Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1906-11-15

| tween the servants ana the Herr
schaften, and the theaters are not
good; no one goes out in the evening
in the country, at least; but the houses
are charming, and the gardens; the
people. too, are very friendly to those
they like
but conversation is always difficult
to foreigner, because, as you OBJ
served of forbidden subjects, every
topic that touches religion is almost
impossible for stranger from the me-
diaeval style of English thought-but
in all other things what practical.
unsentimental people!
She spoke with a certain persistence,
as if determined to keep the talk to
herself, but she came to a halt at
last.
1.-TWO years ago." repeated the Ritt-
meister, somewhat irrelevantly.
His thoughts, though he had listened
to her quiet, pleasant voice with full
attention, had yet been occupied with
the question:
If, two years ago. she was away in
England, when did this unfortunate
marriage of hers take place:
Surely not previousy-she would
have been too young; and if since. and
her husband was dead, she could hard
ly have left off her widows mourning!
1.-TWO years ago. Was it, then, 4
wedding Journey
; The lady blushed crimson.
Herr Rittmeister forscts his self
imposed discretion,' she said coldly;
"aIl personal and offensive subjects
were to be avoided
"A thousand pardons." he returned,
/ earnestly. and. thinking her eyes full
/ of tears he mentally swore at him.
self, as an unfecling brute for his in
! considerate curiosity.
Il will not again offend but press
! ing his hand on his breast, IF l could
| lay my heart open before you, YOU
would, perhaps, find the interest you
! choose to term idle curiosity neither
impertinent nor objectionable.
There was force and dignity in his
gesture, but his companion made no
reply. and after walking few PAGES
in silence, Stenhausen asked. with
smile:
May I be permitted to say that l
much wish l could inspect the Dresden
Gallcry?
NO" returned Lies, struggling to
suppress an answering smile; Ito men,
kn lnft tn
feated SaXons only suggests our losses
and your gains for centuries
"Ah. | could answer that"
"If you will. but l shall wish you
good-mOrning."
But, Gnadgc, suppose l chose to
keep your company, how would you
get rid of me?' he exclaimed, a little
irritated by her cOmpoSure.
"Oh. Some things are impossible to
4 gentleman, and l presume. Herr
Rittmeister Won Steinhausen. of the
Prussian army, is gentleman?"
Il hope so,' said Steinhausen. with
laugh that sounded a little hard.
But under the gentleman lies the
original man. and some things, sweet
Saxon, try and tempt a man sorely."
She glanced up at him with sur.
prlscd, frightened look in the large,
earnest blue eyes, that made her COM
panion's heart beat much faster than
was necessary; the look was moment
ary, and she said very coolly:
I'VE do not seem to be successful in
avoiding forbidden subjects; try an
other, Herr Rittmeister."
He laughed partly at her remark,
partly at his own longing to take her
il his arms and deal out liberal
punishment in kisses, and the idea
of her indignation could she have di-
vincd his thoughts.
"Well, then, what shall it be? Oh!
Italy; have you ever Travelled in Italy?"
mo; have you?"
''Ycs, about three years ago" and
anxious to recover any ground he
might have lost, Steinhausen spoke
well and pleasantly, though always
with tinge of cynicism of his italian
experiences.
He found an intelligent and cult
waited listener, and the peace or truce
between them was not infringed for
the remainder of their walk.
Often the memory of that pleasant
hour came back to the Rittmeister in
far distant scenes-the little wooden
ravine, debouching on the rich green
fields and linden trees of the river
side; the sweet soft air, the song of a
soaring lark, the peaceful, utter still
ness around them, as if they alone in
habited the earth, a new Adam and
Eve, though Adam in glittering Hus-
sar trappngs was slightly incongru-
Gus; the more natural tone of his com:
panion, whose guarded coldness SEN
sjbly melted away in the interest Of the
conversation.
Then what sweet long glaRces he
occasionally received, what pleasant
glimpses of a charming white, we'll
turned throat and pretty pink ear he
caught when, with half-averted head
and downcast eyes, she listened grave
ly TO some description or theory, which
latter she generally disputed.
But, alas pleasant things never last;
and it seemed to Steinhausen that be.
fore he had said half he had to say,
or made half enough of this blessed
opportunity. they came to blfurca