The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1905-05-16
PART II. CHAPTER II. n
Continued.

et1NA CoSGA W I'LL Ny A4F9 DuSNSSSAu
rival, as he noticed the assiduity with
which that audacious little dark-eyed
cousin waited upon him, sweetened bis
coffee, heaped cake upon his plate
and absolutely leaned her hand upon
his shoulder.
1t was too barefacedl But his atten-
ton was agreeably diverted.
He was delightfully."- surprised by the
quiet care bestowed upon him by Lies.
In after days he reflected with sur
prise on the pieces Of cake he de-
voured and the cups of coffee he called
for on that memorable occasion.
1t was so heavenly to have the cake
handed over his shoulder by Lies
small firm hand, and, turning to thank
her, to find her sweet eyes and lips so
near, and yet, alas! so far.
Why was she so disractingly kind?
Was it really meant for him, or de-
fance of his opposite neighbor?
If the latter, it was unwise to rouse
suspicion at that stage Of affairs.
Indeed, Steinhausen, was beginning
to wish he was away in the solitude
of his own rooms, that he might think
over some wild plans that would sug-
gest themselves to his Imagination.
Matters were evidently becoming des-
perate between the Hauptmann and
his injured wife, and -
Well, divorce is not such a tremen-
dous affair in Germany, especially
when husband has no objection,
though he was not SO engrossed by his
pretty attendant as not to cast angry
glances at Steinhausen occasionally
toward the end of the repast.
AT last. as the vigor of the onslaught
somewhat relaxed, the kindly Burgo-
meister, standing up in his place. called
aloud that they would have no more
Of daylight than would permit them to
view the ruins-at least such Of them
as were disposed to undertake the steep
and slippery ascent.
Let those who follow me hold up
Lheri hands,"
Two-thirds of the party obeyed.
Come, come" cried the Doctor, to
Eteinhausen, ''this is too muchl
Dancing last night, driving this
morning, climbing this afternoon!
IT positively cannot allow my patient
such license.
"Stay here by the 'Ofen' quietly and
rest, while we make the ascent.
Il have journal in my pocket, very
much at your service, and perhaps"
MY good friend" interrupted Stein
hansen, resOlutely, II feel strong
enough to set you at difiance, ana 1 am
determined to see the ruins. There is
90 use in talking to me;,,' and, missing
Lies as he turned around, he went
hastily into small outer room or en-
trance hall, where, rather to his sur
prise, he found the object of his search
In close conversation with Burchardt.
They were evidently enjoying a good
Joke, for Burchardt was laughing loud
", and Lies mirth, though less noisy,
was fully as hearty.
Both stopped on perceiving the Major,
and, on his asking what amused them,
Lies was silent, and Burchardt replied
that he (Steinhausen) should know all
about 1t before the day was over.
The party was soon ready for the
ascent, and with many sliding, Slip
pings. and not a few falls, with jest
and laughter, and much good humored
chaff, they climbed the steep hillside
Burchardt making himself excessively
obnoxious by keeping at the side of
Frau Cheering, and talking in the most
needless way of that husband Of hers
topic evidently unwelcome to the I'M
happy wife.
At length, as they approached a
sitter part of the ascent. Burchardt
suddenly found the exertion too much
for him, and turned back to join the
older and more indolent members of
the company who had stayed behind.
This move, however, did little toward
fayoring the tete-a-tete which Stein
hausen sought.
Lies kept perseveringly with the rest
" the party, and he had to console him.
self by walking as near her as possible.
and assisting her in the various diff
culties of the path.
At length the summit was reached.
and the company dispersed to examine
the ruins.
The small space at the top of the
lofty rock had been completely covered
by buildings Of rare beauty, to Judge
by the remains graceful arches, long,
pointed, slender windows, the delicate
tracery still unbroken; fiuted columns.
and ribbed cloisters, the openings at
one side showing sheer descent some
hundreds Of feet to thick pine wood,
Enclosing small lake, all thickly Gov
cred with the purest snow, and spark
ling in the sunshine, already showing
red evening tinge.
Here Steinhausen found himself at
last alone with Lies. and his first ques-
ton was:
what were you and Burchardt
laughing at SO heartily"
"Oh, only at mistake one Of the
party had made the Rittmeister will
tell you about it. much better than /
could.
How lovely these ruins are. ana
even more beautiful in winter than in
summer, when first saw them"
I'm SUMMER repeated Steinhausen.
unable to resist the painful attraction
Of one subject.
Then may ask when-when your
unfortunate marriage took place."
Indeed, you may notl' she replied.
quickly This is a topic on which
cannot bear to speak.