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Home My WebLink AboutThe Clinton News-Record, 1902-04-24, Page 3wog-- 4111616411101r- hoelese, A.pril 241t1a, 10C2 - My Heart's Darling g BY W. HELVIBURG , • Auther o "A Penniless Orpliao:t "Gertrucies Marriage,' • • 0 • .• (2 "Her Only Brother," Etc., Etc, PA,,,,,,,,,bn"nmsetttba•atiese••••••••••••••••10•0•040 napping. her knitting still in the hand u Melt luid dropped at her side Tick -tack! i het -tack! said the cloche but nothing test: moved. Lucie stood uwhile before the glass closet, l.i hich 'were delicately painted ceps, little figures, napkin rings, and cuke haeket le as alio the silver wreath which the Frau Cenn- selor lutd worn at her silver seed - ding. She now turned round and said: "Adieu, dear mamma. I am going out." 'Ile old ledy flusheh up. "Where?" she asked, although she kntw perfectly well. ••To my friend—" • "Friend! Don't talk such non- sense, my child. I do not under - Enfold Alfred," she cried At last, giv- ing utterance to her annoytome. "bay after day this running over there!" "You know, mamma, she is not at all well, and has no one to go and see her. Alfred has allowed me— in fact he wishes it," she said, em- phasizing the last words. "I would like to know what is •to be the end of all this! Why in the world do you iteed a friend? - should suppose you would have eth- er things to think of. You ought to be busy sewing for your wedding; it is not the fashion with us to buy things ready made in the stores." " Lucie was silent. ••When I was engaged I only thought of my future husband. I gave up my girl friends; but you -- Lucie stood a little while • longer at the door; but the needles clicked wit houla any more words. a nd she went out of the room. As she: step- pel out into the street a window opened and a shrill voice cried after ter "If the postmistress comes with her daughter, or any other visitors, I will send for you." "Please do," said the girl, gently;. but the window was already taut - with a bang. • Shewent as fast as if she were be- ing pursued, and entered the ' well-. knee n door. In the archway she looked at the upper windows,• and. tier face brightened up as if o. 'ay of ininshine were passing .over it .as dark-haired head leaned out. She rushed upstairs, and in the dlin cor- ridor she threw her arms rounchHer-r tense's neck. "Thank Heaven, I am hece 'at last!" Frau von Lowen took off Imelee dripping water -proof •and drew ber into the rodne On the table by the. sofa, the spirit-lanip was burning, under the silver tea -kettle, the pot also of silver, and Meissen china cups stood on the embroidered cover; a sweet .perfunie seemed to pervade the room, and the soft, thick carpet made all steps tioise- less. t Lucie shook her head, ought to know." Hortense smiled. "Huslil hush!" she field. "You are the model of the favorite old German idea of a wife. What ,Tupiter eays must be." "I think it should be so'," returned the girl, rather uncerteinly. "Men aro all egotists. If you do not take care you will be quite lost." Lucie stood -up, the teers in her eyes• "Hortense, do not talk so," .she begged. "I entreat yott---" Hortense ca.tne across the room. to her, took her in her arms, and said, • hugging and kiseing her: "Forgive me; I do not know any better; perhaps he is an exception." "lay poor Hortense, can you :not think otherwise?" ... "Never!" said the beautiful we -- man, coldly. "Never! have . had enough of this so-called happiness. It is only calm, •simple nature* which have not: been disappointed that can believe all this told about love and communion of souls. Love!" she shrugged, her shoulders.. 1.!Thy Lord and ma,ster is delighted, of Course, that he .has found such - good soul, who will recognize it as the Ideal of life.to see that he .alwaYel has a geed dinner, that will mend his socks. and. sew on his sbuttons, and--,." A, glance at the pale face' of the girl made . her stop:. "1 heve frightened you, Lucie? Yes, it. is one of my bad •:days to -day. will ..not deny it—the day' Of my, mOther's death, •and .. of my engagement. A • year ago to -day I made ono of the greatest, blunders of My life, aud allovirect inyself to be persuaded." . "Poor Hortense! here We are ba,cis again • on the old theme; let us talk. of something else," entreated ' me, • .. 'Talk!" said the. young baren- ess,: throwing herself clown in an •aria -chair which stood turned away frpm the window: Lucie in .her embarrassment' • tool refuge in the photographs again. "How -beautiful the world nnist.bel" she said at last. . • • • • "I wish I° could shoW you. every- thing, !Lucia"' • repeated. Hortense. "I would mit care to See:it *:again alone;- but 'with .you-,-" •• • and gentleman are so deep in their game of chess that they scareelY igut::siese.:1, me. But before that, Vra11 Ilaronne? I think only Lucie can The girl shook her head, and look- ed at him' hesitatingly. "In our future home," said he, and pressed the little hand before he let it go. "Everything is now so far "ready that you can come and survey your kingdom and order when the furniture is to be placed, AIW—" "Were you there to -day?" Asked Hortense. "Just a, few minutes ago. I have already found a place