Year: 1879

Under these circumstances, 1 fear Mad
anne Berg will not give you any. possess
nothing Have You any valuable more ?
Here is one a9riu, but that is all upon which
we could raise some money


Bertha considered for a moment.


L have nothing said she at length, but
my poor Mothers prayer book. On her
death bed she entreated me not to part with
it, and there is nothing in the world hold
more sacred than her memory and the prom
ise gave her but still for my fathers sake
| must not hesitate With trembling hand
she took the book down from the shelf, oh,
sir said she, during many sleepless night
/ have been accustomed to enter the secret
thoughts of my heart on the blank leaves at
the end of the book. l hope no one will
ever know whose writings they are; you will
promise me that 2?


Certainly, Bertha. will take care that
your secrets are not profaned. But now get
ready that we may CO.


While she left the room to put on her
bonnet and shawl, Karl Trait (for the young
man was no other thano our hero) glanced over
the writing in the book, and his eyes filed
with emotion and delight as he read the
outpourings of pure and pious heart and
when they had left the house together, and
she was walking beside him with dignity
OF which she seemed entirely unconscious,
he cast upon her looks of respect and ad-
| miration.


They first went to Madame Berg who did
not give the advance required, but assured
the young man that Bertha was an angel
Certainly this praise Mr.. Trait valued more
than the money he had asked for. They
pswned the book and the required amount
was made up. Bertha was overjoyed.
But if you spend all that money to-day
remarked the young man on what will you
live tomorrow p


II do not know, but trust in God. l
shall work the whole night through
When they went to the tavern, the young
man went in to prepare old Mr.. Schmidt for
the part he wished him to act then he
fetched Bertha. 1t is impossible to describe
the joy he felt when he saw the young girl
throw herself in her fathers arms, and press
him to her heart.


She paid the bill and triumphantly led
him home. Trait accompanied them and
said he had few more kreutzers in his
pocket she had better go and get some-
thing to eat. 1t was late before TRAIT went
home that night but the leap from the
Main bridge was no more thought of. He
came to the house every evening, in order
as he said, to share with them his scanty
earnings.


About fortnight after, as he was going
away one evening, he said to Bertha
will you become my wife | am only a
poor clerk, but am honest and upright


Bertha blushed and cast her eyes to the
ground.


A few days after the young couple, sim
ply but respectfully attired, and accompa-
MED by Herr Schmidt, went to church,
where they were married in a quiet way.
When they came out, man and wife, an ee-
CANT carriage was standing at the door, and
footman in rich livery let down the step.


Come said the happy husband to the
bewildered wife, who looked at him with
amazement. .......


Before she could utter word the three
we're seated in the carriage, driven away at
quick pace. The carriage. stopped before.a
splendid house in the best part of Frank
fort. They were received by number of
domestics, who conducted them to apart.
ments decorated In the most costly style.


This is your Mistress said Trait to the
servants, and her commands you have
henceforth to obey. My darling wife, said
lie, turning to Bertha, Il am Karl TRAIT, one
of the wealthiest men of this city,.