Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1906-11-02
PART II. CHAPTER II.
Continued.


Continued.
Opposite Steinhausen sat Haupt.
mann Cheering. and the former could
hardly bring himself TO answer the
good-humored commonplace remarks
addressed to him by his successful
rival. as he noticed the assiduity with
which that audaclous little dark-eyed
cousin waited upon him, sweetened his
coffee, heaped cake upon his plate,
and absolutely leaned her hand upon
his shoulder.
1t was too barefaced! But his atten.
tlon was agreeably diverted.
He was delightfully."- surprised by the
quiet care bestowed upon him by Lies.
In after days he reflected with sur
prise on the pieces Of cake he de-
voured and the cups Of coffee he called
for on that memorable occasion.
1t was so heavenly to have the cake
handed over his shoulder by Lies
small firm hand, and. turning to thank
her, to find her sweet eyes and lips so
aear, and yet. alosl so far
Why was she so dlstractlngly kind2
Was it really meant for him, or de
fiance Of his opposite nelghbor?
If the latter, 1t was unwlse to rouse
suspicion at that stage of affairs.
Indeed, Steinhausen. was beginning
to wish he was away in the solitude
of bis own rooms. that he might think
over some wild plans that would sug
gest themselves to his imagination
Matters were evidently becoming des
perate between the UAlptmann and
bis injured wife, and -
Well, divorce is not such a tremcn
dous affair in Germany, especially
when a husband has no objection
though he was not 50 engrossed by his
pretty attendant as not to cast angry
glances at Steinhausen occasionally
toward the end of tie repast.
At last, as the vigor of the onslaught
somewhat relaxed. the kindly Burgo-
meister, standing up in his place, called
aloud that they would have no more
of daylight than would permit them to
view the ruins-at least, such of them
as were disposedto undertake the steep
and slippery ascent.
''Let those who follow me hold up
theri hands,
Two-thirds of the party obeyed.
Come, come" cried the Doctor, to
stelnhausen, ''this is too muchi
Dancing last night. driving this
morning, climbing this afternoon!
81 positively cannot allow my patient
such license.
"stay here by the 'Ofen quietly and
rest, while we make the ascent.
II have a journal in my pocket. very
much at your service. and perhaps"
''AIy good friend" interrupted Stein
hansen. resolutely, II feel strong
enough to set you at difianee, and I am
determined TO see the ruins. There is
no use in talking to me;' and, missing
Lies as he turned around, he went
hastily into small outer room or en-
trance hall, where, rather to his sur
prise. he found the object of his search
In close conversation with Burchardt
They were evidently enjoying a good
toke, for Burchardt was laughing loud
ly, and Lies mirth. though less noisy.
was fully as hearty.
Both stopped on pereeiving the Major.
and. on his asking what amused them.
Lies was silent, and Burchardt replied
that he (Stelnhausen) should know all
about it before the day was over.
The party was soon ready for the
ascent. and with many sliding. slip
pings. and not few falls, with Jest
and laughter. and much good-humored
ehaff. they climbed the steep hillside
Burchardt making himself excessively
obnoxious by keeping at the side Of
Frau Cheering. and talking in the most
needless way of that husband of hers
a topic evidently unwelcome to the un-
happy wife.
At length, as they approached
sitter part of the ascent, Burehardt
found the exertion too much
for him, and turned back to join the
older and more indolent members of
the company who had stayed behind.
This move, however, did little toward
favoring the tete-a-tete which Stein
hansen sought.
Lies kept perseveringly with the rest
Df the party, and he had to console him
self by walking as near her as possible,
and assisting her i'm the various diff
culties of the path.
At length the summit was reached,
the company dispersed to examine
the ruins.
The small space at the top of the
lofty rock had been completely covered
by buildings of rare beauty, to Judge
By the remains graceful arches. long,
pointed, slender windows, the delicate
tracery still unbroken: fluted columns,
and ribbed cloIsters, the openings at
one side showing sheer descent some
Of feet to thick pine wood,
inclosing a small lake, all thickly GOV.
cred with the purest snow. and spark.
ling in the sunshine, already showing
q red evening tinge.
Here Stelnhausen found himself al
last alone with Lies. and his first ques-
tlOn was:
what were you and Burchardt
laughing at so heartlly?"
"0h, only at mistake one of the
party had made--the Rittmelster will
tell you about 1t. much better than 1
could.
''How lovely these ruins are, and
even more beautiful in winter than In
when 1 first saw them"
"In summerg' repeated Steinhausen,
unable to resist the painful attraction
Of one subject
"Then may l ask-when-when your
marriage took place."
Indeed, you may notr' she replied,
quickly. "This is a topic on which II
cannot bear TO speak,"
II beg your pardon for forcing it on,
you" he returned; "but one day you
viii tell me all, you will treat me with