Aureola; Or, the Black Sheep. a Story of German Social Life (Paperback)

Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER III. THE BLACK SHEEP. JAROLINE GUTMANN was pointed out, in her circle, as " the Black Sheep." But she was not thus designated for a vicious disposition, badness of character, want of womanliness or lady-like behavior, or for being in any way deficient in intellect, gentleness, or goodness of heart. No; it was simply for having the courage to set her face defiantly against such customs of the country as she considered absurd; for acting as she felt, and for speaking as she thought; for expressing her opinion, when there was occasion, without any regard to person, station, or rank; for confessing boldly that she respected nothing but goodness and old age; but, as for bowing slavishly before the shrine of Custom, or submitting meekly to foolish rules of Society ? these were things she would know nothing of. Let those be slaves to them who chose ? she would be free! with her spirit unfettered by bonds so absurdly valued. People might speak of her, point her out, comment on her actions ? she would not grudge them that pleasure, but would even willingly provide them with themes for their beloved Kaffee-visiten. Besides this first title she had yet another, more pleasing and much more appropriate. She was often called " Aureola," (Ray of Gold, ) and well she deserved this beautiful pet name, given to her by those who knew, loved, and admired her, although they might condemn her opinions. Of surpassing loveliness, Caroline took hearts by storm, when the radiant vision presented itself before them; for, who could withstand the glance of her glorious eyes of heavenly blue, shaded by those long, golden lashes? who could look unmoved upon the sylphlike form, with motions of such perfect grace and elegance, or see her hair, rippling over her shoulders, shining like a n...