Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-10-24
CHAPTER VIII.


ricane was raging through the streets
OF Dresden; light fiurries of snow
were blown from the roofs, the stat
ues and the branches of the trees, anC
a few heavy rain-drops were driver
through the air by the strong wind
the streets were covered with sof
mud, which splashed up to the to-:
of the carriages and the hats of tnf
passers-by. 1t was bad weather fol
Christmas, every one said. The big
rain-drops battered also against the
panes Of Herr Jussnitz studio in the
quiet suburban street, but that only
made it seem all the more comfortable
in the large, well-warmed room which
might seem very simple to the ordt
nary observer. The walls, covered
with a cheap pale yellow paper, were
adorned here and there with produc.
tons of some celebrated old Gobelin
tapestry; between these hung antique
weapons, and enormous Chinese vases
stood about here and there. The
floor was covered with an admirable
Imitation of an old oriental carpet. in
which even the spots and holes were
not wanting. There was but little
furniture; a diyan covered with a
Smyrna carpet, a very deep, comforta.
BILE armchair covered with Persian
saddle-bags, a small table in front of
the stove-that was ALL
Before this table, which still bore
the remains of a iucheon. sat Aunt
Polly in a genuine Renaissance
chair, slowly consuming a caviar-roll,
with her eyes steadfastly fixed on her
niece or Herr Jussnitz.
Hilda was standing on one side of
the easel in a costume of yellow bro
cade trimmed with black lace; the
mantella fell from the back of her
head over her beautiful neck, her
right hand held the fan, her left had
grasped the heavy folds of her dress,
which she was crushing between her
fingers: she stood there as if she
were disguised with the whole thing,
and had the greatest mind in the world
to run away.
Heaven knows" cried Jussnitz,
looking at the girl, that you manage
somehow to look different every day
Of your life! Now your eyes have
such look in them that dagger
might be more suitable for you than a
fan. Drink glass of sherry, linda,
you are chilly; and don't be so horrI-
bly, impatient; your trials will soon be
over. Hildegarde Won Sweidorf gave
a hard. short laugh.
ooh, yes" she said; at is quite
time, and auntie will be thankful
Aunt POlly?"
She turned her head so hastily that
the long gold ring-rings with the nova
bic stones glittered and looked
gloomily at the little woman, at the
same time casting glance at her
which said plainly
You will say yes, at once"
Yes" said Aunt Polly; my house
hold affairs will go on better when I
can stay at home more"
and l." added Hilda, with culver
ing lips-'I shall probably go home
for a while"
Leo was painting her hair and was
SO observed that he did not hear this
last remark.
II shall probably go home for a few
weeks she added, opening and shut.
ting her fan.
'Tndeed?" he said How happens
that? 1t will not be very good for
your studies"
She looked at him with a strange eX.
preston ! her eyes, a look as of un-
shed tears But she laughed again
Well | have not asked you why you
are going into the country to spend
Christmas"
Again he made no reply; he had
stepped back and was contemplating
his picture
Gust look here, Hilda; look at this
face and then look at your own in the
glass. Are they not alike?"
NO" che replied shortly, without
moving.
Sboulu ItdlIS line W hilOWf liz
continued. now looking into hel
pretty, piquant face with an expires
sion of concern, what is the matter
with you. You ought to see doctor
Hilda | fear | must reproach myself
for"
YOU" she interrupted him, in {
shrill, constrained tone Of contempt
NO; you may feel perfectly easy, i
YOU please; there is nothing the mat
ter with me. nothing at all"
you are in a bad temper to-day
Hilda, and you upset me, too" he eX
claimed, putting his mahlstick ava.
in the corner II can make the few
changes just as well without you
! will put the dress on the lay-figure
hope in the next and last sitting 20,
will be more graciously disposed"
Then | am dismissed for to-day :?
she said, with a smile that did no
hide her pain.
What an expression, see it i
hard for you and l will not tormen
YOU any longer"
Hilda turned away and wen
through the portiere into the adjoir
ing room, where she was in the habi
OF changing her dress. Leo, in tn
meantime. went up to Aunt Polly
We have tree, though it is only a
amusement for children, but we mus
have little pleasure once in while
Hiida will be delighted, for she has n
one to give her presents except m,
And of course, can only give he
useful things"