The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1900-01-06
.URT DRALLBURG stood before

n the looking-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. It 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 a 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 Drallburg. 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.
81 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.''
Kurt's face assumed a look of grave
Importance and mystery.
II am very sorry-it is impossible for
me to go-I must go to Heldreich's."
ITO Heldreich's? Were you invited
there?"
''No-not exactly-that is, am in
vited SO often that accept Fraulein
Greta's kind permission and go when
l choose-but tonight am obliged to
go in order to return her FAM"
slow do you happen to have her
fan?"
''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.
'sListen, my boy. must speak to
you in regard to Fraulein Heldreich.
She is a very capricious girl, accus-
toned to indulge her every whim and
fancy"
"Allow me"
''She is, as said, capricious, and her
latest fancy is an overwhelming feeling
of friendliness toward you"
''But allow zoe"
81 must advise you to have a care low
you compromise her in society by fol-
l. Ao. ri 4 -
you not to make yourself ridiculous by
assuming certain airs when you speak
of her"
81 most earnestly beg thst 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 most sincere
~ respect. Besides, am an officer, and
If age. and. although shall never for
get that you are my elder brother, to
whom / owe everything, yet must
earnestly request that you do not in
terfere in my most intimate private
affairs. Good evening-and a pleasant
!. time at the theater."
With that and the coolest little bow,
Tic ICutCudut iClt tnC IOO4is uC 11CII
Assessor threw himself into chair
and, with bowed head resting on his
hand, sank into deep thought. Had it
come to this! Kurt speak to him so!
But why did he grow so angry when
Kurt spoke of Greta Heldreich? He
was right, but it was so hard for him
to accustom himself to the fact that
''little Kurt" was grown. He could not
help admonishing him; perhaps he had
said too much. But could he calmly look
on while Greta allowed Kurt to devote
himself to her in this conspicuous man.
ner, to the complete turning of his
boyish brain? Greta! Greta! What an
enigma is maiden's heart! When was
the time when Reinhard believed that
he himself was not indifferent to her?
Kurt was certainly the possessor of
many attractions, none knew better
than did his elder brother, but he was
so immature, younger than Greta and
totally unable to comprehend the deep
err nature of the girl. 1t was puzzle
to him.
With an effort, the Herr Assessor
aroused himself from his painful
thoughts, and, feeling himself incapa-
BILE of work, and equally unfit for the
amiable usages of society, carried out
his original purpose and sought the
little theater which had been running
for several weeks in the provincial
town. With programme in hand he sat
in his corner, following the play with
no especial interest. During a pause
an acquaintance called his attention
to an announcement, which read:
'In preparation, The Physician
Original comedy by We call
attention especially to this novelty,
which will probably be produced with
In n week hecanse of It's aufhnr's as