The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1899-12-14
UURT DRALLBURG stood before


TURT DRALLBURG stood before
n the loolling-glass. He considered
this quite unmanly, but consoled him
self with the thought that he sought
the mirror, not to admire himself, but
only to assure himself that his mus
tache had indeed grown more present
able in the course of the last week, and
that his new lieutenant's uniform was
faultless in fit. 1t was still quite new,
the uniform-Kurt had possessed the
right to wear it but six short weeks
and he was only 20 years old. To be
sure. if his elder brother had not been
determined that Kurt must pass his
university examination before he en-
tered the regiment he would have taken
rank as officer three years ago. He had
missed great deal through his long
detention in college, but he would re-
trieve the loss-he was on the best way
TO that end now-and O. if Reinhard,
his elder brother, but knew that!
just then he entered the room, the
Herr Assessor DralIburg. He was ten
years older than the lieutenant, and
since the early death of their father
he had taken his place in caring for the
youth.
II come to ask if you will accompany
me to the theater this evening" be-
gan the assessor. "a new comedy by
Moser is to be given, and the company
is not at all bad
Hurts face assumed a look of grave
importance and mystery.
Il am very sorry-it is impossible for
me to go-I must 90 to Heldreich's."
''To Heldreich's? We're you invited
there?"
"No-not exactly-that is, I am in
vted so often that l accept Fraulein
Greta's kind permission and go when
| choose-but tonight | am obliged to
20 in order to return her fam
"How do you happen to have her
FAM"
'She gave it to me at the pension"
The Herr Assessor paced the floor in
silence. Fraulein Greta had never
given him such permission. Suddenly
he stopped before Kurt.
Listen, my boy. l must speak tc
you in regard to Fraulein Heldreich
She is a very capricious girl, accus-
toned to indulge her every whim anc
fancy"
"Allow me"
latest fancy is an overwhelming feeling
of friendliness toward you"
But allow me"
Il must advise you to have care how
you compromise her in society by fol
lowing her like shadow, and beg OF
you not to make yourself ridiculous by
assuming certain airs when you speal
of her"
Il most earnestly beg that you allow
me to interrupt you for moment.
give myself none of the airs you men
ton and certainly have not compro
missed this lady. whom I most sincere
ly respect Besides, am an officer, ant
of age, and. although I shall never for
get that you are my elder brother, t.
whom | owe everything. yet l mus
earnestly request that you do not in
terfere in my most intimate privat
affairs. Good evening-and pleasan
time at the theater."
With that and the coolest little bow
the lieutenant left the room. The Her
Assessor threw himself into a chat
and. with bowed head resting on hi
hand, sank into deep thought. Had
come to this! Kurt speak to him so
But why did he grow so angry whel
Kurt spoke of Greta Heldreich? H
was right, but it was so hard for hin
to accustom himself to the fact tina
''little Kurt" was grown. He could no
help admonishing him; perhaps he hat
said toomuch. But could he calmly Loo
on while Greta allowed Kurt to devot
himself to her in this conspicuous man
ner, to the complete turning of hi
boyish brain? Greta! Greta! What a
enigma is a maiden's heart! When wa
the time when Reinhard believed tina
he himself was not Indifferent to her
Kurt was certainly the possessor o
many attractions, none knew bette
than did his elder brother, but he wa
so immature, younger than Greta an
totally unable to comprehend the deeE
er nature of the girl. 1t was puzzl
to him.
With an effort, the Herr Assesso
aroused himself from his painful
thoughts, and, feeling himself incapa
BILE of work, and equally unfit for tn
amiabe usages of society, carried on
his original purpose and sought tn
little theater which had been runnin
for several weeks in the provincia
town. With programme in hand he sa
in his corner, following the play wit
no especial interest. During paus
an acquaintance called his attentio
to an announcement, which read:
"In preparation, The Physician
Original comedy by II We ca
attention especially to this novelty
which will probably be produced will
in week, because of its authors az
ISOLATION with our own communit
and because it has never been produce
elsewhere"
"Who among us writes plays?" il
0ured the Herr Assessor.