for your work- table, Lucie" he added "at the window of the corner room, which looks ont toward the street. I must have the carpenter make you A. shelf for flowers there." ."The house looks so small from the outside, that I should never have thought--" interrupted Hortense. , lie laughed. "It was ° originally A . garden house; and now it is only large enough for very utodest people, Frau Baronne, I can not buy a villa.. But it pleasantly situated, and suits us, and is our own—is riot. th t so Lucie?" "Yes," she said, and looked, beyond him out of. the window.. Hortense sat quietly. in her arm- chair. "%Viten," she began,. "shall you—?" inlusuleci.e got, up and went to the pi- ano and turned over the sheets of "When will 'we move in., do you ineen, Frau Basonne? In the au- tumn, 'think, when the leaves be- gin to fall." "Shall you make a Wedding jour- ney?" she continued. • Ire • laughed loud and heartiV, "That will pot do for a physician who has •Just established hitnnelf,. Frau •von .Lowen,". • "But formerly you used to travel a good deal?" she ingitired. "Not much. But 'I did see' a geed deal of *my' own country and its sur- roundings." ' • • . . • "Were you .in Switzerland?" He nodded': "Yes; and even in Italy.. While I was a student I Wan- dered' about a little on my savings, which • were quite considerable: I have visited the Tuilleries' in Paris, and the 'Tower in London', and even wont So .far as to Wander tinder the midnight stut.'". •. . ' • "Then .you know atid can Appreci- ate how beautiful the world -is?" •• " glorious ! *gloricius ! " •Hortense sullied pow. • "Do you think athee people • like to •'travel • Ho would .oesiool *•who would The yOurt. g .baroness s'ibod. Up. and put ..her• . hand an her shoulder. "Citught!" she cried, as delighted as a child • • • q?---hOw9:---w.hat?"• - ".Y ou nutet now!" ."Whet?" • - . "Let Lticie• traVel•with me for two • Menthe." • ' • .• .He, stood up .ihd- looked in iston- ishment .1 at his fiancee, who leaned speechless *against. the .piano. . Ylatciteeyou?---now?" he iteiced. ' 'She sheolc her head: "No, I do not Wish to," she said. she does veish it; she hae the greatest desire te. Think; Herr DOc- . her hands . together and . bree theti tor, she' has only just conte 'from the quickly, her • cheeks glowed, and .her Provinces!" • •• ' • rosy lips were. a little open; shil sat •• He passed' hie hand over his brow, there like ciechild. listening to a. fairy- tett. did not • answ--er. • • tale. . She listened in .this. Way for : • "we talk it over.at li'oa4 Tu hours. • cie," • he said at last: The Color lied - While they were talking Hortmise not Yet returned to his face. 'alio go .Up . .g sia-leather 'cliest,'• out, Of, winch she • ceed; she sat down without a word. took 'all sorts of things. The dela& -There was A curious struggle in both I Alpine roses she had -picked on the 'their :hearts. • • - •I Ri i; the edelweiss came. from the ' "He knows 'the. world," thotight . ern na. Pass—an ng n • • Lucie ,had seated herself on 'the arm of the chair, and had thrown. her•arrik around her. "Tell me about it," she begged. I, And Hortense told of the green • Stviss Lakes, of the mountains covered with eternal snow,. of sunny Italy, of the blue Mediterranean, and of moonlight nhrhts ' V " •L had ,clasped • TrI N • ITTZ7,173 ECORD i "Well, Alfred, I hear that you • have been to see your TH1W house? rastor Whounan yew you going in. How do you like it?" "I am quite satisfied with it," he returned. "As we had nothing on hand this afternoon, we have been looking at the patterns of wall -papers which the man sent — that is, Dettchen and I Lucie was not here," she added, with a side look at the girl. "Ah, so. Are they pretty?" "There are some very good prac- tical patterns among them; a wen.. covered ground and dull colors. The furniture dealer was also here this noon, and said . he should like • to • have his orders soon as he had some large orders for a factory to be 111.l.. ed before September. told him . that you only expected to have some very simple and practical things. Hs wanted particularly to tell you about a buffet that he had at the exhibition last year. now foolishi A buffet! It is a. most unnecessary and useless thing. Everything gets so dusty on the top, and then gets broken, in dusting!" • "But .nowadays—" •interrupted Aunt Dettchen. "Dettchen, I beg of you!" said her sister-in-law; and Dettchen was si- lent. She had, in the.course of the afternoon, heard•sO many sighs over the • paltry three thousand tinders which was the only dowry Lucie had, and which must pay for every- thing, • that she feared • the little ' bride -elect might have her feelings • hurt, so did net dare to say any- thing more. .. "Well, We will think about that," he said, taking. a couple of radishes; "will we not, Lucie? Virst of all, we niust take the ditnensions of the house, But I must ask ydu to ex- cuse me. I have sonic- papers to write. - A pleasant repast. ladies!". Ho stood up, pushed his chair back to.