The Oregon daily journal., July 26, 1908, Page 56, Image 56

(TUB OREGON1 SUNDAY JOURNAL, PORTLAND, SUNDAY MORNING,' JULY 28
I'i"''N1M!''V''mm;iii1!H'I!iii.TO
r I -i -. .. . -
i!ffeii m ,,! i,i aiiiiiiia: j
t A Little American Girl
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
FRONT OF THE FIRE WAS AM
wrlIE President of the United States had ap-
the court of Elbstadt-Saxhausen, and in
the course of a few weeks the minister ar
rived in the old German city, bringing
with hirn his wife and two daughters.
Belle, the eldest, was nineteen, and "out" in society;
and Marjoric, the heroine of my story, was but five
years old. .
Marjorie was a pretty child, with big brown eyes,
a merry little mouth, and a tangle ot golden hair,
that stood out like a halo about her head, and cost
Babettc, her nurse, an infinite amount of trouble and
patience to keep it in order. Babette was a blue
eyed, rosy-checked German girl, and from the first
moment of her entrance into "this American house
hold she devoted herself especially to Marjoric.
Marjorie was a well-behaved little girl, usually, but
rather heedless. She received much good advice
from her mother on heedless ways advice that was
needed. She often replied: "I do try to remember
what you say, mama, but it won't stay remembered!"
The American legation, or house and office of the
American minister, was situated in a beautiful shady
street called the Konigstrasse. Down the whole
length of the avenue ran a broad strip of turf,
adorned at intervals with beds of brilliant flowers;
and just in front of the legation this widened into
a little park, in the center of which was a fountain
playing day and night. Throughout the surnmer it
cooled the air about it, and pleased the ear and eye
with the plash and sparkle of the falling water.
The house in which Marjorie lived was in a large
garden with winding walks, flower-beds, fountains,
shady trees overarching the smooth shaven
lawns, and a broad graveled drive leading
under the porte-cochere up to the great front door,
over which hung the arms of the United States.
Marjorie and Babette spent a happy summer wan
dering in the garden, or resting beneath the trees,
when Babettc would bring out an unfinished blue
woolen stocking she was never without her knit
ting and worked diligently, while she told Marjorie
wonderful Gorman fairs-fairy stories, or stories of
the war which ro-t the Fatherland so many noble
lives. But, of all things, Marjorie lovrd best t" hear
of the King and Queen of that country- and Babette
never wearied of dilating upon the reported magnifi
cence of her sovereign--his many palaces, carriages,
horses, and his rich robes of state.
Marjorie had seen one of the palaces, the one
which the King inhabited in the winter; but its ex
ternal appearance certainly did not promise such
delights as Babette assured her existed within, could
one but pass iti somewhat forbidding portal?. If
Bahettc's stories were true, however, no king in
fairyland ever lived in greater state and splendor
than did his Majesty cf Elbstadt.
The long summer days pased all ton quickly to
Marjorie, and then came autumn, bringing with it
renewed life and activity to the old town, wfcich had
hitherto seemed so sleepy and dull. The King and
court returned Irom the palace on me river; tne
streets and parks were gay with gorgeous equipages
and brilliant uniforms; and at last, one night, Mar
jorie had the delight of seeing her father, mother,
and sister attired for the first ball at the court. The
festivities of the winter had begun
"Tell me all about it to " iwrw." were her !ast
words, as her pirents descended the sters to the
carriage. "I wart to Vnow how the Kirg was
dreued. and the Queen, too; and what they said, and
everything! Fle don't forget!"
Many were the questions the alced on the fo'low
ing day questions -hich her Mother and sister
could rot answer, having been too much occupied at
the hall to notice the details for which Marjorie's
soul longed "
"Well, I wish I could f fa court and see the
King trr mrseH!" Ve exclaimed aomewhat impa
tiently in her iiiarroiBiocxt.
IN
By LOUISE BRADFQRD
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
OLD GENTLEMAN FAST ASLEEP
"You must wait until you are grown before you
can go to court, little girl," replied her sister; "but
I vviil take you to the gardens this afternoon, and I
think we shall see the King there."
"Oh, you darling!" exclaimed Marjorie, all sun
shine again at the prospect. "Will you really take
me to see him to-day?"
"Yes, really," replied Belle; and away went Mar
jorie on dancing feet to impart the joyful news to
her faithful friend Babette.
