The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1905-02-15
"Ghering," returned Steinhausen.

'GnerlnS,' returned
cay, Cheering. I wonder, now, was
that pretty daughter married or not?
Did you ever hear Of them again"
"Never!r' was the somewhat en-
phatic answer, though I tried TO get
some tidings.
After the regiment left SaNony l
was called away by business to Pome-
rama, and then to Vienna.
about six months after We had
bid goodbye to Villa Bellevue I wrote
to the excellent Herr Amtmann, but he
never took any notice of my communi-
cation.
"Yhen various matters occupied me,
and the sharp outlines of my first i'm
preston faded.
about a year and a half later I was
in Dresden, and made a pilgrimage to
the villa, but they were all gone; the
garden was a neglected wilderness, and
a gang of workmen were pulling the
house to pieces to enlarge it.
mo one could tell me what lad be-
come or the 1amlly.
They had left a year before. and
were much regretted. especially the
'Gnadige.' who was married, according
to one old cronc, and single, according
to another.
II had not heart to ask much or stay
long. That is all I have ever heard"
Little enough said the other (our
former acquaintance, Burchardt.
Il think 1 have heard Of a young
Lieutenant Cheering, who distinguished
himself at st. Privat-a Saxon officer"
Some relation, probably" said Stein
hansen.
They walked on in silence for some
minutes. till turning into the market
place, they found themselves before
the open door of the Burgomeister's
house. from which q long stream of
light fell upon the snow, and even on
the quaint carvings of the opposite
houses.
1.-The worthy Burgomeister is holding
high revels," said Burchadt. laughing.
as he looked up at a row of windows
over the entrance against the blinds OF
which the strong light within threw
the varied shadows of the guests as
they moved to and fro.
I'VE convaleseents must be prudent,
for they say bis table is of the best
and his hospitality most pressing"
So saying, both officers stepped into
the hall, and were Immediately as
sisted by deferential servants to re-
move their cloaks, and ushered into a
handsome dining room, where Burgo-
meister and his wife received their
guests, and which opened into a spa
cious salon beyond, where dancing had
already begun with much spirit.
The new arrivals were greeted with
great cordiality and respect.
Numerous introductions, which al
ways in Germany are the opening cere-
mony. of any social event, followed.
On the invitation of the host, the
officers laid aside their swords and
helmets; but reluctantly declined, in
obedience to the doctors injunctions.
to join the dancers.
"Then," said the host. a jovial. portly
man, with curly fair hair and red mus
tache, perhaps the Herr Major and
you. Herr Rittmeister. would like to
20 upstairs to the card roomF'
You will find some of your friends
there. Allow me-"
And as Steinhausen and Burchardt
bowed their assent. he passed Oh and
led them upstairs to a suite of rooms,
some of. which were evidently bed
chambers, decorated for the occasion.
More introductions and bOwings.
friendly recognitions and congratula-
tons.
At last the attentive host arranged
a whist table for his IGNORED guests.
"You have a large assemblage to-
night" said St%einhausen, as they wait
ed for the fourth Of their party, who
had been arrested on his way to the
card table by a lady of large proper
tons and pretensions, with whom he
exchanged many d%eferential saluta-
tons.
Il see, no doubt, all the rank and
beauty of Bernstadt."
ga gewiss!" replied tie Rurso-
meister, rubbing his hands with much
satisfaction, land many families from
the neighborhood also.
1--WE have SaIons, Prussians, b.
hemians and q few Russians present
this evening.
You see, Herr Major, Bernstadt is
in q corner, and has three different ma
tionalities close by.
II must present some Of the most
distinguished to you, mein. Herr, be-
fore we light up the Christbaum after
supper; but here is Herr Doctor.
Il will keep you no longer from your
game" and, on hospitable thoughts in
tent, he turned away.
To be continued.