The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1902-06-12

rade. fear no man alive, but heaven
deliver me from such woman. How
ever, let us dismiss her from our
thoughts. Tel me more about Hide
garde. Such subject will take the
bad taste from my mouth"
We'll, have seen the young woman
again and you may even have that
pleasure tonight"
"How so?"
Simply because we are going to
house that adjoins the Red Cross hos
pital. where she is engaged in her holy
labor"
"That is singular indeed"
1T may be more ere we are through.
You know I am a firm believer in the
working Of Providence, and to my
mind there is something more than
mere coincidence in this thing"
They were now near their destina-
ton. Apparently there was no suspic-
ious craft above the horizon-at 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
a 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 repressed a cry of
satisfaction when the light fell upon
his face.
For although the figure and dress
of the watcher seemed to belong to
a dandy French captain, the counte-
nance was surely that of the bold ad-
ventures, the Countess Aimee.
Karl awaited his friend at the adj
joining door. care you ready?" he
asked, solemnly.
GO on" Paul said, shortly
The door opened and they passed IN.
Up the stairs-now light appeared
Karl, is it your" asked a girls
voice, whereupon the individual de-
clared 1t 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 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 a perilous mis-
sion, than mere maidenly modesty,
that made her cry out:
"Beatrix!" he called.
Sister, have you then forgotten
me?"
Then a 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 1 tell you the truth-how will
you bear it," she said, in weak al
most panic-stricken voice.
"Ah! But do know it, my dearest
girl
bout-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 am that
she has lived to know this blessed
hour
She took her brothers hand and led
him into the lighted room. +
He saw black-robed figure rise,
saw pale face, with tender, sad and
haunting eyes-heard low cry as her.
gaze fell upon him and she started to
stretch3 out her arms, but they fell
helpless at her side.
It 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 back OF the chair
j 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.
AT that she gave way.
The fountains broke forth, though
the wonder was they had not run dry
in the long years of ner weeping.
She chung to him as she sobbed, and
he pressed her head TO his heart as
one might grieved child.
Paul had placed his mother upon a
divan and seated himself beside her.,
1t was necessary that they speak of
| the mast