Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1901-03-15

-
81 ''s.,,;-~-eS
a.
He tottercd and fcH in the arms OF his
subordinate
And so we went along. | did no
know what 10 do nor yet what to say.
A conflict was raging in my heart be-
tween shame and love-shame that Il
woman had fought for me and won
where | should have lost, love that
strove to spring from ny lips in exulta-
ton. | knew not which would have
conquered had not espicd the blood
OH Gretchen's white hand.
You are wounded"' | cried.
She gaZed at her hand as though she
did not understand; then, with little
sob and little choke. she extended her
arms toward me and stumbled. Was
ever there a woman who could look on
blood without fainting? Gretchen had
not quite tainted. but the moon had
danced, she said, and all had grown
dim.
Gretchen, why did you risk your
life? In Gods name, what manner of
woman are you and where did YOU
learn TO use the sword! Had you no
thought of me-" l was somewhat in
coherent.
NO thought Of you?" she drew the
back of her hand over her eyes. NO
thought of You? | did it bccause-be-
cause | did not-I could not--you would
have been killed.
was man-human. / loved her.
had always loved her. | had never
loved any one else. | was coward to
do what did, but l could not help IT,
/ crushed her to my breast and kissed
her lips, not once. but many times.
How dare youT weakly.
''IIow dare |, Gretchen, dear Gret-
chem" | said. II dare because | love
you. | love you, What is it to me that
you have dishonored me in the eyes of
men? Nothing. | love you. Are you
barmaldy | care not. Are you con-
spirator! l know not nor care.
know but one thing. | love you.
shall always love you. Shall tell you
more! Gretchen, you love me.'
mo, no, it cannot be-" she sobbed,
pushing me back Il am the most
wretched woman in the world Do not
follow me. herr. Leave me; beg you
to leave me. | have need of the little
strength left. Leave me, leave mer'
And she passed through the doorway
into the darkness beyond. | did not
move from where ! stood | grew
afraid that it was dream and that If
l moved it would vanish. | could yet
feel her 1.-the, warm body palpitating
In my arms. My lips still tingled and
burned with the flame of hers. An
exultant wave swept over me. She
| loved me! She had not told me so, but
| knew. She had put her heart before
mine. My life was dearer to her than
her own. l could have laughed for joy.
She loved me! My love overwhelmed
my shame, engulfed it. Then
81 know you" said harsh voice at
my elbow. 1t startled me, and wheel
| ed swiftly. 1t was the lieutenant's
brother officer. II thought from what |
heard Of you that YOU We're man
worth trouble and caution Ach, you.
| the man we have secured the country
for? should not have believed it.
To let woman fight for him. And
she-she is more than a woman-she is
goddess with enthusiasm IF |
was betrothed to her, I'd find her if
| had to hunt in heaven and hell for
her And what does she see in you?''
He snapped his fingers derisively. 81
warn you that your race is run. You
cannot leave a railway station within
the radius Of hundred miles, The
best thing you can do is to swim the
river and stop in the middle. The
prince is at the village, and he shall
know. Woe to you, you meddlerr'
young man." said voice from over
my shoulder from the doorway, you
should by right address those imperti-
nent remarks to me. l am Hllars, the
man you seek"
And I had forgotten his very ex-
istence! What did he know? What
had he seen?
"You may inform Count Won Wal
den," continued Dan, that l shall
await his advent with the greatest of
Impotence. Now let me add that you
are treating this gentleman with much
Injustice. I'll stake my life on his
courage. The Princess Hildegarde is
alone responsible for what has just
happened"
1.-THE Princess Hildegardep' / cried.
Hillars went on: "Why she did this
is none of your business or mine.
Why she substituted herself concerns
her and this gentleman only. Now go
and be hanged to you and your prince
and your count and your whole stupid
country. Come, Jackw
The fellow looked first at me, then
at Dan,
II apologize" he said to Dan, ''for
mistaking this man for you" He click.
ed his heels, swung around and march.
ed Off
Come" said Dan.
l dumbly followed him up to my
room. He struck match and lit the
candle.
Got any tobaccoY he asked, taking
! out q black nine ct have NOT had q