Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-12-05
By ". HEIMBURG.


different aspect The young girl had
spread out all her modest decorations
and had given her new home an
artistic air. Her water-oclOrs peeped
out of the folds Of the wall-draperies;
masses of scarlet poppies, which she
knew how to make in wonderful imita-
ton of nature, hung over the picture
frames and filed the vases on the
manteLpiece. The easel had found a
place by the window, and she herself
was standing before the mirror in her
black cashmere dress, fastening a
broad, gayly-striped Roman apron
around her waist so that the long ends
Of the ribbons tied at the back Sc
off the simple frock admirably.
How nice you have made it look"
said Antje, but she got no other an
swer than drawing "Oh!" that was
intended to sound modest, but which
really was only rude.
"Will you come to supper with us
this EVENING"" inquired Ante, with
unaltered friendliness.
eff you will allow me, yes"
And this afternoon? Would you
i like to go to walk?'
Il have some letters to write
Then we shall see you at eight
o'clock. The gentlemen, who are in
vited out TO dinner, expect to be back
between six and seven. Till eight
| then"
Ante also sat down to write a
letter. She wished to finish one to
her mother which she had begun some
time before. But she was interrupted
by the entrance of the servant.
Gracious lady, there is some One
here who is very anxious to speak to
Herr Jussuitz, He insists upon
waiting for him"
who is it?"
HE says his name is Grade. He
asked if he could see the gracious
lady"
Antje assented.
A few minutes after meagre
rather well-dressed man appeared
who introduced himself as the head )t
Dresden antiquarian shop. and
thereupon began to excuse himseli
for being obliged to intrude on such a
day. But ne thought that in this way
after several vain attempts to find
! Herr JusSnitZ, he might meet him
and he hoped the gracious lady woul
excuse him fort was only urgent
necessity-the firm was rather EN-
barrassed just now
Pray speak plainly said Ante;
what is it you want?"
eff it were possible, the payment
of our bill, gracious lady"
HAS not my husband paid yet fol
fitting up his studio in Dresden?"
Eve have not had the honor oil
fitting UP a studio for Herr Jussnitz
in Dresden. 1t is only-it is for the
furniture here, gracious lady"
What" cried Ante, drawing he1
handkerchief across her forehead
which flushed suddenly
yes, madame. Herr Jussnitz
bought some rare pieces for his
studio here two years ago, and as
have already said, we are not able tc
wait any longer for our pay"
L will speak to my husband about
it," said Antje. Give me the bill
how high is it? I do not really know
when my husband will be at home"
The man civilly handed her an open
bill.
Herr Jussnitz promised faithfully
| Of nofo
fortunately, he did not keep his
promise, and
Antje uttered Mortified, exclama-
ton, But, my dear sir!''-which
checked his flow of words. She had
glanced at the bill, and now looked
before her
Eight thousand marks?"
Eight thousand marks, madame"
She turned away and laid the bill
on the table.
Yes, it is all right; | remember
now" she said with difficulty. "My
husband will settle it before the New
Year-I--he-" She moved severa'
books from one place to another.
Then Herr Jussnitz will thank
you, sir"
The stranger had expected to get
his money at once.
Madame-perhaps a little on &C.
count" he began, so we could n
| least
! Sir, in this matter can do nothing
without my husband" she said. curtlv
and decidedly Il will give the bill
this evening, and that is all 1 car
promise for the present.
! Very we'll, madame"
Ante sat still for a long time after
the man had left the room. AT length
she stretched out her hand for the
| bell.
One fan, Vatican, formerly be-
longing to Marie Antoinette-three
| thousand marks"
That must be that frail thing that
lay half open on the carved table in
her rocco boudoir, carelessly flung
down as if it had been forgotten-
three thousand marks!
One Gobelin tapestry, real Elan
| ders, fifteen century-'Marie of Bur
gundy riding to the Chase"
Antje recalled the faded greenish.
gray hanging that hung between the
| pictures in the studio, on which one
could vaguely see a noble lady on
horseback with falcon on her wrist.
This was marked two thousand
marks!
no IN -oI