Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1902-02-06

usual, in artistic disorder. Among
them WAS a sketch-book, and in the
corner by the stove was a camp-chal1
and an artists umbrella. His trunk
which stood there with it's lid thrown
back, was quite large, as if its
owner had intended to make a pro
longed stay. Maiberg knew, howev"
that Leo, since his marriage, void
have considered it impossible to make
a journey in search of artistic studies
with a knapsack on his back. He had
grown far too aristocratic and self
indulgent for that. But in spite of
this the presence of these objects
gave Maiberg a feeling of comfort.
He, at least, did not seem to be
inexorable. Or had he no suspicion
that this utter nonentity'' of a wife
did, after all, possess heart, and with
this heart-force of character and a
strong will, and true womanly PRIDE
Maiberg looked for his friend
through all the rooms, then in the gar
den, and at length he came back to
| the house. In the sitting-room the
|
Of simple evening meal. The two
aunts had red eyes in spite of their
| joy over the nice little legacy which
would make it possible for them TO
pay the dog-taX for their beloved
! Moppel without anxious calculations
and without feeling guilty of too great
an extravaganza. They were holding
each others hands and praising the
dead woman in every possible way.
But no one here had seen Jussnitz.
Maiberg even locked into the
counting-room, but there stood Herr
Kortmer at his desk, writing, still IN
his suit of solemn black. When he
heard a sound behind him, he turned
round. and, perceiving the young
| doctor, he said, in some confusion: 81
was only writing out the advertise
ment of the change of firm, Herr
Doctor. 1t must be printed at once"
"What?" said Maiberg. Have the
| iron-works changed hands,"
A smile like sunshine amidst dark
clouds passed over the old mans face
"Henceforth we shall sign: Christie
pher Gottlob Frey's Successor Well
and who do you think is the sue
cessor, Herr Doctor? 1t is our child,
If you had only seen her as she stood
up before the lawyer and said, quite
simply and decidedly: shall remain
here" All, she has a mind of her
own, and independence. She is a real
Frey, and I can assure you that is
good thing for the business"
Indeed? Then Frau Ante is to he
the chief?"
Frau Ante is chief"
Can you tell me where [ can find
Jussnitz?" inquired Maiberg
Herr JussnitZ? HIM! He didn't
hear much in the will that was salts
factory to him. Well, he couldn't
expect anything better, Herr Doctor,
for my late mistress couldn't bear to
die, she was so anxious on his &C
count. But you want to know where
| he is? Dear me, where should man
like him be? He has gone to walk
probably. studying lights and moods
and what not in the woods along the
l.
that is where he is" And he went
beck to his advertisement. In future
! we shall sign: Christopher Gottlob
'Frey's Successor
Maiberg nodded TO the old man. It
had suddenly occurred to him that
Jussnitz might be in the nursery
Running up two steps at time, he
mounted the stairs and was presently
knocking at the door of the room he
knew was assigned to Hilda and the
| child
Come I'M" was called out in a low
tone, and he opened the door. 1t was
| almost dark in the room, or at least it
seemed so to him as he came in from
the light hall.
Are you here, Fraulein Won Zwei-
iorf?"
Yes" came the reply from corner
II the sofa; please walk softly, the
baby is asleep"
And what are you doing here in
| The dark"
81 am worrying myself. I want to
20 away"
"Where?"
Anywhere, to get away from here"
But no one keeps you here" he
said.
No, but l cannot do what l like
Please ask Frau Jussnitz 10 let me
CO.
"Anywhere?" he repeated gently.
t had such a sad sound. DO you
NOW" he continued Ube--ing a sud
len impulse, that Frau Jussnitz is
going to stay here forever"
ouslv. And what does he say to
that?"
"He?"
'Yes-he!"
He is not going to stay here"
Maiberg heard suddenly a gasping
leep-drawn breath.
And where is he going to stay?'
she asked in hoarse tone.
"Anywherei" he replied.
She started up from the sofa, ant
IS she bent toward him, in spite O.
he darkness, he could see the youns
girls unnaturally large, anxious eyes
What do you mean by that?" sht
gasped out, clutching at his arm will
! trembling hand.
1T means that two persons are
about to separate for all eternity
II She sank back with a low, wailin.
2 cry
"And on my account, on my &C
| oount',,