At length the appointed time arrived, and Marjorie
set off with her sister in a state of blissful expecta
tion. But once in the gardens, she walked demurely
enough as they took their way toward the lake in the
rnort frequented part of the esplanade. As they
approached the drive which encircled the sheet of
water, a rider on a black horse came rapidly gallop
ing toward them. The pedesiii.ins ran to the edge
of tha walk, crying, "Der Konig koinmtl" ("The
King is coming!")
"Ah. we arc just in time." said Belle. "And now,
Marjorie, you shall see the King; for here he comes!"
Marjorie opened her eyes to the widest extent as
she gazed at the man on the black horse.
"Is that the King?" she asked, with a shade of dis
appointment in I'.er tone.
"Oh, no," replied her sister; "that is the outrider."
Then Marjorie saw four black horses, ridden by
gay postilions, which came at a smart trot down the
drive, drawing a great coach the front of which was
of glass; the harness was shining with gold, and the
royal arms were emblazoned upon the panel of the
door. At the back sto"d two tall footmen in pow
dered wigs and cocked hats, with much gold lace
upon their gray liveries. Inside sat an old gentle
man, who looked pleasant and kind, and was smiling
at the people along the way. Marjorie noticed him'
but little, however, in her anxiety to watch for the
King.
"I suppose that is the in-rider," she said to herself;
"and now surely the King will come." But no other
carriage followed, and the groups of promenaders
resumed their course about the lake.
"Now. dear," said Belle, as they walked on, "at
last you have seen the King!"
"Why, no, I have n't!" said Marjorie, with tears in
her voice. "First there was the out-rider, and then
there was the in-rider. and that was all!"
Belle laughed heartily; but catching a glimpse of
the woebegone little face under the broad hat at her
side, she stooped down and said:
"Why. darling, that was the King in the carriage.
I thought you understood "
"Oh, dear! oh, dear!" Marjorie grumbled. "I 'm
so disappointed! I never looked at him at all! Why
was n't he dressed like a King? Where was his
spiky crown and his specter?" (By which she meant
scenter ) "All the fairy-story kings dress so that
you know them the minute you see their pictures;
and I thopht he would have on his robes, at least,
or jut his crown! Do yon suppose he had his spiky
crown on under his hat, sister Belle?"
Her sister laughed again, and said that she did
not think the real kings wore their crowns in the
street, and that even at the ball he had been attired
r.nly in an officer's uniform. But nothing comforted
Marjorie for thi preat disappointment, and it was
roily by promising to take her again to the garden,
in the hope of seeing his Majesty, that she was in
duced to restrain her tears on the way home.
But most childhood' sorrows are not long-lived,
and on the following day Marjorie had retrained her
usual cheerfulness, and she learned with delight that
her mother would permit her to accompany her sis
ter to the old court church, where Belle had made
it appointment to meet her rruir-mater, and tinder
his direction to practise for ar. hour upon the great
organ.
Babett al9 wa to sa to take ca-r of Marjrte
while the elder sister was occupied with her lesson;
ni tcytthcr the three walked through the street!
J 1
'
at Court
VARNUH.
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 44S
of the old town until they came to the great church,
which stood near the bank of the river.
The King's palace was close by the church, being
separated from it only by a narrow street, and yet
connected with it, too, for an inclosed passageway,
or bridge, extended from the second fctory of the
palace to the gallery of the church, so that the royal
family might attend the services without descending
to the street and mounting the stairs again to reach
their Loge, or box, where they sat overlooking priest
and people, more as if in a theater than in a church.
llerr Mayer was the King's organist, and, as a
special mark of favor, he allowed his best pupils to
take an occasional lesson upon that wonderful organ,
which, although it was built so many years ago, is
still considered one of the finest in Europe He met
our little party at the door, greeting his pupil with
a profound bow, and then led the way into the
church and up a steep and winding stair to the
organ-loft.
It seemed very dark and gloomy in the church,
after the brilliant sunshine ol the streets, for the
only light came from two candles, one at each side
of the organ, which shed their feeble rays upon the
keys, leaving the rest of the gallery darker by con
trast. Belle seated herself upon the high wooden bench
before the organ, and placed her fingers on the worn
and yellow keys, and her feet on the pedals.
"Blow, Johann!" roared llerr Mayer; and the in
visible Johann began to blow the organ, and the
young girl to play, while Marjorie stood enraptured
to hear the wonderful tones peal out through the old
church, and along the lofty arches, under the touch
of those soft white hands. '
Herr Mayer remained standing near, waving his
hand, and saying from time to time: "More slower,
mein Fraulein 70! 't is better." Or, "More loudly!
yet more loudlier! Ah! dat is veil! Now zoft again
zo quiet, zo-o shtill, it shall be like a zigh!" And
then, Herr Mayer would sigh, as if at soirie tender
thought awakened in his sentimental breast.
