Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1906-11-02
q. Mas.$ALExANoEa.

"Major Won Stelnhausen knows there
is a barrier" she began, in low
tones, with averted head.
81 do" he answered; "but need it be
insuperable2" 1
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 Ayig-
non. The architect"
"Lies," said Hauptmann Cheering,
coming up behind them, II wish you
would come to Gretchen, she is faint
and unwell: / am certain she has
caught a chill; do come"
"This is the most barefaced conduct
[ ever witnessed" thought stelnhau-
sen. gazing after them with profound
amazement, as Lies, without a word
OF apology. turned at once and accom-
panied the Hauptmann in the direc-
ton from which he had come.
81 did not think Lies would have
submitted so tamely; she does not
seem afraid Of the fellow either.
There IS something about It all l
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.
Failing in presently with the Burgo7
meister, they had an agricultural con-
yersatlon about the resources of the
district, the amount of wheat Fer acre
produced, etc. till the worthy leader
Of the expedition gave the word of
command to descend.
B Steinhausen took his stand on
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, and
Steinhausen found he had enough to
do to help the two ladies.
Herr Major. can you not conide one
of these ladies to my care?" Cried n
young Cuts Besitzer, who had turned
back to meet them; you have too much
and / too little to do"
"Erlauben Sic mir. gnadlges Frau
leln," and he offered his arm to the
younger girl. who Immediately accepted
1t, and went merrily on.
Steinhausen then drew Lies arm
through his own and they proceeded
for some way in silence. II
AT last be asked:
"When will you explain to me the
mysteries with which you seem to be
surroundedT
''Why should you be called upon to
attend to that-that girl to whom your
husband is so shamelessly devoted?
Tell mer' II
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"
"seemr' cried Steinhausen. "Can you
think it seeming?"
al believe It is real,' she returned,
and steinhausen fancied he felt a slight
pressure on his arm, to which he
warmly responded; but all he said
was: Thank YOU"
The remainder of the descent was ac-
eomplished 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 1 start first"
"Good. mein Herr Major. Who is /
your partner"
"Frau Cheering, Herr Burgomeister."
"Ahl the Hauptmann insists on
escorting 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? a very charming |
companion"
Frau Ghering-Fraulein Gheringr'
repeated Steinhausen, like a man in a
dream.
"Ach, Himmel! what do you mean?
I drove Frau Cheering here to-day"
"By no MEANS" returned the joyial
magistrate.
'You escorted Herr Hauptmann's
cousin. thought you were old ac-
quaintances."
"Acquaintances or not" exclaimed
Steinhausen. qulyerlng with the new
light breaking upon him, Il wish to
drive the same lady as l brought
down"
"Good,' returned the Burgomeister.
''There she stands. If you wish to
be first-go."
He pointed to Lies. who stood near,
the door, with downcast eyes, and
colorlng to the roots of her hair.
Stelnhausen strobe across the room,
and, taking from her the wraps with
which she was encumbered, silently
offered her his arm, silently led her to
he sleigh. silently wrapped her up with
Iii