Castle Hohenwald: A Romance

Transcriber's Note: 1. Page scan source: http://www.archive.org/details/3429917
Copyright, 1879, by J. B. Lippincott & Co.
Copyright, 1906, by A. L. Wister.
The music ceased. The gentlemen led their partners to their various chaperones, and then crowded out upon the balcony to enjoy the cool spring breeze, giving no attention to the remonstrances of their host, the President, who, when he found how little heed was paid to his warning against imprudence, turned away, declaring to his friend the colonel that there really was nothing to be done with the heedless young people of the present day. They trifle with their health as if their nerves were of iron and illness impossible, he added, a little out of humour, perhaps, at the neglect of his advice.
Why then, old friend, do you give a ball in April? the colonel asked, laughing.
Could I help being born on the 20th of April? My son and daughter insist upon my keeping up the old custom and celebrating the occasion by a ball. This year it is perfect folly, but then no one could foretell this early warm spring.
Come, never trouble yourself about those young people; my officers have often braved more sudden changes of temperature in the field without being any the worse.
But the Assessor? His constitution is none of the strongest.
And suppose he does take cold; 'twill do him no harm. Come, come, let the young people alone. We were once not a whit more prudent ourselves.
And as he spoke the colonel took his old friend's arm and led him back into the ball-room, while the young officers upon the balcony, who had overheard all that had been said, laughingly grouped themselves about the Assessor, rallying him upon the anxiety with regard to his health manifested by the President.
The President is right, said a black-bearded cuirassier, inclining his tall figure towards the slightly-built Assessor. You ought to take care of yourself, my dear Assessor; the sensitive nature of which you so often tell us can never endure what our coarser constitutions brave with impunity. Put an end to the anxiety of your future father-in-law and leave the balcony, I beseech you.