A SIMPLE STORY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 9, 27 February 1902, Page 23

A SIMPLE STORY.

1 The Advent of Rottraut. ' WHAT, another girl ? ' said the Baron, as he stood at the cradlo and gave a disappointed look at the little thing that lay with tight lists, its crumpled face half hidden. 'And the child seems dreadfully small to me, nurse. It is hardly to be found in the pillows. Is it a real healthy baby ? ' ' Indeed, I think it is, sir. But it is not at all like the other children. 1 did not care to show her to my lady, for she is so small. But then she has time enough to grow.' ' Papa, may we see little sister ? ' came children's voices from the outside. " Tho father opened the door. 'Easy easy ! ' he said, warningly, and three little girls from four to eight, years old came tip-toeing into tLe room, looking wide-eyed at tt.e cradle. 1 Were we all so igly^.ico ? ' asked tho second eldest, after, a few moments of astonishod- &iievey r turmug her pretty face to »er" father, while tho other two were *tlll watching the tiny stranger in mute curiosity. ' I^ittle babies are never pretty,' said the father -soothingly. ' Mamma always says that 1 was pretty at the very beginning,' tho oldest one said, full of the consciousness of her own charms. Rosycheeked, regular of feature, yellowhaired, and brilliant-eyed as, she was, it did not seem, indeed, that sho could ever have been anything but pleasant to look upon, ' What a funny nose she has ! ' said the second one again. ' Just look, papa, how it turns up.' ' Take care of your own nose, miss,' said the nurse, who, after proper nurse-fashion, took the part of tho youngest arri\al. ' Your nose w ill be so long, some day that you/U be glad enough to gi\e her a pieco of it if you could.' ' I'eople with large noses appear intelligent,' said the father consolingly to the offended second eldest. ' Why, papa, 1 believe little sister's hair is ied,' the oldest began her critique again. ' None of us had red hair ' ' Sister in opening her eyes ! Sister is smiling ' ' called out the youngest, as the little one stretched its tiny fists across its face, opened its blin&y I " little eyes, and pulled up its month so that it seemed as if it wavo really smiling ' O papa,' said the children in a chorus, ' look what a big mouth t>he has. It readies to her cars ' ' Now be .still, children,' said the nurse, reprovingly. ' You have waked up little sister. She's a smart little thing, just the same. Sec, she's laughing at your nonsense. When bho grows up she will probably be much more beautiful than tho rest of you and will marry a prince, and then where will you be? ' Just then the doctor entered, and tho children's attention was diverted from the queer little sister, for, instead of the regular family physician, his assistant had come on account of the old doctor's illness. Tho new doctor, who was still a "very young man, was not only a stranger to them, but he was somewhat crippled, an accident in his childhood having caused an injury to his spino. His face was pale and rather thin, as is often noticeable in cripples. But tho eyes were large and lino, and the symmetrical head led one to think that he. must possess unusual intelligence. He had, moreover, a look of settled melancholy, though his expression when speaking was most pleasant and kindly. After he had said a few words to

