The Morris County chronicle., 1905-03-21
CHAPTER III.
Continued.


for some fresh topic by means Of
which he might relieve his curiosity
and ingratiate himself.
She was dreadfully provoking; and
the irresistible, amused smile which
crept over her lips as the silence con-
hnued seemed as if she was aware Of
his difficulties.
1.-THE gnadiges Fraulein is lover of
the dumb creature she cares for so
kindly" he said, at length.
Il could not resist watching you this
evening as you stood in the Hof yon-
der and fed your pigeons"
"You didY' she exclaimed in sur
prise.
Il trust I may be forgiven, Gnadige
Frau-Fraulien or Frau?" he asked,
lnsinuatingly.
Whichever you like" she returned.
unmoved.
''But, pardon me, should like to give
you your proper title"
1T is Of no consequence" she said,
slowly, as she threaded her needle.
Your accuracy or your error are
alike to me, while tomorrow you win
ride away, and the memory of your
passing curiosity will have faded be-
fore you reach your next quarters"
Without raising her eyes she worked
steadily on.
''But I shall not ride away to-mor-
row, nor perhaps the day after" cried
ctaipha,,cav, ;v,o,,n+,.o11cIxy. Goxad - NV
memory is to retain nothing of the in
teresting hours | have spent under
your hospitable roof, do you imply that
yours will be more enduringw
Much more" said Lies, pausing as
she drew out long thread.
II shall always retain a most vivid
recollection of your visit. and those of
your fellow-soldiers who preceded
you"
She spoke emphatically, looking up
straight into his eyes with an effort
to be grave, while a slight but mis-
chievous smile would steal into the
nimpIes of her cheek.
II understand, Fraulein,' replied
Eteinhausen, charmed, yet surprised
and nettled BY the spirit with which
she answered.
He despised soft, sentimental women,
yet resented self-assertion, with the
consistency common to men in other
countries besides Germany.
"A painful impression is not SO easily
shaken off,"
No reply.
II mean, gnadige Frau, that the NOR,
tification of receiving Prussian sol
diers leaves it's mark.
''But may not urge, that, being by
the accident of birth and circumstances
one of these unfortunates, could /,
with any sense of honor, decline to
serve my king, my government?
"And, being ordered here, am / to
blame for forcing myself upon your
reluctant hnspitality?'
He spoke in wounded tone.
1T is true,' said Lies, gravely.
perhaps / am unjust.
'"But. Herr Rittmeister, imagine your
sisters, your wife, your mother, forced
to receive Saxon soldiers, as we are to
receive yours"
mo stretch of my imagination could
depict such state of things" he re-
turned, with a light laugh, which
brought the quick, eloquent blood to
LESS cheek
but if such an event could happen,
and had mother, sister, or wife.
which have not, they would, am
sure, be less unkind, less cruel than
you are"
"Cruell Poohl That is large word
for a little fruitless, wordy animosity."
There is animosity. then? You al
low it7"
How could it be otherwise?" cried
Lies, throwing down her work, "when
your unnecessary ambition has caused
the sorrow and mpoverishment of a
whole people, the suffering Of those
dearer to us than our own lives. the
loss often Of all that makes life werth
living
She stopped for moment and GOV
cred her face with her hands.
"You make me wish myself a Sax
on" said Steinhausen, in low tones.
which showed he was deeply moved.
"Ahl if you weret' cried Lies, re-
moving her hands and looking at him
with sudden, strange impulse.
"And II were7 What then?" he
asked, drawing nearer.
"Saxony would have one more brave,
capable soldier, no doubt, Herr Ritz
melster" she replied quietly.
Steinhausen rose and walked toward
the veranda
Through the open door he saw the
smart little "Dienstmadchen," Daisy,
setting out table for the benefit OF
his brother officers.
Clarchen had vanished.
On looking back he was alarmed to
see his fair antagonist folding up her
work as if to retire.
'sWe have infringed the rule you So
forcibly laid down at supper, mein
Fraulein,s he said
Politics and religion should never
be discussed in mixed society; and
small as it is, ours is very mixed So
ciety, NIGHT wahrT
$50 permit me to touch on more per-
Eonal matters.
''You have some very dear to you
with the army y
Il have many; my brother, ana
others, relatives friends"