Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-01
CHAPTER V.-Continued.

"And I! What an empty heart and
head were mine till that wonderful day!
You were tired and dusty and footsore:
you had walked some twenty odd miles:
yet you helped me with the geese. There
were almost tears in your eyes. but l
knew that your heart was a mans when
you smiled at me- She stopped again
and turned him round to her. And you
love me like this?''
Whatever betide, Lieberherz. whatever
befall." And he embraced her with a
fierce tenderness, and so strong was he
in the moment that Gretchen gave a cry.
He kissed her, not on the lips. but on the
fine white forehead, reverently.
They proceeded. Gretchen subdued and
the vintner silent, until they came to the
end of their journey at number forty In
the Krumerweg. 1t was house of hang
ing gables, almost as old as the town it
self. solid and grim and taciturn. There
are some houses which talk like gossips.
noisy. obtrusive and provocative Num-
Der forty was like an old warrior. gone
to his chair by the fireside. who listens
to the small talk of his neighbors sat
urninely. What was IT all about: Had
he not seen battles and storms, 'revolu-
tons and bloodshed? The prattle of
children was preferable.
Gretchen's grandmother Frau Schwarz.
owned the house; it was all that barrl-
caded her from poverty's wolves. and,
what with sundry taxes and repairs and
tenants who paid infrequently, 1t was lit
tie enough. Whatever luxuries entered
at number forty were procured by
Gretchen herself. At present the two
matter and his brood of children. the
third by a woman who was partially
bedridden. The lower or ground floor OF
four rooms she reserved for herself. AS
IT. ~~I y,
it's huge middle-age fireplace and the
great square of beamed and plastered
walls and stone flooring, was stable for
all domestic purposes. Gretchen's pallet
stood in small alcove and the old
womans bed by the left of the fire.
Gretchen opened the door, which was
unlocked. There was no light in the hall.
She pressed her lover in her arms, kissed
him lightly and pushed him into the liv-
ing room. log smoldered dimly on the
over the log, lighted two candles. then
kissed the old woman seated in the one
comfortable chair The others were sim
ply three-legged stools. There was lit
duction of the Virgin Mary.
Here 1 am. grandmother!
And who Is here with you?" sharply
but not unkindly.
my mani" cried Gretchen, gayly, her
eyes bright as the candle flames.
Bring him near me-
Gretchen gathered up two stools and
placed them on either side or her grand
mother and motioned to the vintner to sit
down. He did so, easily and without Wis
ible embarrassment, even though the
black eyes plunged a glance into his.
Her hair was white and thin her nose
aquiline. her lips fallen in. cobweb of
wrinkles round her eyes. down her cheeks,
under her chin. But her sight was un-
dimmed.
where are you from? You are not a
Dreiberger.'
From the north. grandmother" fore
ing a smile to his lips.
The reply rather gratified her.
Your name"
Leopold Dietrich, a vintner by trade"
You speak like Hanoverian or a
Prussian.'
Il have passed some time in both coun-
tries. l have wandered about good
deal
Give me your hand"
The vintner looked surprised for mo-
ment. Gretchen approved So he gave
the old woman his left hand. The grand
mother smoothed it out upon her own
and bent her shrewd eyes. Silence.
Gretchen could hear the matter stirring
above; the log cracked and burst into
flame a frown began to gather on the
winners brow and a sweat In his PALM
Il see many strange things here" said
the paimist. in a brooding tone.
And what do you see?' asked
Gretchen. eagerly.
Il see very little of vineyards. | see
riches, pomp; l see vast armies moving
against each other: there is the smell of
powder and fire; devastation. l do not
see you. young man. among those who
tramp with guns on their shoulders. You
ride; there Is gold on your arms. You