„the table, and left the room. At the door he turned round, "Alt, Lucie, just a word!" • ' She folloived hint to bis study and • leaned against the old Writing -desk • which he had . inherited from his fether. • . • • It Was a bare, cheerless -looking room. •A • book -ease 'steed. on one side of the sofa, and' an instrunient- • case on • the other; before them. a stiff ',Mind table covered with hooks.. .• Between the windows Was looking - glass, the shelf •.under having a water -pitcher end gltisses; an elabor- • ate yellow porcelain stove- and •an (Indent erm-chair completed the fur-. • niture. A. pectdiar odor of carbolic or some - such.. thing pervaded . • the room and made her feel physictil- ly very uncomfortable'. • . • "Lucie -7," he began. • • • "I knovi," she •said, interrupting him. "I do not wish to travel:" • • "That is: good., I could not have. allowed It." • She Oren/ • •herself up. "Ido. pot wish to"• S110 •eniphasied •the "wish" sharply.' • • .•• • • "That is very • fortunate," he • re-. turnedquietly; hitt a slight . 'color • rose to his tplrePles, "for, according to 'my ideas, you .eould' not aescent.' • such an invitation." . • • • "You •think:.not—considering the terms Hortense..tincl I are' on?" • "No; not, according teamy view of .it. Bist NV0 neexl hoteargee • about • it, as, we are agreed--• is it . ttet so?" • • • • •••. • He toOk her hind and • tried' to look into her eyes, but -she , did- hot see his, honest;: kindly look, for.,shel _ turned :her fade 'away. • • •• , • • ' • •"I do 'not 'feel well this evening," she sehlettered; had a 'headache.. • Goed-night, eitiezecl." . . "Good -night,'," aalti ehe. His voice sounded as. if he were disniveloted,' • ' She went' Slowly upstairs to he,' • . own little room. and .1aolted the door bend the w:t terror Ont. she brat not said good -night to Frau Coun- selor. She hastily shut the port- folio, put it back in the drawer, and went to ilnd the old lady. A narrow ray of iight streamed from under .Al'red's door on the dark floor with- out, and his mother's sharp voice struck on her ear. "You mey be grown up, Alfred, but do not be angry with me; you are still the same---" She stopped. "Silly youth," said he, finishing for her. "Is that What you wanted to say? Perhaps you are right:" c 11 here hy cie. "It I come.' "Yes, 10 00. 4. • 1 you! how restful!" said Lu - strikes nie ariew, .every time it is cozy here, when the rain patters agams . given them to her; that dagger she panes and the wind rtistles •-ie. the ' ••ad,picked up in Florence; the Mask . trees. And then the high Wall and the." h gate—thank Ilea.ven, the cold, dis- . was one she '!haci Worn during the je ,Carnival at Rome; the little gold- . agreeable world is shut mit. 13ut• is always home -like -and cozy when embroidered' Shoos she had bought. in emote: Iva in 'a bazar, and that • we are with those we love. I' ly it often seemed to me like a hell. lava brooch, in -Nantes. • here; do you know that? - "Will you have thein, clear?" -. •Lucie held the delicate little • slip-, "Yes, 1 know it. But we will. not speak " pers in • her hand, and 'inhaled the of that to -day, Hortense. nd • broil ht M a little• Rus- irrtried' to smile but did not suc- • B P n • Englishpian had The young baroness nodded. aesent. • She had by degrees told her friend , it Oat 'we •hear .of .in the Bible . 'must have .smelled. like these." • all about Fee- life. She had become "Take thetn,'' said Hortense, hardened. At it time svhen most girls were protected by their youth from • "tbice.•ani if it 'Would be anyepleas- ure to you; •they have no longer any; looking into the abysses . of life she had stobd on the dizzy brink and had head me •Do not • shake . your not known on what to steady her- head, you Must take everything: I n self. "Do not let us speak cei it, will send • them over. to you. You ..tan enjoy thein; they make me feel she repeated, .and poured some bell- • badly. Papa and I niade that Petit- ing water on the tea. Its aromatic flavor mingled with the smell of neY lust after...I became • a widow. • f h no' to do soft musk perfume. "The wise men's the violet perfume which Hortense al-- . • nothing 1 ,.. an ways used, and which seemed. to should dieapprove of,d not to gainbIe .any and I-- e- ,fingere. •She 'often. played for ti Mora. '96 • . come out of every drawer and ward-. teeing pair. Alfred had been in •tg.i. lieved' hint." - robe, and out of the folds of her • dress. She wore a clinging black • She shrugged her shoulders. habitof occasionally coming for late dress, her only ornament it valuable • "You gtVe. -me. too much; Hor- • de, • and was the attentive listener. , •tenee,' said Lucie, turning away. that het' .fitie playing deSerteid. . .'eci-.' cameo. "I have been looking up the day. it, jarred npcin him. and awnken- • "I have nothing for you." ' photographs, for you " eite con - They sat down Again, and . were t.drelats tented; eweale you like to look at "Yee, you can love me!" , . - ii.:(d)usril 'elcitliin:s. 6linf, .ifti!(smihehitii; •Onalys them? they are over thereon the , - .. Ilot•tensce A yoke 'Sounded through the ' table." • , eitent. • . • 1 I . Would you like to travel withm•e, • men, She sung an Eichderf ballade Lucie brought over a handeome • , . •.. :the longing of. a young heart to go portfolio and took out one. .after .