Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1907-11-07

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When | awoke it was high noon and
was told that Jascha was Ill, but
had fallen asleep, and must not be
disturbed. When l went down to the
dining-room the girls were laughing
and chatting about the events OF the
evening, especially the supposed
theft, and Frau Degenhardt's forget
fitness.
Eyes, yes" said the old lady fore
ing a smile, eve are all weak NOR
tails"
In the afternoon all except our
principal and I, went to walk; we re-
NAMED at home on Jascha's account,
and sat near enough to hear If she
awoke. While there, the old lady told
me of Jascha's confession. She had
taken the money for her mother, who
was alive and here. She had also
given her the cross, and met her con-
stantly at the pond, creating mystery
and bearing contempt for her sake,
who was associated with all that was
good, and tender, and loving, in her
chiIdhood's years, of whose sin she
would believe nothing. Her grand
mother never had liked her, had never
caressed her and called her my hap
piness; my sunshine!" She had only
been watchful to keep her as tightly
as possible under restraint, because of
her resemblance to her mother. The
girl was put here to be hidden away
from the abandoned woman who was
thought to be somewhere in Paris or
Nizza," but who, a miserable ragged,
forsaken creature, had found the way
to her child. And Jascha gave he
mother all she possessed, begging for
money from her grandmother, who al
ways gave it grudgingly and finally e.
fused to do so at all, when her sus-
picions were aroused. But the poor wo-
man needed money, oh so dreadfully,
She could then live few years, per
haps all her life, honestly and quiet
ly; and Jascha would have the kisses
for which she longed, and a mothers
tender hand would stroke her cheek
ah, how sweet, only to think of it!
Then she told the falsehood; she
wanted no ball-dress, but only the
money, and when that failed, then
came the fall!
All, Jascha, how prayed for you as
I listened and saw the tears, running
down Frau Degenhardt's cheeks!
The door bell rang, the sound of
voices came from below, and then Jo-
hanna brought lovely bouquet and d
note to Fraulein Won Ponianska-
compliments of Herr Won Ahnfeldt.
, This will comfort her." said I. LET
me see if she is awake"
do you think 500" remarked the
old lady doubtfully. We'll, she will
have to know of it."
ooh, certainly! Why not?"
/ 1.-THE man is waiting for an answer"
explained Johanna.
I I took the flowers and note and
softly opened the door, noticing as
did SO, how close the air was.
"Jascha," I whispered leaning over
her. She was lying with her eyes wide
open, and looked at me.
Look, here is something lovely for
you, and note also-guess from
whom From Herr Won Ahnfeldt,
She seized it eagerly. ooh,
heavens!" heard her say, and as she
read her face flushed crimson, and
then, grew as pale as death.
SIS there not an answer?" 1 in
quired.
Tomorrow! Tomorrow" she said
hastily.
FShall l say SOP"
( Eyes"
1t was the last word I ever heard
from Jascha, the last time I ever saw
her When l glanced back before leav-
ing the room, her face was pressed
against the roses; the letter crumpled
in her hind, and the whole surrounded
with her golden hair At supper told
the girls that Jascha was i'll; l could
not eat a morsel, and Frau Degen-
hardt's place was empty; she had
been with the doctor by Jascha's bed
for more than hour.
ooh, listen! Lsten!" cried Olga IN
alarm; "she is screaming!" and dis
tant prolonged shrieks, rang through
the house.
THAT is horrible! How can
she carry on SOP" complained Dora.
Frau Degenhardt desires me to say,
the young ladies are to spend the eve
ming in the summer house." announced
a maid servant.
We all went out, and while the
others sat laughing and joking,
stood at the window looking-up
there. Up there! What could be the
matter? Once | went to the house and
listened, and at the moment Johanna
hurried in at the door, followed by a
thin, strange looking figure, decayed
and like worn out actress; and by
the light in the hall / recognized the
woman | had seen at the castle, and
in the park; so haggard, so full OF
agony in every look that l pitied her.
Jascha's mother had come!
) And the girls outside kept on hour
after hour discussing last nights toll
let's. No one thought of seeking rest.
81 tell you Herr Won Ahnfeldt has
no such ideal" said one.
He marry Jascha? Ridiculous"
added Olga.