the Baron, he stepped to the cradle and looked" at the child. ' Do you really think- the child can live ? There is nothing wrong with her, is there"?' asked the juixious father, while "the physician examined the tiny b£ing, 'I do not: find anything ths.t points to any detect,' answered the i. physician,' ' arid '.with good, care '-^turning to thQ\nurse — * which she will undoubtedly., have, I ana sure shs will grow and^thrive splendidly/.' • The old;nurse looked, at him gratefully. ' A wonderfully plain .little lady,' said the- father. ' She will have to change .-considerably if she expects to make conquests some day. What color are her eyes, nurse ? I believe they are blue.' ' Brown,' said the nurse. ' But I see distinctly this eye is , blue.' ' The physician bent over the child t again; and" looked at it. ' "' ' . r &'- TKe^iittle one has, so far -as I '.i e<in se& now, different colored pyes — olio is brown and one is blue.' ' What ! That too ? Why, that is a terrible state of things for a girl,' ■ said the father. ' She is a regular , child of misfortune. If .she were but a boy ! ' ' One can't tell that yet,' .said the nurse, again. ' Just see what a jolly face she has even now.' ' She., will need to ha\e something to offset the rest of her.' "What shall we call the little lady of the red hair ? ' said the Baron again. ' Call- her Rottraut. if she is" sweet and loving everyone will for-* get her red hair,' said the doctor. And thus the little lady Was called, _'■ for in the old German name Traut* means loving and true, and Hot red. It ■was many years later. The little girls were all young ladies, even the youngest with the red hair and the turned-up nose. " 1 am really grown-up and a young lady. 1 have even been 0 at a number of balls. Just ask mamma, doctor,' she added, for there seemed to bo a doubt in the eyes of her listener. ,v c , J *% - -„ .--^, '.-.„*!*■ %>o s-;in4n.s -;in4n. to ,whom she.L.weL,s speak--<ivg tvas the* same physicte'n who^-htid a stood at her cradle, and now a trusted and noted practitioner. After the doath of the old doctor he came into most of his practice, that of the Baron's family included. The nurse hked him because ho managed to. persudo' her into his way 6i J think-i ing' without antagonising her." Between them they brought up the dainty little girl. ' There is little of her,' the nurse was wont to say, ' but what there ib is jolly and good and contented. " Her off-colored eyes see nothing but the pleasant side of tilings I.'1 .' Although her mother sighed very often when she "looked at the little creature and considered, with some dismay, her possible future, the physician in whom many trusted and believed was delighted at the affection the child seemed to ha\e for him. The pleasant little face was | full of life and vivacity, and even her parents observed what delight went with her presence. ' Rottraut always thinks of .something jolly,' her sisters said of her, ' and the teachers like her best. For even when she does not know anything, she has some answer that makes them laugh, and they do not scold her, and they like her better even than Gertrude, who is so much smarter.' Gertrude's nose had really become a little too long, but sho had an air of brightness and intelligence, and people called her ' distinguished.' . Elsie, the oldest, was beautiful, even

as she had been a child, andcno one : thought ';of what she knewfjor Jdid nbt know: when he looked at her! Jsiak, the third, had a healthy Bloom that was exceedingly pretty, though she was hardly a beauty, and it was said of her that she would be air excellent wife some day. Of the fourth, however, people said but little, of* if they did, and meant to be kind, they said that children change a great deal as they grow up. Now she was grown, indeed, but very^. litUet changed ?, rso-feven the doctor, -who was *ised to- the irregularities of her face, had to admit. It came home to him particularly just now, after his return from a stay, of several months spent at a university in special studies. It astonished him, too, to see the delight she evidently took in society. He himself never went out to social affairs because of his , deformity, and for her, too, ■he feared that the rebuffs that come to plainness and unattractiveness would destroy her sunny disposition. He could not understand how her parents could expose her to the chance of experiences which are always so much more sad and bitter for a woman than foxA^man. But it had andftJthere she sat and the sajue-.as ever, and talked iOeydji more gail^" '"I'll tell you 'how 'it is, doctor — or must 1 call you professor just now ?' He shook his head. , ' But I would like, so much,' , eljie persisted. ' You see, I always have a better time than the others. If I were good-looking I - would .heuve to spend twb 'w three : niore /[years studying,^ for f Eisie does noi^Care to ha-ve so many: younger sisters -going xratr with her. But' mamma so often complained of staying at home on my account that the other girls •fonnd- it and nt last ' theyt _ asked that I be taken "along 1 . It did not make any difference, being only me, for they did not think that I would take any of their dances from them. So I have gone to a number of balls and have come « out much younger than my sisters •;did.' ' - "•""£*: ' And you enjoyed yourself ? ' the doctor asked still dubious. 'Of course I enjoyed myself. Did not old nurse always say that I could please anybody ? ' she asked, roguishly. 'If anyone likes brown eyes I look at him with my right ; s «6J{fiij, .if he likes blue, I let him gaze left/ were rns|ij£. girls tfiere who' I did-.iidt danee^fijSS ™3bwdid not either at first. But I had my own special joke. It pleased my sisters so to have people ask who I was, and then have them remark that 1 do not look a bit like the other girls ! Once I heard a little •.lieutenant Elsie, " Who is that -wonderful Aurora over there ?" and then see him wilt when he heard that it was her sister. Afterward he had to take me in to dinner. I believe he could not see straight for - a'few moments, he was' 1 so frightened. But I consoled him. "Aurora always precedes the" light," I said. ITo became very red, a regular blush of duwn, and stammered a}l sorts of apologies, but when I laughed he finally laughed too, and we had a very pleasant time together after that. At the next ball he came to me right in the beginning and we bad three dances together. Think of it, doctor, three dances ! But don't bo surprised. The belles had no wish to dance with him bocauso h©4s'«o little and still so young, so that wo two had a very nice time without anyone bothering. He is the .nicest, the very nicest lieutenant that there ever, ever was — ' 'If you enjoy going out so much T am afraid that the plan I was thinking of will not please you,' interuptod the doctor. During all her chatter ho seemed to be thinking deeply. Just now ho was reflecting how often people who have- the very best intentions in the world do the wrong