• Lucie'?" • . another . .. The girl gazed out into the dia. out into the world, ,. . . The doctor raised hie head. . Alt, , . "Ah, how lovely it must be there' tali°. ' she cried, showing one of the • pie- '`Ah,.tralrel, treVele" she Whisper- • youth and longing!. And he retnem- •• 1 erect tile dolfg•ht With' *Melt he had tures. ed. . 'That is Capri; it looks dull here; "Xf you Will --why shouldwe -stay Brit 80011 the Rhine near Bingen. •• the light, the coloring, the glorious . here?" ", together"' asked, Lucie,' young' heart, of his future wife of cleat ea.. l I We two ?• .IInd he any right to 'deprive the: alare wanting I wish mete describe it to you, or, stillbreathlessly; • and a look of delight Sllell AV harteless pleaeure? No; she. better, show you—it is wonderful. •- shot out from her eyes. and her' deli- should see and admire — but, with .hltn, , She was still so young, she "I shall never see it," said Lucie, cote nostrils vibrated, • . "Ilave• you ever traveled- at all?" . could. Wait, and then,. when he had sadly, and laid the portfolio aeide. ' "Why did not the doctor •come aSked .Fratt. von Lowen. . • made his way somewhat here, then--. • How . mulct he. think' of allowing "Neer! • Oh, yes, that is, I went • with you?" asked Hortense. once for•,•twO daYS with MY Sitter •Hortense •the pleasure' of seeing that • . "Ile had patients to visit in the ' 1 to Milstein to spend . . Easter with •my hrother-inelaiv's MI world — he. to whom that heart "It is frightful to he •ses tied father; but riot 011 'the sea.' ' Atli and belonged!. Never! And as he fixed. um." down," said Hortense, and • poured 1 Iong so to see it; it • has alWays' his geze• upen • her, and noticed • the out the tea. "And for what'? People ' been My dream. Of happiness!" ' •• clender figure, the large eyes look- do"Would yeti like to travel, Le- nig out froin under their Icing 'lashes not thank hlm." se dreamily into the distatice, the It is his profession—his calling," cfe?" said Lucie, proudly. . "Hortense!' But X Can not!" cried little mouth painfully contpressech a "A pity he is in this little town!" the • girl, • with a frightened look; Mktg of deep comparieloti eame over •him. "Does she understand you? can "Perhaps; but the diseases are the "DO not speak of it—Alfred—" "Whether you stay here or not, he she love you'?" he asked himself. • same as in a larger town, 3Ior- . 18 never at home:. he might allow • "Come, Lecie," he said, quietly, "But not the Iteople—bogging your yott that little before you aro Chain- getting up, "they are waiting for us al, home." .. tense.'' ed to hint forever." Pardon, Lucie. Ire is a cleVer , mum • he would, for exeMple, eoon make "No, no, Rortense; I Will •not ask • She got up like an obedient child himself a. practice in Berlin, I end be it Of hire; it Would Vex him. Do not and brought her waterproof. lIor- " ,terise made no effort to detain theen recognized there; now he Pist eteys , speak of it," in this melancholy little holo 0111 of., , "I will ask him. /it he loves you, Site gave the doctor her hand, and fers up his best PoWere for nothing,. •little enc -:—if he deice not love set- Isreseed Lucie to her heart, ' What does he gain itt the most fay- • fishly he •Will say yes."• . • "Au revolt'!" she cried after them, ()fable case? A practice, yes; but be "I'lo, please tIOn't—Plettate detel,t-s- ited leaned over, the balustrade as wet remain only art average man; at least not to -day!" repeated IJItcie, they went silently down. At home the Same oteinoue defireee hts name will never be known. You her Ace whilening, for just then she will both become dissatisfied •here." homed his well.known firm tread, and Rion reigned as • before. The Frau . • Alfred entered. Ludo sprOng toward Counselor set ih the same place; The girl was silent. ,e him with more eagerness than was • Tante Dettehen had awakened from "You must talk to him about it her WOrtt, and seised his arm as it her nap, and was reading by the continued Hortense. "A is really a ole had selnething •to ask of him, • last rays of daylight in her soiled pity for I im." Hortense held out her band to him, library book, The poor Mlle sets `•I can not do that," Hortense. Al- ' and waited for hint to sit down.. He va.nt-gitl 'looked more starved thn.n ft -ed neter talks to me ewer.' those Sat down opposite to her, still hold- ever in her tight little black con- thinge. And do you ktioW, I belieVe ing Mole's hand; an unusual look of firmation dress, which she wore in. -• he has chosen this little town, with Contentment. was in his grave face. honor of its , being Sunday, and Ale its reetricted practice, because he . .1)Do you know where I have been, sat the table in the adjoining room wante to merry me, and •beeltuse We Locial".he asked, "Just gueStli." as silehtly as if tho plates had all both"—here sho hesitated—"ere "With taw grandfather," said Her- • been made out of Mt. They wore NV i thOUt money." tettee Soon seated in. the back room at tea; "You are too shy with hial; it eq.' ,,,,e, tele eetatitielY; bet tile old lady but there Wet TM flOW of COnVerieta would be the beat thing tor him, Lu- . tion. At length the mother began, 418,4 . • she; "he has enjoyed everything. that is , ..beautifirl; but. I shall never see anything -7". • • • .