opposite which it stopped.
 Now, my genaediges fraulein," said the captain, taking out his purse, wont you try your luck?"
 But Katharina refused positively to be a party to such nonsense, and, inas- much as Lii could not be persuaded either, the baron asked permission to inquire of the oracle himself. II
 He get the figure in motion and took the slip of paper opposite which it stop ped. Seek her hand and buy the ring. Thy f life will then be full of joy" ran the s words on it. { Tho baron tried to catch a glance $ from Eili, but she appeared to be ab- , sorbei in the nature and character of the floor and would not raise her eyes l ''Patz Blitzw cried the captain, turn f Ing to Katharina, that is famous; you really must be persuaded to try it now. Or, shall do 1t for you?"
 You may do it for me-" she replied : in such sharp tones that everyone look ed at her. t The captain turned the the figure and T read the words: Hast thou not often heard it said" He hesitated: then r tore the paper up and threw it on the S floor. The conclusion of the sentence t seemed to suit the many proposals that e Katherina had received too well for him to read F. b
 What was the rest, captain?" asked h -Le baron, in all innocence. But the cap t ain looked so displeased that the ques- ion was not pressed. d T wonder what it was?" Lili whis-