AftcT looking and listening for a few moments,
Marjorie strolled with Babettc along the gallery of
the church, her eyes gradually becoming accustomed
to the subdued light which fell through the painted
windows. There were many piitures of saints and
angels upon the walls and she plied Babette with
questions about them until at last they reached
the farther end of the gallery, just over
looking the high altar, and were stopped by the
partition-wall which inclosed the King's Loge.
There was a door in this wall, but in front of it a
sentry was slowly pacing, carrying his rifle, and
looking very much bored.
At sight of Babettc he grinned delightedly, and .
gave her a nod, accompanied by a suppressed "Guten
Tag" for a sentry is not permitted to speak when
on duty; and then Marjorie recognized him as
"Cook's son Hans," whom she had often seen in the
kitchen when he came to visit his mother.
No one being at hand to see, or to report him to
his superior officer, Hans and Babette soon fell into
conversation; and then Babettc sat down on one of
the gallery benches, and the soldier walked up and
down the narrow aisle behind her, talking to her as
he walked, and sometimes stopping to say a few
words in a lower tone as she looked up at him over
her shoulder.
Seeing them both so busy. Marjorie speedily
pushed her investigations as far as the door leading
into the royal box.
On the floor stood a basket containing tools, of
which she did not know the use; but it took only an
instant for her sharp little eyes to discover that the
lock of the door had been removed. No doubt it
was for the purpose of preventing intrusion during
the repairs that the sentry had been stationed in the
gallery of the church: but Marjorie never stopped to
reason about the matter. She pushed the door. To
her delight, it yielded; and "in another moment she
stood within the King's Loge, and immediately be
gan a minute examination of all that it contained.
The furniture consisted of large gilt arm-chairs,
upholstered in crimson velvet, on the bucks of which
were emWazoned the arms of Elbstadt-Saxhausen.
Win rJl
'JlwJ
THE KING O ITT BED KFR f SCORTFH HOME-
On a velvet shelf tinder the window there were sev
eral large prayerbooks and hymnals, all with the
royal arms in gold upon their covers; and upon the
floor were soft kneeling-benches for the royaknees.
Marjorie seated herself in the largest of "the arm
chairs, and then in each of the others in succession.
"I feel like Little Golden-hair," she said. "I won
der if, the next time the King comes to church, he
will say, 'who 's been sitting in my chair?' like the
Big Bcur? Oh, I do wish he would come in now!"
As Marjorie continued her voyage of discovery,
she saw at the back of the box a velvet curtain,
trimmed like the rest of the hangings with gold
fringe, and upon raising a corner of this, she found
that it concealed a door. She laboriously turned the
knob, opened the door, and entered the corridor con
necting the church with the palace.
A slight sound near at hand causing Marjorie to
turn her head, she saw the door at the palace end of
the corridor open, and a man entered, dressed as a
workman, carrying in his hand a basket of tools,
similar to that which she had seen in the church,
lie set his basket on the floor, and, kneeling beside
it, took up a screwdriver, with which he began to
loosen the screws holding the lock of the door in
place.
"All the locks seem to be out of order to-day,"
thought Marjorie. "I '11 go ami talk to the man
while he works. It will be much better than trying
to amuse myself."
Accordingly she approached the workman, and
was about to enter into conversation with him when
the man, dropping his tools, rose to hi3 feet, and,
pulling off hi rap, -aid, with a low bow: 4
"Your humble servant, little Princess! Allow me
to open the door for your Royal Highness!" And
suiting the action to the word, he opened the door;
and .Marjorie. without hesitation, passed through the
doorway, and actually stood in the great hall of the
palnce.
If you ere to ask her what she saw, she could
give but a confused account of paintings, statues,
nimble pillars, and waving palms; for she paused
but a moment to glance about her.
"Sister Belle said I could n't go to court until I
was grown; but I 'm in the King's palace now, and
I 'm g..ni' to see the King if I can,' was her thought.
Away she sped on nimble feet, her steps falling
noj ;rIr-!y on the thick carpet, down the hall, around
a corner, when, bump! she fell against an unexpected
door. The door fles open, and in rolled Marjorie
upon the parquet floor.