• •• • ," And he stared vaguely at the shin - leg tea -kettle. . "She is willing. '• 'to leave you in 'what. should be the .hahniest time'cif ber.life, When .she your. affianced • 'Wife " • . . . . 'CHAPTER VII/. , • . lonk•Pause ensiled: Horteitse'put the pictureit in the 'portfolio and tbe curioSities and tneMentoes In. thbir *Casket; a*1 • es she 'Still' could' not find• a word* to say, she seated -lei -- self at the .Pieno. and began to play .its if she would ghee those.two silent people.en excuse • for their silence, •Illorteitstt, played very ;well, ..and• had a deep, ..clear. alto voice'. But, an, inher vieivS of life, eo here' she pre, :leered sad musia. e'Cleopireeleuneral March" • 'sounded grandly from • her • • behind her. Then she threw •heeself on the bed and begen•to weep . lently. It felt so lonely and cOm-; fortless ih, her. young heart.: .Ife had not once thankedr for wishi,ig to stay with him; he lad' merely said that he Would never have given his permission. . Was she then already "I have warned you often enough; hut if ever there wits any one •who would not hear, lt.is youl Ard you have not even the courage to say: 'This running to Frau von Lowen must stop, and at Onee.' " "It is a weakness in me. You are right again," sounded from his voice at the moment when Lucie shut her door again. She stood with her lips tightly pressed in the little room, her hands clinched together. Let them Only try, only dare to quench. the only light in this cold, horrid, dry Ilfel •She threw herself on the bed and stared into the darkness. . "I wish I had never seen him. I wish I were dead!" she cried to her- self. And' she lay down in a tear- less, speechless rage until day -break. The next morning Lucie was stand- out, The Prod Connselor was just 1 taking her black silk dress out of the wardrobe in the hall; she had been invited to a coffee party. "Well," she asked, "is tile heed - ache better?" . • "Not yet; but I think it will do me good to go out 111 the fresh air." •"That, Of course, is only to be found at Frau von Lowen's," Was the cutting reply. Lucie did not notice it; she forced herself to say, pleasantly: "Adieu, mother," and went out. . CHAPTER X. She found Hortense in the stable, end in her rlding-habit; she had Just returned from ride. The young baroness hed a basket Of Pieces of bread and carrots on her arm, and was feeding her' horse, 'while the groom was carefully rubbing down her favorite with a woolen cloth. She was so absorbed in what she was doing that •she dict not notice Lucie until she came clese up to her. "How badly you look!" she cried, , gazing with a shocked expression in- to her friend's pale face. She pet down the basket on the manger, and drew the girl out of the• stable and. up into her own cool -room. "Now he down on the chaise -longue, an 'my maid shall make you a OM of coffee." ing pale and exhausted. in the kitchen ',ho gave the necessary direct one, ironing her future mother4n-law's darkened the room, changed her rid - 1 cape and laces. Tante 'Bette:ion sat. ing-habit, •and sat -down by Lucie. at the kitchen table shelling pease. "Now tell me What has happened, Nothing was to be heard but., the my darling?" light .sound of the iron being pushed • • "Nothing, Hortense, nothing," re - backward and forward, and •occa- turned Lniie, in a tired voice. atonally a sigh from Tante Batt-- "Say that to Other people, not •to Oen. Tile window stood open, a me; something has troubled' you, dazzling light streamed in, and that, ' Listen, my deereet," she continned, with the .heat from AC -coal fire, after a pause, "you remind me so made the young. girl's headache tte- much of a. palm that grandpapa bearable. The Frau. Counselor Was in the sit- house and put in his smoking-roonn ting -room mending the wash. Al- , it could not stand that air; it be- frerl was off, busy with, his patients.. came ill." . Tante Dettchen had something on "I don't know," returned. the girl, her mind.. •• • Ntielotts •subjects Which and burst 'Into tears. . • . she began• were 'dropped again with- Hortense took her hand. •"I. will .out finding' the • right turn; . so at tell you something," she saidaslow-- • last she asked directly; "Have you ly, but quite audibly, "you do not and Alfred iried any differences?" love' him'!" • . . . . "No," said Lucie, and. misliee a • The sobbing, cectSed. • . . "Hortense!' staiumered Lucie, and • fresh steel into the iron. . "Yon* are a .very. curious- engaged sat upright, while her little bands Oyer and knelt down by the girL• • pair," said the -elderly inaiden, in 7 a pressed her temples as if she wanted "Have I pained you? • Forgive mei Complaining voice, ”orie here, the to grasp what she had heard. ' .• .: Ah, I knew well the weakness el • ' Other there., I thought It would • be • "Yes, I really , believe you do not ..