The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1905-03-15
B~ MRS.aALExANDER.

| 10 q - oNS~N'
tones, with averted head.
II do" he answered; but need it be
insuperable?'
Let me tell you about these ruins"
she interrupted, hastily.
You know. the 'Kloster' was built
by Celestine monks whom the Emperor
Charles the Fourth brought from Avig-
non. The architect"
Lies" said Hauptmann Cheering,
coming up behind them, II wish you
would come to Gretchen, she is faint
and unwell; ! am certain she T;has
caught. chill: do come"
This is the most barefaced conduct
l ever Witnessed" thought Steinhau-
sen, gazing after them with profound
amazement, as Lies, without a word
of apology, turned at once and accom-
| panied the Hauptmann in the direc-
| ton from which he had come.
:"I did not think Lies would have
| submitted so tamely; she does not
seem afraid of the fellow either.
There is something about it all I
cannot understand" and he walked
slowly. ON alone, not by any means TAX
ing the deep interest in the beautiful
ruins which he ought to have done.
Railing in presently with the Burgo-
meister, they had an agricultural con-
~yersatiOn about the resources of the
district, the amount OF wheat per acre
produced. etc, till the worthy leader
| Of the expedition gave the word OF
| command to descend.
.%Steinhausen took his stand on a
piece of rock, and saw the company file
past. the fair invalid hansin. on tie
Hauptmann's arm. who supported her
| steps with the utmost care and tender
ness.
Lies followed, the Burgoneister's
daughter hanging on her arn-ts this
pair Steinbausen accordingly Joined
himself.
The descent was considerably more
difficult than the climbing up, and
S%teinhausen found he had enough to
do to help the two ladies.
Herr Major, can ysu not confde a
Of these ladies to my carer" cried a
young Cuts Besitzer,' who had turned
back to meet them; you have teo muck
and ] too little to do"
"Erlauben Sic mir. ~gnadises Frau
lein," and he offered his arm to the
younger girl, who Immediately accepted
it, and went merrily on.
Steinhausen then drew Lies arm
through his own and they preceded
for some way in silence.
At last he asked:
when will you explain to me the
mysteries with which you seem to be
surrounded"
"Why should you be called upon to
attend to that-that girl to whom your
husband is so shamelessly devoted?
Tell me"
Major Won Steinhausen." she inter-
rupted, in a low, unsteady voice, Il
must beg Of you not to question me
now; have patience and tomorrow you
shall have a full explanation-a written
explanation of all that puzzles you.
THAT is due TO the-the interest you
express ard seem to feel"
"Seemw cried Steinhausen. "Can you
think it seeming?"
III believe it is real" she returned,
and %Steinhausen fancied he felt a slight
pressure on his arm, to which he
warmly responded; but al he said
was: Thank YOU"
The remainder of the descent was ac-
complished almost in silence, but with
an amount of tender care on the part
of her companion very intelligent to
Lies.
At length they reached the little
restauration, where the sleisks were
already drawn up.
'"Burgomeister," said Steinhausen,
making his way to that authoritative
individual, who was issuing emphatic
orders, permit me to lead the prsces-
sion.
MY horse is so restless that it is
safer for all parties if I, start first"
Good, mein Herr Majer. Who is
yonr partner"
FRAU Cheering, Herr Bu~rseneister."
"Ah! the Hauptmann insists on
eseorting his wife back, as she is net
so well-fainted among the ruins OF
some such thing.
why not return as you came, with
Fraulein Cheering? a very charming
companion"
Frau Ghering-Fraulein Gherins!!"
repeated Steinhausen, like a man in a
dream.
"Ach. Himmel! what do you mean?
I drove Frau Cheering here to-day"
by no MEANS" returned the jovial
magistrate.
You escorted Herr uauptmann's
cousin. l thought you were old &C
Q~uaintances."
"Acquaintances OF not" exclaimed
Steinhausen, quivering with the new
light breaking upon him, Il wish to
drive the same lady as l brought
down.
Good returned the Burgomeister.
"There she stands. If you wish to
be irst-go."
He pointed to Lies, who stood near
the door, with downcast eyes, and
coloring to the roots of her hair.
S%teinhausen strobe across the room,
and. taking from her the wraps with
which she was encountered, silently
offered her his arm, silently led her to
the sleigh, silently wrapped her up with