Danira

early dawn did the gale lessen and the tow

was just running into the sheltering harbor, at whose end appeared her destined po

s grave, firm, resolute, and the clear light-brown eyes, with their quiet, searching gaze, suited the countenance. Yet one might have desired a little more life and animation; the grave, passionless repose of a face so youthful produced an almost chilling impressio

men doing?" he asked. "How a

still so sea-sick that they can neither hear nor

he only ones who have proved ourselves good sai

life, it's no small matter to toss about on this confounded glittering blue sea, as we ha

f close behind the officer with a familiarity that implied some c

which a pair of black eyes sparkled boldly and merrily. At present, however, they were sca

e since early dawn. They seemed to rise from the water in every direction and bar the ship's way, but a narrow passage betwe

de, and the water lay almost motionless, encir

nd danced upon the waves, and broad, shimmering rays of light gleamed through the mist, but the fog still rested i

a low tone, more to himself than to his companio

s, not a human habitation up there! This is surely the beginning of th

the lieutenant frowned a

? You were no peace-maker at home. Wherever there

to doing it in earnest. We should at least be among our own people, and if a man were killed he would have Christian burial, but fighting these savages is no joke.

sed upon each other by all sorts of storie

s came. She sent for me to come to the castle and made me promise never to

playfellows. So my mother sent for you? Yes, she is always anxious about the life of her only son, and can never accustom herself to the thought that da

self up with a military salute and marching off, wh

ue, ships bringing troops to this distant frontier of the empire were now daily arriving; still it was an event,

home of the commander of the garrison, and at the window stood a young lady,

background of the room, a picture in which everything was bright and sunny, th

place, displayed the very latest fashion prevailing in the capital, showed that vanity was not a total stranger to the young lady. Yet there

to have reached the landing-place long ago, and is still floating on the waves yonder. Danira, for heaven's sak

was probably about the same age--neither of the girls could have been more than seve

as if burned by a scorching sun, and yet pale, for the cheeks showed scarcely a tinge of color. The luxuriant braids, blue-black in hue, seemed to

es, full of dewy radiance. Their expression was cold and careless, yet their depths conceale

he German words, though spoken with perfect fluency, had a slight

said. "It is coming at the usual time. Are you so

e, and Gerald only came from the military school to bid us good-bye. He was a handsome fellow then--I remember him perfectly--bu

u have ever seen him?" asked Danira, with a tinge of s

other people--yet I do as I please with him, and it

and held it toward Danira, who, with a hasty glan

yes opened wid

icture? This face with its h

! That man has never lov

ting at the same time. He must go and fight your countrymen for weeks up in the mountains before he can pay proper attention to me. I hope it won't be lo

Danira seemed to find a different meaning. Her eyes flash

he does not lose up yonder all ho

onds, perplexed and startled

savages, who have not troubled themselves about you since your childhood? Papa is perfectly

s she heard these reproaches. "Gratitude!" she repeated, in a low ton

words which disarmed Edith's anger. Stealing to h

e of mingled reproach and en

osy blooming face, and her

But--we do not understand

a book with seven seals. I have always been a friend

me, for Danira's head drooped as

oubled tone, "it is all my fault.

ightly over the curly head resting on her shoulder and gazed into the blue eyes, now glitterin

vanished as quickly as they had come, anger and reproaches were alike forgotten and the young girl rushed to the window

side, with a gesture of repugnance, the photograph which still stood on

from Castle Steinach, and the matrimonial plan had been arranged at that time. Gerald's father, on his death-bed, had told his son of this darling wish, and Edith had been educated expressly for him. While the young officer was preparing for his military career, his betrothed bride, who had lost her mother when ve

carcely possible to distinguish individuals. At last, a group of officers separated from the throng and

in the prime of life, led the young officer

See whether you can recognize in this young warrior the features of your former playfellow. Of course, Gera

expressed joyous paternal pride, a pride certainly jus

perfect ease, and, holding

heir native accent, sounded as familiar as if he had

her composure entirely. A burning blush crimsoned her face, the words of greeting died upon her lips,

and that rested in his own, but only

n of his young fiancée, but his nature was app

y was standing at the back of the room, and tu

. He seemed to consider any further introduction unnecess

zzled glance at the girl's sullen face. Danira

s for a conversation which soon became extremely animated, and in a few moments

as was her nature, but all her vivacity failed to infect Gerald. He was courteous, gallant, even cordial, and readily answered all her questi

really interested. He was evidently a thorough soldier, and Edith noticed with a surprise equal to her displeasure that the campaign lay far nearer to her lover's heart than the courtship of his bride. With all her charms she had failed

ts while in her presence. Her lips pouted more and more angrily, and the lines on her smooth brow indicated an extremely wrath

rd the window, when he suddenly saw Danira, of whom no one had taken any further notice. She was standing, half concealed by the curtain, app

cing, mysterious look flashed from their depths. He could not understand its meaning, for it was only

listened a few moments longer but, as the pair did not seem disposed to leave their mountain passes and fortifications, her patience became

heir conversation on military affairs. We are o

her into the adjoining room. Gerald looked after her in great astonishment; he

ty of showing us how greatly our war stories bore them, and after all they

te to do so, he answere

might be expected to take some interest i

spect. Perhaps I have indulged her too much, we are always weak toward an only child. I am glad that you are so devoted to your profession, but young girls desir

me for it? She is a soldier's daughter, a soldier's promised bride, and is living here amid all t

ibly. I have

ar, foreign in her appearance. She cannot be a

a type of the whole people. When Danira came to my house she was a child, who could have received no very deep impressions of her home. She has had the same education as Edith, has been

aughter into your house? Did

ll daily skirmishes in the mountains. During one of these, a leader of the insurgents fell into our hands severely wounded, and was brought here as a prisoner. After a few days his wife appeared with her two children, and asked permission to s

bly have been indifferent to him, but her origin aroused his sympathy and

rsons in high places would be pleased to have the children of one of the most dreaded insurgent chiefs under our charge and tr

he

he same fate only because she was sleeping in the room with Edith. Besides, women are little valued by this pe

mained in

ho even now, after so many years, is still as alien, I might almost say as hostile to us, as on the first day of her arrival. If I did not know that my Edi

ance. "There is something uncanny in her appearance. I met her eyes a moment a short time ago, and it seemed as if I were gazi

ghed heartily a

ut I can give you the consolation that the sunshine predominates, only you must understand how to call it forth. Now

ly to his future son-i

n, therefore, went to the adjoining room, where the girls probably still remained. His coming had doubtless been expected, for at his entrance something fluttered away like a frightened bird, and he saw Edith'

Danira, who had n

es' conversation with Edith.

her appearance again until dinner time;

r in spite of it. He could not help seeing his fiancée in her hiding place, or fail to understand that she was merely making it a little difficult

to her." And he left the ro

door. She looked more astonished than indignant, and ev

he must have seen that I was in the room, that I e

so easy for you to 'cure' this man. He has just showed

tle foot on the groun

y defiance pleased me. He really looked like a hero when he drew hims

and bearing, but Danira did not even smile.

bstinacy; it will