Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1901-04-18
CHAPTER XII.

the stairs to- go home, we heard doors
opening and shutting and eXclama
tions of fear, the old lady turned back
upon the threshold to offer her assls
lance TO Frau Won Tollen. For All
instant | stood in the snowy street
considering. Why should ! not go
home alone? | was so glad to escape
The tnmult, besides the sight of the
male bride had moved me deeply and
on the other hand, trembled at every
fresh attention from Herr Won Drank
VITA continued struggle wearies.
As well as could | gathered up the
gown which | had worn at mammals
wedding, and walked through the
streets. There was no light In Doctor
Schonbergs house, it nestled as dark
Nv beneath the tall trees as If 1t
harbOred a corpse, and | thought !
knew, too, what one. A great, great
happiness had died therein.
Poor Lore! False Lore How could
she-yes how could she If causes
could suddenly have assumed human
forms, what bridal escort would many
"a girl, many woman have? What,
for example, would mamma have had?
A pale. miserable shadow would have
walked by her sIde--Necessily Be
side how few walks beautiful, bloom
ing, rose garlandcd Love! Lore Won
Tollen had not married for love.
Otherwise she would not have looked
thus-so rigid and pallld; the twin
sisters, nordinate longing for enjoy
mcnt and selhshncss, had surely not
attracted her towards this unpleasant
parsonage. Perhaps in this case like
wise It was necessity! The Coun-
tess M the table had talked so atfably
with Lore's father and had several
times glanced sympathetIcally at Lieu
tenant Won Tollen, the brides young
est brother, who was designated by
he as the TolIcn's family grey
hound" Yes, who lnows-who
knows what means fate employs to
force pennioss girl to go the way
she does not wish to!
While these sad thoughts were oc-
cupying my mind had walked rapid.
~ on and turned into Church street,
which ran between the wall Of the
garden and St. Mary's church, and
which was narrow, dark and deserted;
but II shortened my way considerably
and was not afraid Suddenly /
heard steps behind me, hurried steps,
more like some one running-thc an
almost brenthlosR voice cried: why,
my dear young lady how could you?
You cannot go alone!"
Involuntarily lhastcnod on, but of
course Brankwtz caught up with me,
and coming close to my side, he at
tempted to draw my arm through his,
which effort oncrgctically resisted.
Then, Just at the darkest spot In the
street, he detained me, by holding my
coat fast. and thrusting his face as
near mine as possible, so near that
I could feel his hot breath. he asked
almost inaudbly: "Anneliese, my
wild, sweet Anneliese. why do you
torment me so-why?'
"Herrvon Brankwitz'" said loudly,
Juggling at my cloak, but unsuccoss
fully,
Give me but n few minutes" he
bcsought. You must know, you
must feel how dearly | love you,
Annciose, You must not deprive me
OF all hope, Can you not return my
love a little It? Oh, | will be con
tented with that, | will be happy"
Il love you? Let 30 of my mantle!
I can never love You. do not therefore
let us speak of it again. do not
like such nonsense, You forget whom
you have before youl"
49, spoke attempted to proceed as
quickly as possible for | was tromb-
ling with anxiety; | thought he was In.
toSicated and might press his suit
still further
Il cannot understand how YOU can
talk such nonsense. You wound me,
Annoliose,"
At (his junction | reached the court
yard gate, opened the smaller one,
the larger ones were already locked,
aud slipped In. You had better see
90 your sister," | called to him.
tlh' hhN ANHlblhANl fNllillh III WV WV.
fusion, there Is no carriage for her
how is she TO get homo9" There,
upon | ran across the court, and once
within the house. spcedil" reached
my door. AS stood in the dark
room my hand pressed to my breast, |
felt like game which has been hunted
and has at last found u safe covert
from the pack of hounds,
Slowly went from one door to the
other and turned the keys. then |
closed the heavy oak shutters, and
then only did | yield to my indigna,
ton at this insolont suit. sat by
the window and did not know what to
do. For long time pondered, with
difficulty controlling my agitated
thoughts. Should tell mamma all ?
Hut had she yet will of her own? |
doubted IT, All that knew of her
VIII, the acknowledgment of his
opinion. 1t had hut known what
Wollmeyer thought OF this sat! Was
ne upon his nephew's side. terrible
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