Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1902-04-10

made a splendid hit"
The two men shook hands. How
are you Barrenberg?"
! "Oh, manage to drag along" was
the laughing reply. But Jussnit2
perceived the twitching of his face as
he spoke Did your wife come with
you?" he inquired
Barrenberg sank heavily into a
| chair and looked down ar his dusty
| boots.
IF you mean Irene Won ErIach. you
had better ask Signor Colani where
his wife is. He is living with her in
Florence"
Jussnitz did not know what reply
to make to this.
Suddenly the door flew open, and a
Little girl rushed in. her hat hanging
on the back of her neck. and her soft
gold shimmering hair floating round
her head. She threw her arms
round Jussnitz's neck and kissed him.
Papa, papa Aunt Maiberg with
Fred and Aunt Frey have come. and
Fred keeps trying to walk, and he
can't, and he always falls down 1t
is such fun"
Jussnitz smiled, told his little
daughter to shake hands with the
gentleman, and then begged him to
come out with him.
Joyous voices float toward them
from the yeranda; on the graveI
walk in front of it a colored nurse
is playing with a dark haired child.
The mistress of the house has
recognized the newcomer at once;
she approaches him with her calm,
sympathetic manner. He looks at
her in amazement How she has de-
veloped in the warm rays of the sun
OF happiness which now shines upon
her! What a good and beautiful
woman" thinks Barrenberg, as he
looks into her deep, shining eyes, and
he sits down beside her after he has
been introduced to the others.
His eyes wander about the room.
That little blonde over there he does
not recognize; it is Frau Frey. But
that beautiful, slender woman in a
white gown, with the dreamy dark
eyes, is the little Spanish dancer of
former days. Hilda is winding yarn
which an old woman is hold
ing for her. The latter is introduced
to him as Frau Polly Berger, who is
making her niece a visit.
Presently lively conversation is
in progress. Antje gives an account
OF yesterdays festival; Hilda tells
them of her life in Brazil Il cannot
tell you she says in conclusion
how happy l was when | felt my
feet once more on German soil. Il
was such good idea of yours, Ante.
to appoint Wolf to be your doctor
here"
Thereupon she starts up and runs
down the steps, catches up her stout
little Fred, and kisses him so
violently that the boy screams. She
has to indulge in these little out
breaks now and then. or she could
not endure the quiet. Then she
comes back GREATNESS. and sits down
again with sparkling eyes. Such a
good idea, Ante" she repeats once
more, looking up at the Swiss chalet
which is her home.
"Au my wife's ideas are good
ones" says Leo pressing Antics
hand. She flushes deeply for JOY,
and plunges into conversation with
Barrenberg. And his anxious face
grows calmer. Yes, Ante could
venture to offer Hilda a home here,
for it is evident that Leo's heart be-
longs entirely to his wife.
Il read long article in the paper
about your improvements a few
weeks ago." says Barrenberg to the
young wife. May l see them?"
ITO be sure" cries Jussnitz and
the chief herself will do you the
honor of being your guide"
She laughs and promises.
Il call it absolutely ideal, where
art and technical construction go
hand in hand" says Barrenberg.
That evening, Leo accompanies bis
friend back to the little inn. Barren
berg has declined Antics proffered
hospitality. Not out of shyness,
Jussnitz," he explains. rather hesitat-
ingly butt am not exactly evious
i am sure you understand me.
Good-by, Jussnitz; you have won a
great prize. Your wife is beautiful
woman and a clever woman, but her
70
of filling such a position-her great
charm is her goodness, her true
womanliness. But goodness, Juss-
nitz, that is the main thing Signora
Colani was not a nonentity by any
means but-for all the goodness of
heart she possessed, All"
He presses Leo's hand once more.
and then the latter goes back to his
home.
In the dark garden a light figure
comes slowly toward him He puts
his arm round her, and they walk up
and uown.
All at once he stops. 'Barrenberg
is right" he says, stroking her
cheek: goodness is the main thing.
Where should l be now but for your
goodness"
But for your chain" she says in
slightly hooking tone, throwing
her arms round his neck.
THANK Cod" he says, kissing her
cheek-"thank God that there arc
! such chainst'
The End.