The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1901-02-07

because it is sweet and because it was
made for mans pleasure and not for
his pain" -.a
'That sounds Ike a copy book
laughed Gretchen. "The withered rose.
should teach you lesson"
what lessonw
THAT whatever woman gives to-
man withers in the exchanged rose,-
q woman's love-"
Said / reproachfully: "You are spoil
ing very pretty picture. What do
you know about philosophy"
what does herr know about roses?"
defiantly.
Much. One cannot pick too many
fresh ones. And let me>kell you a les
son which you should have learned
among these roses. Nature teaches US.
to love all things fresh and beautiful
a rose, face, woman's love-"
Here" holding forth a great red
rose.
,"No," said I; "1'll keep this one"
She said nothing, but went on snip
ping red rose here, a white one there.
She wore gloves several sizes too large
for her, SO judged that her hands
were small and tender, perhaps white.
And there was grace in her move
ments. despite the ungainly dress and
shoes, which suggested a more init
mate knowledge of velvets and silks,
than of calico. In my minds eye 1
placed her at the side of Phyllis. Phyl-
lis reminded me of Venus whom ma
tuge had whimsically left unfinished.
Then she had turned from Venus to.
Diana, and Gretchen became evolved,
Diana slim and willowy. A sculp-
tor would have said that Phyllis might
have been a goddess and Gretchen a.
wood nymph had not nature suddenly
changed her plans. What l admired
In Phyllis was her imperfect beauties.
What admired in Gretchen was her
beautiful projections. And they were
so alike and yet so different. Have
you ever seen body of fresh water
ruffied by sudden gust of wind, the
cool blue green tint which follows?
Then yous have seen the color Of
Gretchen's eyes. Have you ever seen
ripe wheat in a sun shower? Then
you have seen the color of Gretchen's
hair. All in all, was forced to admit
that, from an impartial and artistic
view, Gretchen the barmaid was far
more beautiful than Phyllis. From
the standpoint of a lover it was al
together different matter.
"Gretchen," said 1, you are very
good looking" ...
"It would not be difficult to tell
herr's nationality"
(Which means
'"That the American says in one SEN
tence what it would take German or
a Frenchman several hundred SEN
fences to say" Gretchen was growing
more interesting every minute.
''Then your mirror and are not the
only ones who have told you that you
are as beautiful as Hebe herself?" Z,
81 am not Hebe," coldly. 81 am q
poor barmaid, and l never spill any
wine" sE
$50 you understand mythology 1
cried in wonder.
- Does herr think that all barmaids
are as ignorant as fiction and ill mean
ing novelists depict them? 1 have had
a fair education"
IF ever was guilty of thinking So"
said l, answering her question, II
promise never to think so again" ~ ~.
And now will herr go to his break
fast and let me attend to my duties?'
mot without regret" said gallant
ly. bowed to her as they bowed in
the days of the beaus, while she looked
on suspiciously. At the breakfast table
l proceeded to lombard the innkeeper.
l wanted to know more about Gret-
chen. "Is Gretchen your daughterw
began. pc.
mo; 1 am only her godfather" he
said. "Does herr wish another egg?
Thanks. She is very well educated
for barmaid."
Eyes. Does herr wish Rhine wfneT'
Coffee is plenty. Has Gretchen seen
many Americansw
"Few. Perhaps herr would like
knoblauch with salt and vfnegar?"
1t occurred to me that Gretchen was
not to be discussed. SO made for an
other channel. 81 have heard" said l.
that once upon time princess was
born in this inn."
The old fellow elevated both eye
brows and shoulders - deprecating
"They say that Of every
mn. 1t has become a trade" II had
known the old man, might have said
that he was sarcastic.
"Then there is no truth in it?" dis
"Oh, do not say there Is no truth In
The statement. II herr win pardon me,
L is something do not like to talk
about"
"Ah. then there Is mysteryy' cried,
With lively interest, pushing back my
chair. But the innkeeper shook his
head determinedly. g
every WELL" laughed; 81 shall ask
Gretchen"
He smiled. The smile said. much
rood IL win do you" Gretchen was In
he barroom arranging some roses over
The fireplace. Her hands were bare;
81