The Saint Paul globe., 1900-06-13
Short Story OF
TIMO II i A10 ON HIS MER-
UUDN lLU@ " ITS ALONE. |
2hiladelphia Item.


Philadelphia Item.
Herman Bertholds fine mansion, over
looking the Hudson, was as grand and
stately as a palace. 1t was magnificent
ly furnished with curiously carved anti
que furniture, and its walls were hung
with the portraits of the aristocratic
BerthOlds of past generations.
On a fine summers day It was a scene
of picturesque beauty-the breezes whis-
pered and the birds gossiped among the
branches of the venerable oak trees-one
majestic lord of the woods" shaded the
favorite sitting room window Of the gold
en-haired beauty, Mildred.
Presently hearing the sharp canter Of
a horse, she passed quickly out through
the hall into the room below. where an
old man lay sleeping; then she ran around
the piazza, reaching the front just in
time to meet a young man who was saun-
terng up the broad avenue.
"Winsome Mildred" he whispered, as
she extended her hand in welcome; you
are not angry with me? I love you so,
this is my excuse"
"Grandfather is quietly sleeping, we will
not disturb him. 1 win take you to
my quiet nook, where you can enjoy a
view of our beautiful Rhine" she re-
Piled, leading the way to a quaint little
summer house overlooking the river
Grandfather Berthold was a German,
with a genealogy belonging to an aristo-
cratic race. He came to America for
political reasons bringing the customs
and prejudices of his native land, and
this fair-halred daughter Of an only son.
the last scion but one of a proud family.
From early girlhood 1t had been instill-
ed into her mind that she was destined to
wed a husband of the old mans choos-
ing, inherit his vast wealth, and main
tain tnp crlOripe of the BerthOlds
When the heiress Of the Bertholds en-
tered the house she went at once to her
grandfather's room.
My child" said the old man, as she
lovingly kissed his cheek and knelt before
him, 1 fear that 1 shall not long remain
with you"
"Oh. do not say that grandfather"
she exclaimed, clasping and caressing his
withered hands with sudden remorse at
having deceived her best friend.
mildred see you love me, and know
1t is not a difficult task to please those
whom we love. Now, listen. I expect
your cousin Ernest Berthold, tomorrow.
1t is my wish-nay, my command. that
you two should be united and together
uphold our noble name after my death.
l have also sent for Nine. Rheinhaldt,
my trusted friend, for it is necessary
that you should have agreeable company,
as well as consult proprety.
mildred, remember! If you marry
Ernest my Will constitutes you joint heir
Of millions; failing to do so, you are
left with but a small legacy. Now, dear
child don your most becoming robes and
fascirate Ernest.
Sure enough, the morning brought
Nine RheinhaIdt, but no Ernest as yet.
What a respitel The least sound startled
the girl. She must see Philip. so she
wandered down into the dell, out of sight
Of the house. thinking to intercept him
and thus spare him the humiliation of a
refusal.
Sitting hidden in the shrubbery where
she could command q view Of the road,
after little time she saw a boy looking
cautiously around.
"Be you Miss Berthold, marm?" said
the boy, taking off his cap instlnctively
at the sight Of her lovely face.
''That is my name" she replied.
"All right, here it is, marm," said he,
handing her a letter.
It was from Philip.
Dear Mildred, my own love, the letter
ran, Il am so anxious for 1t is ruTnored
that the man whom your grandfather
favors IS already on his way to win my
darling. By marrying him you will win
a princely fortune, together with Mr.
Berrhold's blessing. Do you love me well
enough to forego all this, well enough
to share my humble lot? Meet me at the
Cd trysting place before this cousin ar
riyes. and confirm with your own sweet
lips the precious promise you gave me
yesterday. Mildred, my best treasure
you see how exacting 1--we Is
a lear. born Nof hope and love trickled