Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1908-04-09

knew the others secret, but took care
not to touch upon it.
Whether Frau Won Bendeleben did
not or would not perceive anything is
a question l have never been able to
an swer; as, on account Of slight mour-
ming for distant relative, we were
obliged to refrain from all large
parties; and the gentlemen, in order
to enjoy our society, preferred to stay
at Castle Bendeleben and give up the
manoeuvre balls; she had ample op-
portunity to observe us, which would
have been difficult in larger assem-
blies. Apparently, however, she was
always SO deep in conversation with
the colonel or the captain that she
scarcely had glance to spare for US
young people, only now and then her
eyes would rest for a moment On our
group; for the rest, we could chat,
sing, and ride in the park in the COM
pany of the baron as much as we
liked
ga fortnight is soon gone, and when
the disappearing parting was
spoken of, saw Hannah's rosy cheek
turn pale-and was it any better in
my case? do not know.
Con the day before their departure
it was the second Of September-we
had remained unusually long at the
table, and the sun was already setting
when we left it. Our horses, already
saddled, were standing impatient be-
fore the door, for we were going to
take one last ride. Hannah and went
up to our room to put on our habits.
How lonely it will be here tomorrow,
GreteI,' she said in low tone, looking
at me; she tried to smile, and yet
there were tears in her large eyes.
Il could not reply; the last night
had been a sIeepIess one, and Katha-
rine's words, I shall die, Gretchen, if
you are unhappy seemed continually
sounding in my ears. had hardly
thought of her in these happy days,
and not until the shadow Of the ap-
preaching parting had fallen on me did
the thought come to me: What if
had only been playing with me; if
those haIf-Whispered and yet so ex-
pressive words, those ardent looks,
had deceived me; what if he did not
love me?'
81 hastily brushed back my curls and
put on my hat with it's blue veil, and
drew in long breaths as if l should
choke with very dread; but no, it was
impossible; his whole manner was a
pledge of his honorabIeness. How SYM
pathetically he had inquired of my
father, how he had regretted that
had no mother; everything he had
said had sounded so true, so genuine.
No, thousand times no; he loved
me, | had read it in his eyes; and if
his lips had not proclaimed it, l knew
it for all that, and was happy.
when we came down again in our
riding-habits, and he offered me his
hand to help me mount, such a bliss
full glance from those dark eyes met
mine that I started. We rode beside
one another out into the delicious
evening The setting sun cast its
brilliant rays on the tops of the wales
and beeches by the roadside, the air
was so clear and mild, and his voice
sounded rich and mellow in my ears.
Behind US came Hannah with Herr
Won Bergen, and they we're followed
by the baron and the colonel, who had
joined the little cavalcade for part
ing ride.
We will ride to the forester's
house, called out the baron, and we
soon found ourselves in the green
twilight; the birds had already sought
their nests, nature was hushed in the
holy evening stiffness. Only from a
distance sounded the bell of the little
church at Weltzendorf, ri ging in the
eve of the hoIy-day, and the hour had
come when life offered to me the
trimming cup Of happiness, when the
man whom I loved told me he loved
me, and asked me if I would be his
forever.
The darkness had come en-, but in
my heart a radiant sun had risen. Ny
trembling hand lay in his and my
heart was filled with bliss unspeak
able Oh, my life, the world, how rosy
It looked to me, and how beautiful it
was!
1--WE Wer on the way home. | had
hardly noticed when we turned. I
could not take it in that he really
loved me, and thought I must wake
up out of a beautiful dream into a
sorrowfuI reality. When we came out
of the wood. the moon shone out
above the tops of the old lindens in
the park and shed its white light over
the roads and fields. l thought l had
never seen so lovely a light. At this
moment the baron called out: 'Gretel,
sing US one of your popular songs,
this is just the time for it-a village
under the linden trees in the moon
light. Please sing
" Gretchen, my Gretchen, sing me
the song again that I first heard from
YOU he whispered to me; and sang,
and all the JOY of my heart vas re-
revealed in the words:
9" The moon is shining brightly,
A seat meath the trees,
There my lover and
Could whisper at ease.
g His eyes were so tender,
So sweet was his kiss,
So golden the moonlight
Oh, moment of bliss!
such enchantment, such rapture