Putnam patriot., 1910-08-26

when nin5s the trees '.I were .s stiIi dark of dew white and frostlike, for what Is better than to meet the day as it comes oxer the mountains and silence breaks here and there in the houses and streets. in the fields and the vineyards ! Let old age. which has played it's part and taken to the wings of the stage let old age loiter in the morning. but not green years. Gretchen awoke as the birds awoke, with snatehes and little trills 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 it was time to get up.
 She was always busy in the morning. The tInkle of the bell outside brought her to the door, and her two goats came patterfng in to be relieved of their creamy burden. Gretchen was fond of them. They needed no care at all. The moment she had milked them they went tinkling or to the steep pastures.
 Even in midsummer the dawn was chill in Dreiberg. Gretchen blew on her fingers. The fire began its cheer fui crackle, the kettle boiled briskly, and the frugal breakfast was under way.
 There was daily one cup of coffee, but neither Gretchen nor her grand mother claimed this luxury: 1t was for the sick woman on the third floor.
 What the character of the woman's illness was Gretchen hadn't an idea, but there could be no doubt that she was ill desperately, had the goose girl but known it. Her face was thin drumlike skin; her hands were merely claws. She mystified the girl. for she never complained, never asked ques- tions. talked but little, and always smiled kindly when the pillow was freshened.
 Good morning. frau" said Gretchen.
 Good morning. liebchen.'
 "I have brought you a brick this morning. for it will be cold till the sun is high.
 Thank you"
 Gretchen pulled the deal table to the side of the cot, poured out the cof fee and buttered the bread
 T ought not to drink coffee. but 1t is the only thing that warns me. You have been very patient with me-
 .'I am glad to help you"
 And that is why I love you. Now. l have some instructions to give you this morning Presently 1 shall be leaving, and there will be something besides crowns"
 You are thinking of leaving?'
 "Yes. When I go I shall not come back. Under my pillow there is an en- selope. You will find 1t and keep it."
 Gretchen. young and healthy. touch ed net this melancholy undercurrent.
 You will promise to take it?"
 "Yes. frau
 Thanks, little gosling. have an errand for you this morning. It will take you to the palace"
 '.Te the palacew echoed Gretchen. What shall I do?"
 You will seek her highness and give her this note''
 The princess. Will they not laugh and turn me out?"
 If they try that, demand to see his excellency Count von Herbeck and say that you came from No. 40 Krumer- veg"
 And If cannot get in?"
 You will have no trouble. Be sure, though. to give the note to no one but her highness.'
 Gretchen decked her beautiful head with 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 letter to har serene highness? And who were her nocturnal visitors? she pondered.
 Being of discerning mind, she idied about the Platz till after 9, for 1t had been told to her that the great sleep rather late in the morning. nat should she say to her serene highnessE What kind of courtesy should she make? At least she would wear no humble. serviIe air, for Gretchen was bit of 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 confidence born of right and inno- cence she proceeded toward the east or side gates of the palace. The sentry smiled al her.
 T have q letter for her serene high ness" she said.
 Leave it.'
 "I am under orders to give it to her highness herself"
 You cannot enter the gardens with out a permit
 Gretchen remembered. Twill you send some one to his excelleney the chancellor and tell him l have come from No. 40 Krumerwegr
 "Krumerweg. The very name ought to close any gate. But. girl. are you speaking truthfuliyy
 Gretchen exhibited the note. He scratched his chin. perplexed.
 Run along. If they ask me I'll say that l didn't see you" The sentry re sumed his beat
 Gretchen stepped inside the gates. and the real beauty of the gardens was revealed to her for the first time strange flowers she had never seen Dc fore. It was all q fairyiand- There were marble urns with hanging vines and marble statues
 A hand grasped her rudeiy by the arm