She was a little frightened, but not hurt, and pick
ing herself up, she stood still and listened. The
mom was empty. A hasty glance convinced her that
it was used as a library or reading-room, for on
both sides of it were great bookcases filled with
large volumes, and a table in the center of it was
strewn thickly with pamphlets and loaded with
books of every size.
Between the bookcases on one side hung a silken
curtain; and having been fortunate thus far in her
discoveries, she drew it aside, and stood spellbound
by the scene before her. Was it fairyland? At first
she really thought so. For where, except in fairy
land, could one find such a bower of roses? Roses
everywhere! white, pink, yellow, crimson, growing
in masses and clusters upon light arched trellises,
through which one might look up to the blue sky
above, while about this airy structure hovered birds
;.nd butterflies of such wondrous colors ns she had
never imagined birds and butterflies to be. On a
spray near her rested a beautiful bright creature
with wings half spread, ready for flight.
Marjorie cautiously stretched out her hand to
touch it, and tittered an exclamation of surprise on
finding bird and spray to be painted upon the wall.
Yes. roses, birds, sky, and all were but an imita
tion of n.iture, but so skilfully done as to deceive,
at first sight, a more experienced fye than"Mar
jorie's. Marjorie walked as in a dream of delight through
this scene of enchantment. She studied the strange
figures up in the screen, and on passing behind it to
see what the "tlur side had to offer, she found that
it concealed a u hite-and-gohl fireplace, where a fire
was burning on the hearth which certainly was not
whr. one would expect to find in a rose bower.
Mariorie did not give much attention to this, how
ever, for she was startled and somewhat dismayed
to see sitting ir. front of the fire in a great arm-chair
an old gentleman, fast asleep, with a silk handker
chief over Ins head She gazed at him in silent sur-pri-e,
when suddenly he sneezed twice, very- loud:
"Atchoo! Atelier,'"
The old gentleman jumped as if he had received an
eleetrii- shock, sat upright, nulling the handkerchief
from h;s head, and stnred at Marjorie in great
amazement and with evident consternation.
For a moment I believe he thought she was part of
a dream; he rubbed his eyes as if he could not trust
his sight; and tl en. realizing that the little visitor
was made of ieh and blood, he smiled ("the kindest,
ae.-irest smile-, sue said afterward), and asked in
pleaai.t voice: "Little girl, where did you corno
from ?"
f . ...
Marjorie hurriedly explained her presence In th.'
palace, and told the story 01 her entering from, the
church '""'A 'V;
jjut now uia it nappen t Mat i doori were
untastencd?" inquired the old gentleman.
"Well, I think." exnla'med Mariorie. "that th
locks are out of order, and the workman is mending j
mem iic inougiii 1 was a princess. At trua ine ;
laughed. "And uhen he opened the door for me. jtl
jut popped into my head to go and see the-iCintr,
and so 1 came. Do you think 1 can ee him, pleasef" '
ny do you wMi to see the King, my childr ;
"Oh, because papa and mama and sister Belle go
to court, and they have told nic how good he is, and
how kind to the poor, and ever so many other splen
did things. C'an you teil me where he is, please?
"My cliild. who is jour papa? If he conies to OtTi
court, I should know him.
"My papa is the American minister," answered
Marjorie, proudly.
"Ah, so! Well, my little girl, we must let yotlf
friends know where you arc, for they will be trou
bled." "Oh, but pie ase, please don't send me away before
1 ve seen the King, pleaded Marjorie. I ve
wanted to see him so long" with a sigh.
"'Why, my little one, I am the King."
To say that Marjorie was not disappointed at this
unlooked-for announcement would be anything but
the truth. Her ideas of royal state had received a
severe shock. But after looking at him fixedly for a
moment, she" slowly remarked, in what she supposed
to be the proper form of address: 5
"Well, O King, I was never so astonished in all
my life; but I am so glad to see you, I really can't
'spress myself." .' :. ' t
I he old King laughed heartily at this frank
avowal, as well as at the wording of it, and taking
the little girl upon his knee, he talked to her for a
while, answering most kindly and patiently her raanyV
questions, cacli question beginning or ending O
King, ' according to her idea of the proper manner
of speaking to one of. his exalted rank, in the Old
Testament -stories the courtiers, in speaking to the;
King, always began, "O King, live forever!" and the!
Bible, of course, was right. ."j
"O King, this is such a lovely room," she saidj
"Can you walk right out into that beautiful garden?"!
The old King explained that the garden was but a
picture, as were the roses and birds. "Oh," satdi
Marjorie, in astonishment, "I thought it was a truly,!
garden. I can hardly believe it is only pretend!".
