Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1906-12-27
Maid, Wife or Widon?
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even more beautiful in winter than In
summer, when first saw them"
I'm summer" repeated Steinhausen,
unable to resist the painful attraction
Of one subject.
"Then may l ask--when-when your
unfortunate marriage took placer"
Indeed, you may not" she replied,
quickly. This is topic on which /
cannot bear to speak"
II beg your pardon for forcing it on
you.' he returned; "but one day you
will tell me all, you viii treat me with
the confidence my deepest, tenderest
sympathy deserves"
"Nfajor Won Steinhausen knows there
is barrier" she began. in low,
tones, with averted head.
II do," he answered; "but need 1t 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-
mon. The architect"
Lies said Hauptmann Cheering.
! coming up behind them, Il wish you
would come to Gretchen. she is faint
! and unwell: am certain she has,
! caught q chill; do come
This is the most barefaced conduct
| ever Witnessed" thought Steinhau-
sen, gazing after them with profound
amazement, as Lies. without word
of apology, turned at once and accom-
panied the Hauptmann in the direc-
ton from which he had come.
II did not thiuk Lies would have
submitted SO tamely: she does not
seem afraid Of the fellow either.
There is something about it all
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.
Falling in presently with the Burgo-
maister, they had an agricultural con-
vprsation about the resources OF the
district the amount of wheat Fer acre
produced. etc. till the worthy leadeI
| Of the expedition gave the word of
command to descend
Stcinhausen took his stand on a
piece of rock, and saw the company file
past. the fair invalid hanging on the
Hauptmann's arm, who supported her
steps with the utmost care and tender.
ness.
! Lies followed. the Burgomeister's
| daughter hanging on her arm-to this
/ pair Steinhausen accordingly joined
himself.
The descent was considerably more
! difficult than the climbing up. ana
! Stcinhausen found he had enough to
| do to help the two ladies'
"Herr Major, can you not contide one
of these ladies to my careT cried
young Cuts Besitzer,' who had turned
back to meet them; you have too much
and | too little to do"
"Erlauben Sic mir, gnadiges 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 proceeded
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, II
must beg of you not to question me
now; have patience and tomorrow you
shall have 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?"
IL believe it is real" she returned,
and Steinhausen fancied he felt slight
pressure on his arm, to which he
warmly responded; but oil 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 sleighs were
already drawn up.
"Burgomeister," said Steinhausen,
making his way to that authoritative
individual. who was issuing emphatic
orders, permit me to lead the process
sion.
MY horse Is SO restless that it Is
safer for all parties If I start first"
"Good, mein Herr Major. Who is
your partner?"
Frau Cheering, Herr Burgomeister."
"Ah! the Hauptmann insists on
cscorting his wife back, as she is not
so well--fainted among the ruins or
some such thing.
"Why not return as you came, with
! Fraulein Cheering? very charming
companion"
"Frau Ghering-Fraulein Cheering"
repeated Steinhausen. like man In a
| dream. .HG-.
Zach. Himmel! what do you meanf
I drove Frau Cheering here to-day"
"By no Means returned the jovial
magistrate.