Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1906-11-22
COUNTY, MD" THURSDAY NOVEMBER ~

nigStein, all stepped In tne Solueh haAe
of a glowing autumnal sunset. all
sleeping in a stiffness so profound as
almost to be felt.
Steinhausen looked at the fair scene
In silence, and the grave expression
of his companions face deepened and
softened into sadness.
She leant her elbows on the parapet.
and rested her cheek on her clasped
hands.
At length a low sigh. unconsciously
breathed, struck ON the Rittmeister's
ear.
He turned his dark, stern eyes upon
the figure beside him.
"To.morrov-," he began, in softer
tone than usual, and paused-"ts-nor
row. then, / leave Bergfeldcr, and per-
hans may never again behold this
loveliness." (Hers or that OF the
scenery0
"Tell me, now that l am a moment
alone with you, why you hate me and
all Prussians.
"There is much I want to ask; but
this first"
81 do not hate you; why should
hate an unoffending stranger? Your
nation! Well. do not love IT,
why" asked Steinhausen; receiv'
ing no answer, he repeated. "Why?'
"Surely,' cried Lies. quickly. raising
her head and looking full at him, you
can answer that question yourself!
Herr Won Steinhauscn is sufficiently
we'll read to be able to recall the MS
torical facts of centuries past-from
the old Brandcnburg days and tb"
Seven Years war. down to the preSeLf
unhappy struggle. Prussian policy
has always been the same, aggression
and annexatiOn.'
Steinhausen laughed.
"What can you expect?' he said;
"ours is no sanity sphere of impossible
virtue. but world of ordinary human
ity where might makes indefcnsible
right"
at is a robbers MAXIM said Lies
haughtily. and turning, stepped back
into the salon.
Steinhausen followed sharply. plac'
ing himself between her and the door:
Lies stopped in some surprise.
as that all? Have you no more TO
advance against us!'
II have, perhaps, already said too
much. considering what hospitality de-
mands." she replied.
Hospitality, meine Gnadige,' OK
claimed the Rittmester, with a pro-
yoking laugh. do you not mistake the
position!
1--WE are not here by invitation. but
in obedience to our generals order-as
victors!
"It is true. we have been we'll re-
cpiyed and entertained. but had 1t been
otherwise. we should have taken all
we required and more: as "onqunrors,
we are mastcrs-at least, for the
present"
Lies looked at him astonished. as II
she could not. at once. quite compre'
bepd the brutality of this speech; then
the sensitive lips began TO quiver, ana
in spite of her proud carriage. the large
blue eyes were suddenly sutfuseG with
indignant tears.
Let ne pass" she said: "yon
are" she stopped; Stcinhausen fin
ished the sentence for her-"a rude
barbarian" and he placed hinself reso'
mtely against the door.
Yes, YOU are so earnest yourself
that YOU take my half Jest seriously;
will YOU believe my whole earnest
he went on, eagerly, hurried by an in''
pulse he felt was utter folly, yet which
he could not resist.
II cannot, ami will not. leave you
without some eXplanation-somc solu.
ton of the doubts which are so mad
dcning!
"Do you not sec you have cast a
spell upon me?
"Short as the time is. resent the
avowal as you may, | must ana VIII
tell YOU that | love you--love you IN
tensely."
He tried to take her hand.
ON twenty -four hours acquaint'
ance" she replied. with good-humored
mockery, although she turned very
pale and looked anxlously at the door.
You dare not scorn the feeling you
have evoked" exclaimed Steinhausen,
quickly; then. seeing the alarm that
would speak in her eyes in spite Of her
efforts to seem coldly calm.
"Mein Lieber," he continued, you do
not fear me; Sweetest! best! l love
YOU; | would not disturb or distress
you for worlds; if-if you are free, do
not reject me.
Nay, let me hold your hand ono me-
ment," resolutely. catching and kissing
II; "and if-as from what can gather
may be the casc-yOu are unhappily
linked to one who cannot appreciate
the treasure fortune has given him, let
me atone for the past! the bonds must
be strong inde"I - love and daring
such as mine caprot break them; tell
me truly, are you iree?
81 am not. Herr Rttmeister," said
Lies, greatly disturbed, "and even IL l
were-this is madness!"
"There is, perhaps. tinge of mad
ness in it." returned Steinhausen, still
holding her hand; but there is truth
and reality in it also" he urged. grow
ing more eager as she shrank from his
advances.
81 must tear myself away tomorrow;
let me write to you! Leave me some
straw to cling to; cannot lose you
/"
Herr Rittmeister," interrupted Lies,
collecting herself and at last releas-
ing her hand.
II cannot listen to such folly: If you
III, o., tv,cfov v~t p,pCt