thing when they most wish to do the rig-lit, by interfering in the affairs of titter fellqw-rbeings. Besides that, h«i"Md % another reason, and for, ' a moment 'his thoughts- dwelt somewhat savagely on the ' very nicest li<*le',lteutenarht.' TJie Baron had risen to a high goverhhie^t position. Bnt the double duties of h,ip office and of th<* life necessitated by his daughters being sucn .prominent members of society, had been very hard upon the "aging man, xfrho was now. somewhat ailing ami -'Htn 'down. A furlough seemed immediately necessary. Foreign travel was suggested, but the Baron protested that at present he could not Afford it. He Tvould go to his estate. There was quiet there, too muclrquiet, though it* was only a few miles away. Then the doctor thought it might be well if he took his- youngest daughter along for comp&tiy, the underlying idea being that the girl herself would be happier away frota the society that would but sflub Her. 'But now the doctor began to feel very uncomfortable. If she found this' society so diverting would she wahti.t6~ileave it? Diffidently he began tfo unfold his plan. ' O you dear, good doctor ! ' Rottratft cfalled out, springing up from* her • ' seat. ' O you" dear ! "Papa is going into the country and I -am going" along with him ! Why, that is the loveliest idea you could have hosL v .Am I not right ? Everything nice 1 always comes to me— l have the besft?" of everything.' J But it will be very quiet and lonely out there,' protested the doctor. 'No balls, no nice little lieutenants.' 'Oh, there I shall be the enchanted princess, and of course the handsomest and bravest prince in the world will como to wake me, as old nurse used to prophesy. But just think how astonished the prince will be when he sees me open my eyes — first a blue one and then a brown. I am afraid he will lose courage and run away. And- you will come out somq time,, won't you doctor ? All the doors shall open of themselves when you come. What did papa say and will mamma have no objections ? ' ' No, mamma had no objections — mamma was glad to have one girl less to take round. Elsie thought it best to have her youngest sister out of the way a while longer, and Gertrude hoped that she would study a little more, for really she knew hardly anything. The only one who did not seem quite happy was the doctor who had suggested the plan. Somehow he suddenly found the Baron's house most strangely lonesome — even more so than his own apartments, * where he lived with his books and his housekeeper. 11. The Advent of the Prince. The seclusion that the Baron had promised himself did not last very long. They were only on the estate a few days when he and his daughter out for one of their long walks, met two gentlemen, one of whom was greeted most deferentially by the Baron. This gentleman was none less than the nephew and heir of the reigning Prince. He had just returned from a trip around the world, and had been expected in the capital for some time. But he preferred to como first to this little hunting-lodge, to arrange his rare collection, gathered from all parts of the globe. Tho Baron, himself a great personage in tho little principality, was treated most cordially by the Prince. When they met the next day the Prince joined him and they walked along in animated conversation. The Prince's companion and adjutant followed with the young girl. He was Count Walden, tho long-time adorer of Elsie, waiting for tho Prince's accession and an appointment which should enable them to

