Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1901-06-06
CHAPTER XVII

across the court to the castle, 50
rapidly that | almost Knocked down
Frau Hubncr, who was carrying a
large board Of luscious rolls.
Heavens, are the wolves behind
Won Fraulein Won Sternberg?' she re-
proved with a smile. you stayed 50
long that cousin is wandering uneasliy
from one room TO another
scarcely heard her words, for
Nastened up the stairs as If were IN
deed being hunted. Then ! paused 20
Ouiet the pulsations Of my heart and
10 get control OF my breath. In what
way should | prepare her? My diplo.
matte ability forsoOk me, and to con-
kriye Christmas story was an i'm
possibility, it all seemed to me so In
credible, so miraculous, Had he only
come with me at once!
However took heart and entered.
The faithful old soul sat idly by the
stove--thc spinning-wheel could not
be touched today-her eyes were too
innamed from weeping,
"Anncllese," said she reprOchfully,
have you come at last? You went
away at one o'clock, and now It Is al
most six. have been greatly
worried
Cousin did you think | had run
away" cried !, laughing
"Ah, what might not one expect Of
your" She chlded. Gases and pack
ages, -four OF them, have arrived, ana !
have trimmed up u small tree and
opened the cases. you need but to IN.
pack them 1t is all in there, but
before ! light the Christmas candles,
you must drink u cup Of tea
"Ah. cousin" ! articulatcd with
difficulty, pressing her hand 80 that
her face contracted with pain, ''ah,
cousin, do not be angry | only went
out to get u Christmas present for
you"
Lord, what a thing" said she,
that 1t not right of you IIayo you
any money, Fraulion Annolieso?' she
added, as if In albright
Twenty pence, cousin, But you
see, THINK God, | did not have to lay
cut any money for my Christmas-boX,
and yet it Is the most cherished wish
of your heart If You please, no cake
now, afterwards, later on cannot
eat now Later dear cousin But
now gucss-l found something on the
hghrOad and picked it up or rather
1t picked mo up, or ! would not be
here yet, and that you shall have,
Can you not guess it now"
Tho old lady pushed back her
spectaClos which she still wore, and
cast as anxious glance at me, for
had flung my fur cap, Jacket and
gaIoshes upon n chair and was fairly
dancing with excitement. some.
thing you always looked upon as inn
possible, although It is your hearts
wish, cousin" | continued some
thing aIiye-it Is so big" stood
upon tip-too and raised my arm.
She simply cast upon me a panied,
Tcpronchful glance. An, Annclicsc,
do not make fun Of mo-"
| fell upon hor neck. May God be
my witness, dearest cousin, am Ger.
tainly not jestlngl"
Then she pushed me from her with
both hands and looked into my eyes,
deathly pale. "AnneIiese!"
Cousin"
She CROPPED for the nearest chair.
at Is not true! What mean, you do
not-on, no, it is not true, It is not
POSSIBLE"
But II is!" | burst forth, "but It Ia
your Robert" Then ceased,
for the aged form sank, as If crushed,
into a chair, ana two trembling hands
were extended to me.
Il will not survive It, il It Is not
Erue.' sobbod she. "Annclese. ali.
dear Frauein Anncuesci"
| had difficulty in soothing her, for
she wopt and wept. quietly shaking
her head slowly as she did so. She
was still weeping when there was
knock and | ran out of the other
door. | did not want to be in the way;
I heard but the sound of his voice,
Thank God, cousin, My dear old"
Then they embraced, and speech was
slenced in the kiss which his Inns
pressed upon her fearful eyes.
sat in my room without stirring.
A lamp burned upon the chest of
drawers, upon the table stood the four
boxes with the Christmas gifts aud
cousins little tree laden with orna.
ments. did not suspect what had
entered my life with the tall hand.
some soldiers appearance, only felt
SO happy, his handsome face. his
frank manner pleased me SO we'll and,
as a soldiers daughter | was delighted
that he had como home To fulnl his
military duties, How did BranllwHg
compare with him. thought /. adding,
Monster" What would Wollmcycr
say on learning that Robert Nord.
mann-ah, thcn there again was tho
secret hidden from met The veil OF
The past hid some guilt And Robert
Nordmann's father and mother wore
m some way connected with II. An,
hls father he was punished. hc--
Suddenly felt again that strange
OPPRESSIVE faat. b3s f,yl,.,.