The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1905-03-24
PART III. CHAPTER ii. II
Continued.

g0Od-humOred commonplace remarks
addressed to him by his successful
rival, as he noticed the assiduity with
which that audacious little dark-eyed
cousin waited upon him. sweetened his
coffee. beaped cake upon his plate
and absolutely leaned her hand upon
his shoulder.
II was too barefacedl But his atten.
zion 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 10 thank
her. 10 find her sweet eyes and lips 30
near, and yet, alas! so far.
Why was she so distractingly kindp
Was il really meant for him, or de-
flance OF his opposite neighbour
IL the latter, it was unwise to rouse
suspicion at that stage OF affairs.
Indeed. Steinhausen, was beginning
10 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 tremen-
Mo- In, a "
when a husband has no objection,
though he was not 80 engrossed by his
pretty attendant as not to cast angry
glances at Stelnhausen occasionally
howard the end OF the repast.
rat last. as the vlgor Of the onslaught
somewhat relaxed, the kindly Burgo-
melster. 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
rs were disposed to undertake the steep
and slippery ascent.
'Let those who follow me hold up
theri hands"
Two.thlrds Of the party obeyed.
Come, conner cried the Doctor, to
Stelnhausen, this is too much!
Dancing last night, driving this
morning, climbing this afternoon!
al positively cannot allow my patient
such license.
"Stay here by the 'Ofen' quietly and
rest, while we make the ascent.
81 have journal in my pocket, very
much at your service, and perhaps"
GMy good friend" interrupted Stein
hansen, resolutely, II feel strong
hpough to set you at difance, and am
determined to see the ruins. There is
no use in talking to me-" and, missing
Lies as he turned around, he went
hastily into a 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 we're evidently enjoying a good
Joke, for Burchardt was laughing loud
iy, and Lies mirth, though less noisy,
was fully as hearty.
Z Both stopped on perceiving the Major,
pnd, on his asking what amused them,
Lies was silent, and Burchardt replied
that he (Steinhausen) should know all
about ii before the day was over.
The party was soon ready for the
ascent, and with many sliding. slip
pings, and not few falls, with jest
and laughter. and much good humored
char. they climbed the steep hillside
Burchardt making himself excessively
obnoxious by keeping at the side of
Frau Cheering, and talking in the most
heedless way of that husband Of hers
q topic evidently unwelcome to the un-
happy wife.
At length, as they approached
sitter part OF the ascent, Burchardt
suddenly found the exertlon 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
Savorlng the tete a-tete which Stein
hfpsen sought.
Lies kept perseveringly with the rest
Df 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.
rat 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; fluted columns.
and ribbed cloisters. the openings at
one side showing a sheer descent some
hundreds Of feet 10 thick pine wood,
Enclosing a small lake, all thickly COW
cred with the purest snow. and spark
ling I'm the sunshine. already showing
a red evening tinge.
Here Steinhausen found himself nj
last alone with Lies. and his first ques.
ton was:
What were you and Burchardt
laughing at so hesrtily?"
"Oh, only at a mistake one Of the
party had mnde-the Rittmeister will
tell you about IL. much better than
could.
How lovely these ruins are. ant
even more beautiful in winter than in
summer, when I first saw tsem.p
'In SUMNER repeated Steinhsusen
unable TO resist the painful attraction
OF one subject.
Then may ask-when-wben you
unfortunate marriage took placer"
Indeed. you may notr she replied
quickly. This is a topic on which
cannot hear 20 sneak"