"I spend much time here." he continued, "for al-1
though I am an old man. I am still fond of bird
and flowers --and children, ' he added, with a smile.
"But we must send word in your friends, my dear.!
So saying, be- touched a silver bell on the tatjle, an'dl
a man in black appeared in the doorway, making ai
low bow as be entered. "Tell Herr von Rabcnsheinj!
I desire to speak with him." -'ff-j
The attendant bowed again and retired, and ira-i
mediately a young officer dressed in the uniform of
the King's guard entered the Rose Bower. His bluej
eyes opened in surprise when they fell upon the little
runaway, for he knew her well, having been a fre
quent visitor at the American legation, and had al-t
ways made a pet 01 the little girl, often telling her
delightful tales of his young brothers and sisters,
and of their life at his father's castle of Rabensheitn.;
Marjorie's surprise was equally great, and running:
toward her friend, she was about to enter into an
explanation of her presence in the King's private, j
apartment wnen tie cnecKeu ner oy a motion 01 ms
hand, for the King was speaking:
"Max, the little one says she left her friends Jn
the church. See that some one goes to inform them
that she is in safe hands." '
"I will go myself, sire," said the young man, and,1
clicking his h'ccls together, he bowed and left the
apartment, but soon returned, saying that the church1
was empty, the little girl's sister and maid having;
thought, no doubt, that she had wandered from the1
building into the street. h ;
"We must send her home at once. They will be
anxious. Thou shalt take her, Max." And ringing
the silver bell again, the King said to the attendant
who appeared: "My carriage immediately." And,
when its arrival was announced he stooped and,
kissed the little girl, saying: "God keep thee, ray
child!" y j;
Marjorie flung her arms around his neck, and giv-i
ing him a hearty kiss, said t;;
"Good-by, you dear, dear King! I 've had such
beautiful visit!" :'..J
"And so have I," said his Majesty. "Tell yoUCj
mama that you have made an old man very happj
and that he hopes for the pleasure of another Visit
from his little friend."
Max took Marjorie's hand in his, and together
they passed down the great staircase between rows!
of palms and statues, to the door of the palace.j
before which stood the King's own carriage. Thej
four horses, postilions, and footmen were there; onlyj
the outrider was wanting: but to make up for this,
"there were two in-rider-," as Marjorie said. v
In the meantime, the household in the K6nfgi
strasse was in a state of agitation. When Belle r-i
turned from her lesson, followed by the weeping;
Babette. and to!d the sorrowful talc of Marjorie'Sj
disappearance, for which Babette could offer no ex
planation. though she knew it was in some way due-
to her carelessness, Marjorie's mother burst intO
tears, and sank down upon the sota. giving herself
up t'
fate
the
most horrible f
mining child.
rervximg regarding tne
r.ipa, le.ivirg her to the
f th
care ot her dauenter and tne Ing.itened maid, seized
his hat. and hastened to the police-station to end
out a description of the 1 ; little uirl. Poor Belle
trod to reas-nre her mother, but walked the floor,
savirg t . her-el: "I .v iild not have taken her
un'f.. I was able to wat :i her! I am sure we shall
never ee her again"' g--eat was their anxiety
and distress that the clattering of hoofs and rolling
of wheel? on the drive fell -in?-cede I upon their ears,
and it was only the ognd oflittle fret on the steps,
and a merry little voice in the hall, which atiured
them that the truant had returned. ,-
The door i' flung open, and in rushed the im
peruon Marjorie. eager to recount her adventures.
But he topoed short on the threshold, appalled bv
the n.elancholy scene before her: mama,, sifter Frl
and B-bette with red eyes and unmistakable e'irn
of distress iible on their countenances! Shat
could it mean ? -.,.".
"Pear mama." he exclaimed, "what is the matter?
Why do you all look so tad?"
But now no one looked sad. With one accer
they few toward the little girl, all talking St or'-,
and all 50 eager to welcome her they could scare '
wait to take her in turn.
"Yon "11 pull me to plrret, she Slid. V,T y 3
yoii all to glad to ee tne?"
"Why are we g!ad? exclaimed her rnma. ?
in and eryin? and Visstrtg her all at r.r'e
should w not b glad to welcome ta'k o r !
little firl?"
"Lost!" exclaimed MtrJorK -Ti r, tv:-'. -,
was lost? I wocJJ n't bf 10 (x;.!.! I'it 1. 1 !
I 'ye bee a to ccort!
COPXtU&MJ T THC CCNTWHY COMPACT
t