Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1910-09-10
CHAPTER VI.
GRETCHEN : DAY.

neNteF tnau 10 meet the DAY as II comes
over the mountains and silence breaks
here and there I'm the houses aud
streets. in the fields and the vineyards ?
Let Old age. which has played It's part
and taken Co the wings OF the stage
let old age loiter in the morning. but
not green years. Gretchen awoke as
the birds 0woke. with snatches and
little trils OF song. To her nearest
neighborS there was about her that
which reminded them OF the regularity
OF a good clock. when they heard her
voice they knew 10 was time 90 get up.
She was always busy IA the morning.
The unkle Of the bell outside brought
her TO the door. and her two goats
came pattcrinE IN 10 be relieved OF
their creamy burden. Gretchen was
fond Of them. They needed no care
AZ all. The moment she had mGlked
them they went tnklinC or 10 the
steep pastures
Even In midsummer the dawn was
chill IN Dreiberg. Gretchen blew on
her fingers. The fire began its cheer
ful crackle. the kettle boiled briskly.and
the frugal breakfast wds under way.
There was daily one cup OF coffee.
but neither Gretchen nor her grand
mother claimed this luxury. it was for
the sick woman on the third floor.
What the character OF the womau's
illness was Gretchen hadn't an idea.
hut there could be no doubt that She
was III. desperately. had the goose
Eirl but known it. Her face was thin
and the bones were visible under the
drumlike skin: her hands were merely
claws. She mysdded the girl. FOR She
never complained. never asked cues
uons. talked but little. and always
smiled kindly when the pillow was
frcshened
Good morning. frau" said Gretchen
Good morning. uebchen."
Il have brought YOU brick this
morning for &c VIII Doe cold uu the sun
Is high"
Thank You"
Gretchen pulled the deal table 60
the side Of the cot. poured out the COZ
fee and buttercd the bread
I ought not 20 drink coffee. but 80
Is the only thing that warns me. You
have been very patient with me-"
y
And that Is why love you. Now.
I have some instructions TO give YOU
this morning Presently I shall be
leaving. and there will be something
besides crowns"
"You are thinking OF leaviug;"
YES. When ] 60 I shall not come
hack. Under my pillow there Is an en-
velope. You win ind Il and keep g."
Gretchen, young and healthy. touch
ed not this melancholy undercurrent
You VIII promise 20 take IT,"
Yes. frau"
Thanks little gosling. / have an
GRAND FOR you this morning. Il will
take you 10 the palace"
ITO the palace,' echoed Gretchen
What shall dof"
You will seek her highness and give
her this note"
The princess, WIN they not laugh
and turn me outf"
IF they try that, demand 20 see his
excellency Count Won Herbeck and say
that you came from No. 40 Runner
veg"
and II I cannot get lnT'
You Will have no trouble BE sure.
though. 20 give the note 70 no one but
her highneSs."
Gretchen decked her beautiful head
with a little white cap. which she
wore only on Sundays and at the
opera. and braided and beribboned her
hair. Who was this old woman who
thought nothing Of writing a letter 10
her serene highness? And who were
her nocturnal visitors? she poudered.
Being OF a discerning mind, she idled
about the Platz TIL after 3. for IL had
been told to her that the great sleep
rather late in the morning. What
should she say 70 her serene highness2
What kind Of courtesy should she
maker AT least she would wear no
humble servile air. for Gretchen was
a bit OF a Socialist. Did not Herr
Goldberg. whom the police detested
did he not say that all men were
equal? And surely this sweeping
statement included women. With a
confidence born OF right and limo
cence she proceeded toward the east
or side gates OF the palace. The sentry
smiled at her
Il have a letter for her serene high
ness" she said.
Leave IT,"
Il am under orders 20 give it to her
highness herself"
'You cannot enter the gardens with
out a permit"
Gretchen remembered. "Wn you
send some one 10 his excellency the
chancellor and tell him l have come
from No. 40 Krumerwegr'
"Krumerweg. The very name ought
70 close any gate. But. girl, are you
speaking truthfullyE"
Gretchen exhibited the note. He
scratched his chin, perplexed
run along. II they ask me I'll say
that didn't see you" The sentry re-
sumed his beat.
Gretchen stepped inside the gates,
and the real beauty OF the gardens
was revealed 10 ner Tor the frst time
strange flowers she had never seen be
fore. 1t was all a fairyland- There