•. (loin.," Oir, well, it is •all,right; Al- said • the young baroness, abruptlY. ht. my .heart.. . And as 'an honest I ni,erwiteo' thinks you neglect her for -Frau, von, "But Horteitse," asked the girl'. "Lucie,• do- not cry; I love you. the girl's cheeks. . large tears 'rolled -down over se drerent., Your future . mother-: love him," 'repeated. Pratt von. Low-: in-law is quite hurt about it; She en." . •• • • . . Lowen. I think it is the other way. bretithleselY, "why do .you think, so? You are. the' ,only one 'in 'the. whole • •tentive enough:. he kisses her so sal- ',qt. does not leek to me. Bite lave," : world that I do love. "%Then you '.fuet notice,' said I, 'he le net ate What makes Yoe?" • . , fleet has other. things to do, just •in oli Was once eo footisit—I know. -I coine to mei:A.11m it is like sunshine . . seems to inc you bave. beene . hurt With you .she continued,- ane re- • you. came 'here rose; • as an apple . .. friend . •who • has had experience,: I • must speak 'truly, .must I not? Sea. the beginning of his. practice but it will tell yett how .It has. happened ., about it. It is'. se, , child?" • • mained standing • -before Lucie •• -with blossom,. and f how do you look pow? . • ' Lucie bluelied decide,: . • the smelling. •salts. in her • hand. S ou have dra.wn lines about your . ranCh embarrassed.' •• . • , • marriage Is .the only way ler a .girl . "I fedi so dreadfully uullappy- wben • ' mouth its if you .ware yearg :older.'!' . "But, mint., I beg yOu...--" she said,, "They always kept telling you that "Well, new: no Minn Meant," -said •to be happy'; tiWa, now, is it not • / tiin ivith . his mother," whispered -.. ,the sietit tittle lady taking a :couple „tette" • ' .. .. • ' ' • •' . the girl atelaste ' "She lute disliked of . peas with'.her lips from. the pawl - • eHtit,. Hortense, they. 'ate .right; it • hie from, the erst moinent 1 MAW; • of .Iier hand. •ille is sei. much ehe ' in oui•yocatiors," • . • . •. ., , • " , ' hut • it .would. be different if 1-7". .• 'sorbed and so Muth.. atitay; and:when ' • "Now' : -. listee. You , are twenty- • .'.1forterise; stood Up .and leok-,esante • -one is'. young oee •thinks se 'Inept Of . three Years 'old; : yoU •haye -.been lilt., *.passionately 'clown*npon her. •,,•- • . • . 'a- engagement ' Bat -ehild— . and jag . with your brother -in -4w . as. -...'Nce. Hot tense, , not tried Lucie,: ' suddenly the .tears 'Welled •tip in .• the teacher to the chileren, and been 'as- "do not ask Ine to 'do that!' I 'dare' kindly. eves-r"be. a1waY0 was •so slating -your eieter; you:were not wit.- not!" .quiet and underrionetratiye: you must less; but still they teuld .get along •• eBute .dear heart,.. I do. not wish , not, take •-it ill of .hint. He is , the sOul 'of .go.odnesse you will ontYltnosa. -him, thoroughly when you. have ,tived -.elong.heeide him. • I have. earried him in .my eints ----he is a jewel... believe • • met"- • . . • •• . • Lucie did not 'look . uP feene her perhips you would never have 'the there will always be A 'place. for. you ironing. • el do' not • , take • It . ill .of . opportunity - of felniling :. Woman's cid .not forget this! " - him ,'' she said faintly.. ' • , • . _highest vocation,. as you had no one • "he rosei Went to the -furthest Win-. • At this moment there was a knock . so ler tomake•you • a proposal. Of : dow, drew the .ctirtaiii, and set down at the•.doer; and upon 'Tante. nett- . course X 'do .not mean •YoU hed'Uot . quietly with it books leaving the -girl chen's siteitig, "Cane in the Herr had many ' edmirers--you ,are too. to her own- thoughts.. von Meerfeldtel old sortie:et appeared ' sweet. a little thing for there to •he . "Apropos," she said, after, a pause, ,witn a, ..,t, ..-•„.,..;,t boVniet of roSes, any doubt of that—ebut you had n,o "what •oldie, the. journey? • 'Grande. .. . ." . • took out of the damp, warm green - Eyestrain Drains Vitality use' bp th. neeees ancl dratsi* V4i4,111)•• It Aidobfer. 0141, taheatth and ire. We *eve Ida 411,r+.1*/n. 'Pura health by mince- ind 'created n. ,,..,_.........„_,.,,...,......_„_,,,,,,..,„.. r, ,.....,,, CE.,...,MG ‘'-'• So/erattflo .letiarallema and - --- • .Opticiasi CLINTON.' ONT. marriago. how horribly indifferent they are to each 'other; but you,..you have too • ideal nature, Lucie, • It will be hard for you to stand it, to stay in that little house to bear.the brunt of the housekeeping, have half - a dozen children to bring up, to have all the cares and. responsibilities which life .so unfitirly brings to the wife; and all this for a' man you do notiove." • . . Lucie was silent; she hold her hand Over her °Yes and groaned. as one in physical . pain; .and her heart cried out. full of pitin that .this was true. ' Stiecould not live besidehtm so . noticed arid so distant, so .cold and . debarred from all inner. companion- • ship: . Hortense kept on walking' back - Ward •and forward. Then 0110 CA1110 Viithout • you, "and by degrees you found your Ilfe rather tirebotne.• Now sneak the teuth, Lucie!". • "HOrtenee! No•-• Tett do not understand how things were!" •-."You had too often thought • that to teer •,you away from. him. drew eteaser to her, "Only. lete me -- sae. one thing to -yeti :at this • mo- ment; Wbateyer you •Uniy.decide; *in any sititation in your life, in any ne- cessity' count on me; wherever, I'atn,- • h nucl ed a-1th e • d d f t • we Ver3' e and .a, little itiete, and undee lee ar Pe.,. sleci e pre erence, or ey • re a paue, was s t?, .