Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1906-12-27
PART II. CHAPTER II.


Continued.
Opposite Steinhausen sat Haupt.
mann Cheering, and the former could
hardly bring himself to answer the
good-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, heapcd cake upon his plate.
and absolutely leaned her hand upon
his shoulder.
1t was too barefaced! 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
aear and yet, alas! so far.
Why was she SO diStractngly 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. Stcinhauson. was beginning
to wish he was away in the solitude
of his own rooms. that he might think
over some wild plans that would suS'
gest themselves to his imagination
Matters were evidently becoming dos
peratp between the ItHptmann and
his injured WIFE ana -
Well, divorce is not such Il tr'm'n'
douS affair in Germany. especially
when husband has 10 Objection
though he was not so engroSsed hy IL;
pretty attendant as not t" cast angry
glances at SteinhauSpn Oc%as ,onally
toward the end Of tic repaS;.
At last, as the vigor OF the onslaught
somewhat relaxed. the kindly BurSo'
meistcr, 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 disposedto undertake the steep
and slippery ascent
LET those who follow me hold up
theri hands"
Two thirds of the party obeyed.
Come. Gomez cried the Doctor. to
Stelnhausen, this is too much.
Dancing last night. driving this
morning. climbing this afternoon.
II positively cannot allow my patient
such license.
stay here by the 'Ofen' quietly and
rest. while we make the ascent.
II have journal in my pocket. very
much at your service. and perhaps
"Nry good friend" interrupted Stein
hausen, resolutely. Il feel strong
enough to set you at dtiance, 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 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.
ly, 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 it 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 goodhumored
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
a topic evidently mwelcome to the un-
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
JfavOring the tete-a-tete which Stein.
hausen sought.
Lies kept perseveringly with the rest
Of 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-grac ceful 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,
inclosing a 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 al
last alone with Lies, and his first ques.
tion was
What We're yOn and Burchardt
laughing at so heartily"
"Oh, only at mistake one OF the
party had made--the Rittmeister will
tell you about 1t, much better than
could.