Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1902-06-13

lSIc III ILLS luluS.
They were now near their destina-
| ton. Apparently there was no suspiC-
ious craft above the Horizontal least
Won Stettin gave no indication of
serious alarm.
'"The hospital!" he muttered.
Paul came to stand for moment
who could blame him under the cir
cumstances?
Although he halted to look in at the
open door only brief time, it proved
most unfortunate piece of business
for him, as subsequent events turned
out.
A figure stood to one side. perhaps
waiting until the wounded soldiers had
| all been carried into the house of
mercy-a figure screened by the shad
ows that fell on that side of the great
building, observed Pauls action and
only with difficulty depressed cry of
satisfaction when the light fell upon
his face.
For although the figure and dress
of the watcher seemed to belong to
dandy French captain. the counte
nance was surely that of the bold ad-
ventures, the Countess Aimee.
Karl awaited his friend at the ad
joining door. Are you ready?" he
asked, solemnly.
go on" Paul said. shortly.
The door opened and they passed IN.
Up the stairs-now light appeared
above coming from an open door.
Karl, is it you?" asked a girls
voice. whereupon the individual de-
clared it to be no other.
When Paul saw the loverlike meet
ing of the two young people he knew
it was all right. and that the chances
were his friend would never again
wish to challenge any one because OF
jealousy.
And how startled the pretty girl was
when she discovered second figure
ascending-how quickly she sprang
| away from Karl and uttered an ex-
clamation.
Perhaps it was more on account of
her fears for Karl's safety, within the
French lines on such perilous mis-
sion, than mere maidenly modesty.
that made her cry out:
"BeatriX!" he called.
Sister, have you then forgotten
me?'
Then glad cry broke from her lips.
and Beatrix gladly greeted the new
conner with all the warmth the dearest
brother could expect.
You do not know-oh! Paul, how
shall l tell you the truth-how will
| you bear it," she said. in weak al
| most panic-stricken voice.
"Ah! But I do know it, my dearest
girl.
out-our-mother?" eagerly.
| Eyes"
ooh! Paul, how is it in your heart
do you hate her still-she has suffered
| So"
"Our mother" he said, softly, ten
derby.
His words, his manner aroused her
widest hopes.
"You forgive-you forget-you will
| love her even as l do. Oh! God, this
is blessed news-I thank thee for this
happy hour. Oh! how glad l am that
she has lived to know this blessed
hour"
She took her brothers hand and led
him into the lighted room.
He saw a black-robed figure rise,
saw pale face, with tender, sad and
haunting eyes-heard a low cry as her
gaze fell upon him and she started to
stretch out her arms, but they fell
helpless at her side.
1t was all to his credit as man that
he did not stop one second, but walked
| directly over to where she stood, now
| holding on to the lack CT the chair
| through weakness.
my mother!" he said, but his very
| voice was caress.
Then he took her quivering form In
his arms and gently kissed her.
Al that she gave way.
The fountains broke forth, though
the wonder was they had no. run dry
in the long years of ner weeping.
She chung to him as she sobbed, and
| he pressed her head 10 his heart as
on, might grieved child.
Paul had placed his mother upon a
divan and seated himself beside her.
1t was necessary that they speak OF
the past.
That could never be sealed book
| with them.
She hung upon his every word, and
| there were times when she moaned
like a stricken deer as he spoke of his
fathers accomplishing life and the
manner in which he held aloof from
the whole world to conceal his grief.
But when it was all told, and he had
again assured her that nothing but
| love dwelt in his heart, what look of
| ineffable peace came upon that pale
| face How she strained him to her
heart, this great boy. whom she could
hardly believe belonged to her, the
fair child of former years.
Meanwhile Karl and BeatriX had
wandered over to one of the windows,
set deep in the walls, and forming ad-
mirable lovers seats.
Perhaps that same fate in which
| Karl professed to entertain some be-
lief, had hand in the game, which
was one of the reasons why the young
couple sat so long in the deep embra-
sure of the window. since had it not
| been for this, Karl might not have
thought to peep aimlessly down to-
| ward the street.
Beatrix saw him bend still lower,
while the laugh left his face and a
look of deep concern took it's place.
ooh, what is it, Karl?" she cried,
as heavy, thunderous report shook
| the house.