• ., the Ilussiteleather 'box 'With -Here. only alitmiee And then All at once- the ideoe" . : .. ,tensti.S mementoes of her tra,vels. ' ,thfe doctor: stood hewn,. eeee.. .witli ,• • . "I --it .Can Ti6t be, Hortense." . . ." With Frau Yen LOWeit's . .compli- an actual offer • of .merriage."`itethe'. "Then we shall. stay. hera,.!!,.. 'Was.• . mnts. . . ' had never thought •about, h;m, you, tyyc .eool but l. in s enewtie. e etaidenly dyed . the .• young girre . It WAS .as If the hees of the roses Saclalrfeeellly .ulcpnoenwyourhiin In e c kA And dthen p gtrhaet_y ... yozelcz.ot,int I Travel, •• chceke, •the calor came so.• quickly; Mated .you. What :good. fortune for - "Without yott .iL wpu :tra"viS'e°1', Tilltriju!) irrevoc'ably' 'Claimed? Al, .1•Toriainsa was right; he Wee:selfish, .he thought only ofhimself! . • • - • After awhile She 'became qttleter, and kinder theinghts came. into her in...• The little heuse,.her •Place by •the. -window,. the • happiness. 'that \voted gcewith theni over that thres- hold, •'the •. golden halo•that had hitherto- been thrown over her thnid maidenly ....affection Oared up again. 'She •eat on the edge of Hie bed and •reerranged •In her Mind hie.' study; it inuet not remain so ugly and cheer- less; her. father's etude, how. bright and eheerfid • that had always .bectil Her own •room should be next to • it, and, on both sides of the front door. they would have climbing roses. She sprung up; she •had All at once , a strong desire to bid him a .kihdly °good -night- . She •slipped oat and. • touched lightly the latch of his door. .6., flood of .lamp -light spread out. to - Ward her; he Was .sitting but‘Actifirclednio„t .look tire "Yes. • .Beieuse • me, child; Will it not be tittle .enotigh to -morrow morn - lug?" . • • She Closed the door till it latehed and went back to her:little •roten. She sat down. by the open' windoW' and gazed out. into the, silent quiet of the gardefi. The only sound that the west wind -brought her was the - whistle of :a locomotive and the die- tant%sound oCcar-Wheele as the ex- preei train flew on past the next little town •out Into . the wide, wido world. ••• • Ali if one could travel out there it! It wag so different. here. country; perhaps lie will come for young' heart..re 'Mee in god's beauti- front What she bad .expected—ea0 'beret So dull, so unsatisfying. If Hortense wore to got—a 'shiver went through her heart -7- she would run 'after' her; yea, certainly She would run after her. She could not live any more without Hortense. , • • • . CHAPTER IX. And every 'hour .She ltd spent with • her from that 'first dreadful one till, • to -day !tensed before her memory. It. is wonderful that one can • groW so fond Of a person One hardly knew a • few week e &fere, and one so entire- ly opposite from one's self. •I•fo,r-; tettae had roused her out of • her • thoughtless life, had awakened in her her slumbering deeire for everythhig that was beautiful in life; she had how a danrnitig coneeptien of what life might he. • She drew the cur- . tains, lighted it lamp, fetched, !ter portfolio front the bureau, and hegatt to Ns rite t o her • sister. "Dear rifethiltia,—rorgive me for not letting you hear from me for so long; I' have had Very little • time; my future mother-Indaw keeps me so busy about the IffitUte, and in the af- ternoon expects • me to 'Mice visits with het'; and when I have time to myself I go to see Hortettse. Hear Math Ida, if it were not for her ' shothl die of hotneftickttess for you . end the children, Alfred le--" Ilere she stopped abruptly. She re.. She read the• note hastily and said, a dowerless girl to get such a good ure to, me," •„. • .• • •• . • husband!. until ,eou thought',yourself New it :Was Lucie who sprung up • ".4dany thanks;* and I will come:"... 'that -Heaven had poured a- full. Wins and chine over to Hortense: "If' I . The Ohl •man . set. dow.n the ' little. Of happiness over. you, 'and, that You. had not. yett," ° she sobbed epsilon!. chest on • the- kitchen table. and dis .• • ‘.., rived. him as much as AnY one ever .atalY; •• "if it wi,j'e not for yott-a. • • no pleas - fovea," ,.... • ...*. • •-.. . .. :••. •.:. Do hot leave mei" - • -.. •• • ,. Tante •Dottchen shook her. • head as . , • . :, I.minima Ateie 'eat stunned: during this.'She ..'. 'The rest 01 the. afternoon she ..sat rhe saw Lucie reed the note againthought.re'oI the , : When • by • llorteese;: the .1.Titer, reed 416It l it up ,and put it. like ii. flower ti • .. her betsveim two buttons In the waist ° 01•• ten.-- ear - phi , nephew but when•see lopked tip, I.ucie's eeee',' • her drets, 'press' her fade 'hie the had come dashing, upstairs as: . if • camk:m e- bacfro' ',o to corner Into i' ss. put them • .carefully• in: water, "cfazy and buret itito her little'rohm: whia ch she had been etaideg vacently. • , , Aunt I:mete, you • have had an offBut er "leiciel Sprieltle themand quickly disappear ".• e . . . with her. treasures. • . , • -..of• marriage! Ceme ddwn• stairs '•011,• I am lintening, •• Hortense," quielely!" • And asshe can e clown. -.she said, smiling at the, yotingeber- After tt, few mil -fetes she came back :- trembling etepe, Nethildit was aineee, and taking 'her hand; '',.go en * Tant6 Ilettchen wits• astonished. Af-. waiting . for her at the foot of • the reedieg." lit the • middle ° of a eoe- and continued her ieoning. • . came in. had and. With :tears in her 'eyes • :.tence she sprung up. "Adieu, I ter a little while Alfred heated and itt hassi,... .. , . •... had takeu her in her arms and whis- , must go! . „"'''Ilow industrioes! 