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

ana DrOtnef-ln-laW engagement W
pretty Silesian girl. relative of the
Burgomeister, and the consequent res
toration of the frank friendllness
which used to exist between them.
Herr Hauptmann Cheering had been
nbout year married, and this was
Lies first visit to her kinsman in his
new home.
All this, and many more particulars,
answers to Steinhausen's questions
and minor explanations. occupied al
most all the drive back.
They were already over the bridge
when Lies voice sank into silence.
! Tell me-" asked Steinhausen. who
had again taken the reins. did you
ever think without Indignation of the
audacious enemy who dared to speak
to you of 16ve on scarce twenty-four
hours acquaintance:
II confess the memory of it appalls
myself. Yet, meine Llebe. liebe Lies!
it was a true instinct, which urged me
to grasp the jewel that seemed within
my reach.
"Have you forgiven me YETI
"Ah. yes" said Lies, and there was
sound of tears in her voice.
"YOu were abrupt, and-and perhaps
audaclous; but l think you were more
I'm earnest than l then believed
"And am as earnest now as then.
81 am no longer a foe. Prussian,
and Saxon, and Bavarian-we have
fought side by side; we have suffered
and conquered together.
"You have surely learned to look on
me as a countryman; take me for
something closer and dearer still"
But after all. Herr Major" she re:
turned IN very tremuious tone, I'VE
know very little of each other.
"Would it not be WISER
"Great heavens" cried Stein
hausen, SIS there no voice in your
heart to plead for me; no answering in
stinct to draw you TO me as | have
been fascinated by you:
81 ask you for life and home and
happiness, and l ask TO bestOw the
same on you
These words brought them to the
Burgomeister's house, and Steinhau.
sen, without waiting for a reply, as
sisted his companion to alight, an felt
with triumphant sensation that she
was trembling perceptibly.
IL ,.1niuh N tho prnnIn's
care, he followed Lies across the hall
to well warmed and lighted room
leading to the salon.
II want your answer" he said ear
nestly. "Arc you Indifferent SO avcrse
to me?'
II have tried so hard not to think
of you" said Lies. softly, a very sweet
smile stealing around her lips. butt
almost fear to say
Yes" cried Steinhauscn. rapturouS-
ly. "Why hesitate, why torment me
any longer"
Then drawing her to him, II claim
a double privilege. as your bridegroom.
and your sleighing partner he said,
and folded her in Il long, passionate
kissing tenderly the fearful
eyes raised to his, the gentle yielding
to his caresses speaking consent more
than words.
"One request, my sweetest BRIDE
exclaimed Steinhausen: you must not
refuse, for it is my first.
I'm month L must again he with
my regiment let us not part as be-
trothed, but as husband and wife; YOU
are noble enough to rise superior TO
trihing considerations.
Let us 20 to the good father and
will be my friends |
am sure-and then, dearest, no sense
less delays.
"These are trying times, and shall
feel strong for whatever happens,
when I know leave behind wife,
with all a wife's rights and claims-do
you consent to this?"
II think you are very kind and
good" returned Lies, divining his OBJ
ject, and pressing his arm with shy
II understand you, I believe. Let
us be guided by what my parents de-
eide"
But the brief moment Of quiet was
over.
The cracking of whips, the sound
of the sleigh bells, the shrill shouting
Of boys and the glare Of torches, an
nounced the arrival of the Burgo.
meister's party, and Stenhausen went
out to meet them, while Lies stole
away to her room.
"Ah! Herr Major, you have lost the
best part, our torchlight return" cried
the Burgomeister and the HauptmanD
together.
"Lostv cried Steinhausen, joyously.
as he embraced the Hauptmann. much
to that gentleman's surprise; II have
won, my good consin! won all that
THE END.