Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1908-07-30
gke Pastors Daughter
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g" NO; I only came home half an
hour ago. he replied. q do not even
know whether she has returned yet.
thought she would not be back be-
fore evening, because she knew you
were 70 be here this afternoon"
oh" I explained, I'VE parted
from each other in all friendship
Ruth was never more amiable than
today; in the presence OF the judge
she"
"' And the child?" inquired the
baron, suddenly.
60 Belongs TO me, uncle"
That is impossible!"
" yes. it is So" said Frau Won
Bendeleben, who came in just then;
and Ruth has herself just calmly told
ne that she gave it up voluntarily"
o" Poor uncle; this blow was as over
wheIming and as unexpected 10 him
Is it had been to his wife. He started
first at me and then at his wife, as
if he could not take it in.
" Frau Won BendeIeben pressed her
lips together, and with an air Of res
lgnation looked out OF the window on
the fresh green Of the chestnuts and
Indens in the park. For awhile there
was a deep silence, then the baron
said, in a low tone:
Where is Ruth? would like
to speak to her"
d" 1T is trouble thrown away, Der
Dard let it be-" said Frau Won Ben
deleben, laying her hand On her hus-
bands arm. at is better so; the shild
is left to Wilhelm. We shall soon be
alone again, Bernard, for she-she is
going to Vienna tomorrow"
Her voice trembled as she spoke
the last words, and two large tears
rolled slowly down from her still
beautiful eyes. She turned quickly
away and left the room.
The baron sat in his arm chair
and stared straight before him, with
an expression of pain about his mouth,
then he rose and gave me his hand.
God bless you, my boy! go now;
/ wish-I-" he did not finish his sen
tence; a thought seemed to strike
him, and looking at me he said:
" Boy, l hope you will not give
me the pain of seeing you marry your
old love. Promise me that, and you
shall retain my entire affection.
GTetel is a splendid girl but don't take
her out of her rank"
And now, Gretchen, do not be
vexed with me for telling you so
plainly my uncIe's wishes. For my
answer to it shall be at the same time
a question Of you, Gretchen. l said to
him.
Il cannot promise you that, uncle
for my next step will be to ask par
don Of her whom | have SO injured and
offended. and to ask her if she will
forgive me, and if she will be my wife
now
" Gretchen do not let yourself be
disturbed at my uncle's reply, but
send me a Yes in answer to my
humble prayer. Forgive me and be
mine. l will make a home for you
where l passed my youth-on the
Rhine; we will live on the beautiful
Rhine and l will do everything to
make you happy; everything that can
make your lips smile and your beau
tiful eyes sparkle, 70 make you for
get the suffering you have endured
through me. Question your soul, Mar
garet; is it not true that you love me
stiI2 1t is so hard TO forget ones
first love; is it otherwise with you?
Write only yes or no, on a piece
Of paper, that Friedel will bring me.
An, Gretchen, shall it not be Yes?
] have told you everything;
have in no way defended my conduct;
be good, be indulgent, Margaret, and
be mine. ! shall count the hours until
your answer comes. Look at the child
if the decision seems hard to you
what will become of him what of me,
without you, Margaret?
" Wilhelm Won Eberhardt.'