El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-10-20
THERESA.
BY Kurt Martens.

everywhere came the meiOdiOuS sound
of the romantic hove songs of the goD-
doIiers and the two handsome youths
who steered this gondOla Joined their
voices ;nio a charming duet.
Hidden from view under the black
and golden velvet roof of the gondola
lay the most beautiful of the patrician
women of Venice, the sinfully charm
ing, the divine Theresa. A. the sight
of Theresas companion the two gOn-
doliers had looked at each other and
shrugged their shoulders and justly
SO, for in no wise seemed he worthy
of the great lady. Like a genuine bar
barian, broad shouldered, heavy and
awkward he sat at her side, speaking
only now and then, but often looking
at her with his steely gray eyes under
the powerful forehead and its name
of yellow hair. But Theresa seemed
the more eager to win his favor with
caresses and tender glances Like a
kitten she played with his fair locks
and her slender fingers held his hand
in a grip of love. For while he sat
passive and let her do as she pleased.
Then suddenly he caught ner in his
arms and almost crushed her against
his broad BOSOM.
you beari You monster, Do you
want to kill me with your paws?" And
in a whisper she added: Tonight!
Will you come tonight?"
He loosened his hold.
mo. little Constessine, tonight I am
engaged"
ION. how disgraceful! You are de-
ceiving me-
TT is no lady," he said with good
natured smile. Higher upi A man,
yes higher still, a genius
minA?"
AT times, darling-if you will for
give me for saying so. From my youth
1 have "a tender spot in my heart for
genius
why. what do you want from him.
Many things! I want to see him, to
ask him questions, to listen to him, and,
first of all, to breathe fresh pure all"
Theresa was displeased.
Kiss me- she begged, and he obey
ed with evident pleasure, but she
pleaded: "And tonight you will come
to see me instead of the genius?"
Arthur Schopenhauer shook his lion
head and said, maving away from der:
For two weeks 1 have spent every
night with you. I met you by accident
on ST. Marks place, but I come all the
way from Germany to meet that man.
1t is time 1 remember who and what
he is. Let US talk no more about him,
please. 1 will come to see you tomor-
row.
The beautiful Theresa lost her cour-
age She was thinking of what kind OF
a mysterious being a genius must be.
Though still very young, she had cap
tured many men, but as yet no genius
Surely it would be worth her while to
love a genius Were not geniuses full
v-xI,
her present Cicisbeo, were not such
bear and barbarian, one might almost
believe he belonged to this caste. But
a genius must be handsome and noble,
and. first of all, famous. Yet it would
be worth while to get hold of one,
when even Sir Arthuro thought so high
~ Of them.
AT the Lido the unevenly matched
couple left the gondola and went for
walk along the beach. Every sign OF
the bathing life of summer had disap-
reared now in November and the prom
enade was almost deserted.
Look, Theresa said her companion.
How delightfully."- the Lido has chang
ed, since people have left 1t. is 1t not
beautiful here now?
She did not understand him and
barely listened Her whole interest
was taken up by a man on horseback
who mastered his powerful charger
with strength and grace. Strong and
elegant he sat in the saddle, handsome,
clearly cut and noble with his profile,
curly was his dark hair, and silken
kerchief with flowing ends was tied
loosely around his neck.
The beautiful Theresa was all eyes.
Never had a man seemed so chivalrous
and noble to her. Her own aristocratic
countrymen were blase and feminine
compared to this man. Evidently he
was a foreigner and still no "Tedesco"
like her beloved Sir Arthuro. Who
was hep Where had she seen him be-
fore? Oh. yes, she knew now. At the
great girondola among his English
friends 1t was he, the handsome, the
rich and famous
I'll poeta inglase," she cried, and
clapped her hands with delight
"Who do you say? Who" asked Ar
thur Schopenhauer.
1.-The English poet" she repeated.
lowering her voice in respect of the
man. Lord George Gordon Byron, the
honored guest of our city
At this moment the mani passed close
by them on his foaming horse, his head
proudly thrown back, and his noble
profile illuminated by the setting sun.
after him, Arthur Schopenhauer with
the air of an inQuisitor, which, howev-
err almost Immediately gave way to
his most hooking smile. Theresa who'll
ly bewildered as if the sungOd Phoe-
bus himself had passed by.
Slowly, Arthur Schonpenhauer put
on his pince-nez and examined The
resa's expression sarchingly. She did
not notice it until he laid his hand on
her arm.
$50 you know Lord Byron, dear?"
Until now only by his looks"
Until nowi So much the worse.
You seem to think him very handsome
and interesting"
why, Arthur, would not anyone
think 500"
Eyes, indeed. dear. Undoubtedly he
is"
HE is said to be very rich too
The philosopher dug both hands into
his trousers pockets and laughed
aloud.
But also famous" Theresa added.