'he said, as he •pered: !Ale. Lucia. what good fore • • "Where?". tune!" She saw hint standing before. •. "I 0 the 3101y house. Farm, ell! her, ..ttnd heard ; his quiet, kindly 'ho cast an' anxious lonk .at. the words, and then...they all came and- ..• black marble clock, andwithteem- denly into the room, and • her bro•-;• . bling hands :put on ter hat. . • . ther-tn,law • had patted her en •the • "MI 1 quite oforgot; he Is 'Wait - shoulder and said: •"01, you little. intr." . • ' ' ,• ' . . wch itt• for' once you have done s.onte- l!orten3e looked et her quietly.; thing • sensible. - Have you kissed •"We:1, child, what if he does. Wait . each..othei yet? Well, then, now is - ii, few mini:Les?" • . • - the right • time!" . Then they .had. Mit • 1 Aide, was. already hurrying , kissed each .other, and both' blushed, itiong the corridor; and as *Hortense . • . and the .grown •people laughed, and returned to her room the girl's • . the children 'shouted, and the • oar- gracefid light summer dress u•ns dis;• vants congratulated. appeariiii.r.. i.n the darkearch Of the Ilut no one •eyer asked her: "Do • gate -way. . you love him? • Do you want to•. marry him?" She had not evett miss-, CrITAPTIell XI.• ed it. She *had a quiet, reStfUl feel- ' •. • . Ing 0! Si:ciirity when near him, a shy. . Pr. •Adler ' in . the meantime had ncoesn:clottivs4tat ntrii °I0fhipovoh WortIstaeednd.eigasopod- :gone at the appointed time .to. 119 new posseesion. It 'lay in the Centre her hands together and could not say of the town behind a tolerably' ,high. .6, word, • •. • . . wall •which bordered' on the street "And now," continued the young instead of the usual liouse-front, and baroness, after she had pet the.stnel- lingebottle to her 'delicate nose and inhaled *the pungent aroma, "now pa: se -t tl'e!kitclien door. "Would' you 'like to go Wft4 in to• -clay to see the honyte. Leek?" , '• • "When?" she asked.... . • " d i•V 0.1 ng; we Might • haiis..tneet theee at six: ohilock.." • • "-I e 411 eotea Alfred." "Attica, iny.love. must go:" Ile went. •• . Lueie had finished ber work., • and now:sat in the sitting -room; , .her head ached . violently. The Frau Conneelor was counting change at , the' writ leg -table, and scolding . the servant -girl, who had just re- turned from market. . A dity-pfennig piece was missing. ... 'lid right back and ask around .Witere you could have got too little ehtinge! Caet!t you be more. careful, •you. little ;teasel."•• • • • The little girl disappeared, and the oat lact „gla to have 0,n otttlet for' her .secret anneynnee, Went on scold- ing.. `"L'itere fe no dependence tO Itt • placed on any otie nowadays; all the good, derieible people eeetn. to have .dhlApiied.red out Of the. world. Fool- • ishness in the head, and no 8e1180 of' duty in the heart. And so it is in . all chives. When I think how It. • used to be in my youth, se straight-. forward and plain and sitnple! One could trust one's' servatits then, and - the young girls who were fortunate enough to 'be engaged to be married did neit have their heeds turned With the slily icless of the present 'day. They felt their highest happiness was .• to marry a good man, and to become • a good housewife!" Lucie felt. every Word was it atab. . Was she then so bad? Was she alone to blame? Ah, she had come here with her heart full of love end happy hopes; she did not know herself how they had alt witheeed 0 soon, She • laid down her work and stood up. "EixeUse me," 'she said, "I have such a bad headache," "Well,• then, lie down," said the old lady, In a vexed torte, And as elle saw her pale few, She asked; "Do you Often stiffer front it?" . **Sotnetimes," "014 yes; the nervee of the present day!" and With tkat she Was • ex- cused. •She eat. nothing •at noon, and did not appear until about three O'clock . and then cattle &Wit dreeSed to go WAS surrouteled lee is little garden, making • It took Rice it lithe green oasis among •the streeet tied houses. . you are here, 'and.it begins to dawn .. • • (T(i be contiutiett) upon you that perhaps a little More. • • • ia needed for this life-comPact than esteem, than—than-- "Stop!" cried the girl. . . 'No!" exeleitned Hortense, and she began to walk up and down the' half-. darkened moire ".140, I will. not 'The . C. • 1). It. new freight tariffe. slew constilt•rae le l'ethil.L101111 as con:- • part ci w: th lest see son. Alex. Maclonald was arreeted et • 0.1...wit 1.11 a theree•of neirdering his. . stePt Thousands of girls are mar- r Ito. 111g, •. ried. fri thie Way; and • thousateds are •Di- ord..rs 1 itu Ero'•trt I. itt etv«1* quite contented with. it; Most of thent 01 111 rorm-et ir-n with Eti agitation in do not observe till long after their fa' nr of toffeetsel fief:Mee..• rdWitaiWIW,MOWNAMAWMWalligliVMAlivietrY.WAM/tNikiWWW4lyiefor WNW wsrAWAWirri THE BLACK OATS • ARE HERE See liodgen6 Bros. Ad Page 8 how mworm9mymm ko mit mon ov mm imvomismAymho tw stirmwoms Piv