The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-06-07
THEGQOSE GIRL
T.A Romantic StoryBy N
1HAPOLD r1AGGRATH C
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afresh Grumhach forced his step on
ward, And for this He laughed dis
cerdantly The woman looked up
again Wonderingiy. Now, why should
this stranger laugh all by himself Ike
that?
Ia44A-+st+t ST sit-rr- IF tire tttECK
Eagle. and directed his steps thither-
ward. te sat down aud ordered
d er drinking it quickly. lie repeat
ed the order, but he did not touch the
second glass. He threw back the lid
and stared at the creamy froth as
seer stares at his ball of crystal Car
michael vas right. he was a dodder-
ing fool What was done was done,
and a Thousand consoicnces would not
right It, And what right had con
sciences to drag him back to Ehrcn-
stein. where he had known the hit
terest and hanniest moments Of his
hfe And Yet, rail- as he might at this
invisible restraint called conscience, he
saw Gods direction in this return.
only he, Hans Grumbalch. knew and
one other. And that other, who?
Fat Tekla was fat. aud he had
treasured the fair picture Of her youth
these long years Well. there was an
end 70 that. Little fat Tekla. To have
nearly overturned duehy, and never
a tit the wiser Aud then Hans bc-
came aware OF voices close at hand
for he sat near the bar.
Yes, Frau, he is at work In the
grand dukes vineyards, And think
the first day he picked nine baskets
THAT Is good But / know many
Il one who can pick their twelve. And
YOU are to he married when the vim
tage is done You viii make a tine
wife. Gretchen"
And he. fine husband
And you will bring him a dowry.
too, But his own people. what does
he say of them ,"
He mas no parents, only an uncle.
who doesn't count We shall live with
grandmother aud pay her rent
And YOU are wearing new dress.
admiringly
Gretchen preened herself Hans
dropped the lid ot his stein and push
ed II away His heart always warm
ed at the sight of this goose girl So
she had dowry and was going to be
married He ret of his wallet. and
kindly thought came into being lie
counted down the small change for
the beer, slid back his chair, and
sauntered to the bar Gretchen rec.
brought smile To her face
Good day 10 you. Herr" WAS her
greeting.
When is the Wedding"
Gretchen blushed.
u should Ike to come to It,"
You viii he welcome. Herr"
! And may ! bring along Il little
present ?"
m it So please YOU. must he go-
ing she added 10 Fran Rauer
May I walk along with yuu q" ask
ed Hans
Ii p4tt -re44ii liilldeHt4Y
SO Grumbach walked with her to
the Krumerweg and he asked her
many questions, and some Of her an
xwers surprised him.
Never knew fa4her. or mother -
NO. Herr ! am only a founding
who fen into kind hands This is
where / live"
And II SHOULD ask to come in ."
but | shall be too busy To talk,
This is bread -day," evasively.
Il promise ~ sit very quiet in II
chair 4"
Her laughter rbpled; she WAC OIL
ways close To that expression ~ on
are funny man Come ia. then; hut
mind. YOU VIII be dusty witt -Four
when you leave
Il viii undertake that risk" he re-
piled, with a seriousness not in tune
with the comedy Of the situation
Into the kitchen she led him she
was moved with curiosity. why should
any man wish To see "A woman knead
bread?
"sit there. Herr" Aud she pointed
10 a stool at the lert pf the table.
The sunlight came in through the