marry. In the meantime the Baron did not look very kindly upon his courtship, and Count Walden was quite delighted to be able to thus meet his sweetheart's father, under the wing of the Prince. As for herself, Rottraut kept thinking how happy Elsie would be if she were in her, place, and yet how little jealous she would be of her homely sister— and the humor of the thought caused her to laugh merrily '"aft 'everything possible. _ ' : ' . '-.' The first day the Princo^ltard to Count Walden : ' I thought"- you " told me that the BarbjjV'Wiigfiters ' are all very beautiful ? '• ' All but this one,"' "Walden''hastened to affirm. But the next day the girl's infectious laughter filled his ears, until at last the Prince turned and looked back to see what there was to'laugH at. The girl was not a bit embarrassed. - . i ' What was it child ? ' asked the Baron. ' * O papa,' she answered, ' the merriest tale, twice told* is stale.' ' You seem to have a lively fancy,' said the Prince, joining Rottraut as they started again, while ■ Count Walden wasMeft to walk "with the Baron. Rottraut was not displeased at the change. The Prince did uot seem ' nearly as stiff and formal as she had thought princes to be, but laughed gaily at her witty sallies. To be sure, ho had little to say himself, but the people said of him that he was a scientist, and studied a great deal, which was certainly not true of many princes. It was one of his delights to discover things out of the ordinary, and so he enjoyed the girl's piquancy and original manner. ' As things- are,' he said to his adjutant on his way home, 'it will - probably be rather pleasant for you to be able to bedome well acquainted with the Baron and make a good impression on him. This walk need not be our last. Try to win his good opinion ; I shall help you ' as much as I can.' l -- : * _ When he returned to his antiquities he seemed to hear Rottraut's merry laugh, just as the doctor did among his books, and he began to wonder what she would say abouthis collection. The next day they all met again. And so many other days. If his other daughters had been there, the Baron would have thought it noticeable that from that time 'on the Prince usually walked with Rottraut. But she — she was safe. Count Walden in the meantime talked most seriously to the Baron about politics and affairs of State. He also mentioned the probable betrothal of the Prince to a certain ! Princess. He told how beautiful she was, how anxious the parents on both sides were for the union, what a blessing it would be for the country, and so on, not forgetting to put in that the Prince Upon his j marriage would have his own residence and would be liberal in his treatment of those appointed for his service. The. Baron listened calmly to nil these things, but, as many J other papas do under similar circumstances, gave them little thought ' Why should he discuss the matter with his daughter and have her write her sister Elsie about it ? It would but disturb Elsie's peace of mind with useless hopes. So each in his way found the solitude delightful, and it lasted until Count Walden fell to reminding the Prince every day that he was eagerly awaited in the city, while the Baroness and her daughters commiserated the Baron and Rottraut in each letter for their banishment. At last the announcement was made that the Princess who was spoken of as the prospective bride was coming to the city, and in the great festivities; in her honor papa and Rottraut must take part. Even the doctor found the stay in the country had been sufficiently prolonged for the

Baron's health. But for the first time in her life Rottraut did not seem to feel a great desire to see her old-time friend the doctor. * When the Baron and his daughter came back to the city the old sisters had rnueh^ to .tell, and they did not seem anxious to' hear Rottraut's expieronces. They, did f know that the Prince had talked a;great deal to their fa^therrand/.'thev felt that the .time, niight :jcome\wheri: this friendship- 'wouM«yet be-very?useful to the Baron— their .father might be minister if "the Princ'e'b'e^amrrullf: But Rottraut said nothing, not even to the doctor, for though the Prince had talked much to her, she did not seem to able to tell wharfs he really said. She noticed how pale $he doctor was, and for the firsf time Rottraut was impressed with the fact that his figure was misshapen. But she did not have much time for reflection, for the Princess had arrived, and the ladies of the capital were to bq presented to her. The Baroness somehow felt that four daughters were too many to J present at rone&,r one&, and wanted to, leave the youngest L dt home, but the Baron would not listen to that At the very last moment the third, Lisa, had a toothache. That would haye been bad enough, but when the toothache -.resulted in a swollen cheek Vs&e, -of course, had to be' left behind-?* -The two older girls were very charming in their dainty spring gowns] But Rottraut ! if she could but have worn her outing suit, as she did when tramping around the country ! These same tramps had added freckles to her other defects, and Rottraut looked sadly at her reflection in the mirror. But what was to be done ? A. little while later she was standing before the 'beautiful Princess. Beautiful as she was, Rottraut noticed that she said the same thing over and over again to everybody. Perhaps she was shy. But "when she saw Rottraut she held out her hand most cordially, and told her that the Prince had talked of her-- a great deal. ' I knew you at once,' she added ' I am afraid it is impossible for me to travel incognito,' Rottraut answered, as she bent over the Princess' hand for the customary kiss. For the first time in her life she did not like being reminded of her red hair and her variegated eyes, which undoubtedly the Prince had mentioned in describing her. 'Wo will see more of each other later,' said the Princess. 'At court most people are so stiff, and the Prince told me that you have such pleasant ideas.' Stiff the Princess surely was, and of ideas, pleasant or otherwise, she did not seem to have very many, Rottraut soon discovered. So she was glad when the Prince approached. But everything was different and formal here, compared to their country meetings, and Rottraut was embarrassed. Perhaps it was that she was too glad to see him, for she had thought of him often in these days, and the old nurse's prediction about the prince who was sure to come for her some time kept running through her brain. When Rottraut returned home that day she did what she had done very often lately — she looked in the glass\ This time she found out that her nose really was not bad, and that her figure was graceful ; she remembered that the Prince had often admired her hair, and told her ,that great painters all liked red hair. Why should people not like hers ? And she thought so hard of all these things that when sat opposite the doctor the next time he called she really did not know what to say to Win, (To be concluded,,)