The Press., 1916-08-17

ing the problem by sending you away
 "Calm your fears, father. If these young men apply to you for my hand tell them that alone will decide which I will take for a husband; that you have nothing to do with the matter. I will manage it so that neither will have cause to be wroth with you or even with me, and yet I will marry the one I want"
 'aThen you have a preferenceT'
 "I have"
 "Is 1t the baron or the countp'
 "To tell you that, dear father, would not be wise. In fact, you must reveal to no one that have already chosen"
 every well. my daughter. sincere ly hope that you may succeed in avert ing a catastrophe"
 With that he kissed his daughter and she returned to her apartments.
 The very next morning Count Her bert rode into the castle courtyard and asked to see the baron. He was ad- mitted to the old mans presence and made a formal application for Hide garde's hand. He was evidently aware | that his rival would make the same demand and showed a certain irrita- ton. He did not say that he would not be refused. but his manner con- veyed that impression. When he was informed that Hildegarde would choose for herself in the matter of a husband he was surprised, for in those days girls were not consulted as to whom they would marry. However, he made virtue of necessity and ac- cepted the situation. Indeed. he could not very well do anything else.
 AS he rode over the drawbridge he met Baron Carl Steigler entering the castle. Steigler knew the reason for the counts having been there, and the count knew the reason of Steigler's coming. They saluted each other for mally as they passed, Ballenstein riding homeward and Steigler passing into the courtyard The latter made the same application as the former and received the same reply. Since his suit was left with the lady alone, there was nothing to do but accept the situa- ton and leave his fate in her hands.
 Both suitors were informed that Hill degarde would need some time in which to make up her mind, and in the Interval she would treat them both as friends. A message was sent to them that they would be received on alter nate weeks, and since Baron Herbert Ballenstein had been the first to offer himself he would be received first. He called at the castle nearly every day during the period and offered presents. But Hildegarde, though she received him affably, declined to accept gifts from him or his rival. Steigler was also received kindly. but neither of them was given any reason to believe that he was the favorite suitor
 To social gatherings which took place at the castle both men were invited, and Hildegarde met them at other af- fairs given by her neighbors At these meetings she was careful to show no mark of favor to the one that she did not grant the other. Her father, whom she had tod she had made choice between them. watched her often when she was with one or both of the rivals In order tosiiscover which she would choose, but he was not able to detect the slightest difference.
 Meanwhile the suitors, being held in suspense. were growing impatient. each averring that the condition was becoming uncomfortable and if the lady did not soon come to a decision he would vent his wrath on his rival. To this she responded that if they killed each other she would be relieved of the necessity of making choice. This quieted them for a time. but not for long,
 When Hildegarde was ready to give the advantage to the one or the other she informed them that they were equally attractive, equally wealthy, both noble, and it would be impossible for any maiden to choose between them; the matter must be left to chance. If they would agree to abide by fortunes decision instead of her own she would provide the means They must pledge themselves to hold only fate accountable for the result and take no revenge upon any one.
 Had not the suitors been worn out with waiting they could not have been brought to accept this method of de cision. As it was, one of them gave in, which compelled the other to do the same. They were summoned to the castle on the same day and hour, where they found Hildegarde in an apartment in the center of which was a table. and on 1t stood two candle sticks. A servant brought in candle mold and some melted talIow. Pour ing the tallow into the mold, he permit ted 1t to cool. then removed two can