Maryland independent., 1906-10-12
La PLATA MARYLAND, FRIDAY. OCTOBER 70,
perfect house in the world. What was
the name of the peopleT'

the name OF the peoplef'
"Ghering," returned Steinhausen.
"Ay, Cheering. wonder. now. was
that pretty daughter married or not?
Did you ever hear Of them againT"
"Neverr was the somewhat en-
phatic answer. though tried to get
some tidings.
AFTER the regiment left saxony
was called away by business to Pome-
rania, and then to Vienna.
about six months after we had
bid goodbye to villa Bellevue 1 wrote
to the excellent Herr Amtmann, but he
never took any notice Of my commune
cation.
Then various matters occupied me,
and the sharp outlines of my first i'm
preston faded.
about a year and a half later was
in Dresden, and made n pilgrimage 10
the villa. but they were all gone; the
garden was neglected wilderness. and
gang of workmen were pulling the
house to pieces to enlarge it,
mo one could tell me what had be-
come Of the family.
"They had left year before. and
were much regretted, especially the
'Gnadige,' who was married, according
to one old crone, and single, according
to another.
IL had not heart to ask much or stay
long. That is all have ever heard"
Little enough" said the other (our
former acquaintance. Burchardn.
81 think I have heard of a young
Lieutenant Cheering, who distinguished
himself at St Privat-a Saxon officer"
"Some relation. probably" said Stein
hausen.
They walked on in silence for some
minutes. till turning into the market
place. they found themselves before
the open door of the Burgomeister's
house. from which a long stream Of
light fell upon the snow, and even on
the quaint carvings of the opposite
houses.
"The worthy Burgomeister is holding
high revels.' said Burchadt laughing,
as he looked up at row Of windows
over the entrance against the blinds Of
which the strong light within threw
the varied shadows Of the guests as
they, moved to and fro
"We convaleseents must be prudent,
for they say his table is of the best
and his hospitality most pressing"
50 saying, both officers stepped into
the hall. and were Immediately as
sistA by deferential servants to re-
move their clOaks, and ushered into
handsome dining room. where BurgO-
meiAter and his wife received their
guefts. and which opened into a spa
clol ks-salen beyond. where dancing had
alrdApd g gun with much spirit.
TiS sH arrivals were greeted with
grea siality and respect
M ,4o,ts introduetions, which al
ways asermany the opening cere-
monI any social event, followed.
Oh e Invitation Of the host. the
otficSy laid aside their swords and
helmHts; but reluctantly declined. in
obedience TO the doctors injunctions.
to join the dancers.
"Then," said the host. a jovial, portly
man, with curly fair hair and red mus
tache. perhaps the Herr Major and
you. Herr Rittmeister, would like to
go upstairs to the card roomI"
"YOu will find some of your friends
there. Allow me"
And as steinhausen and Burchardt
bowed their assent, he passed on and
Ied them upstairs to a suite of rooms.
some of which We're evidently bed
chambers, decorated for the occasion.
More introductions and bowings.
friendly recognitions and eongratula-
ions.
At last the attentive host arranged
I whist table for his honored guests.
"You have a large assemblage to-
light" said Steinhausen, as they watt
ID for the fourth Of their party. who
had been arrested on his way to the
sard table by lady Of large proper
lions and pretensions, with whom he
exchanged many deferential saluta-
hons.
81 see. no doubt. all the rank and
beauty of Bernstsdt."
'Ja gewiss!" replied the Burgo-
peister. rubbing his hands with much
satisfaction, .and many families from
the neighborhood also.
ave have Saxons, Prussians. Bo-
hemisns and a few Russians present
this evening.
you see. Kerr Major, Bernstadt is
in a corner, and has three different na.
tionalities close by.
81 must present some Of the most
distinguished to you. mein Herr, be-
fore we light up the Christbaum after
supper; but here is Herr Doctor
II will keep you no longer from your
game and, on hospitable thoughts in
tent, he turred away.
m. l..