The Lincoln County herald., 1871-07-13
How Two immOrtalS Met,


In Prague there was to be another of
those great musical jubiees for which
the capital of Bohemia was noted during
the last century, and from every direc.
tion jourueyed thither artists and lay men,
either to participate in the exercises or to
listen.
Already on the day before the tetc, the
inns large and small-of the city proper
we're ovsrflled, and the landlords, desir.
GUS as they were to profit by the occasion,
could not do other than to turn away the
later arrivals.
Many were, therefore, compelled to
seek lodgings in the taverns of the
suburbs, which we're usually patronized
by the people Of the lower orders.
A young mun-a "pianist," said his
passport-trom Vienna had, like many
others, sought lodging in all the hotels
Of the city without success, and finally
decided to 60 to an inn in one Of the
suburbs, where he was told he would
probably find very comfortable quarters
and very good fare.
The youth was received by q landlord
Of a very surly mtip, who, after measur
ing him from head to foot with forbid
ding glance, replied that he could not
accommodate him, "he was full !"
But there was a pretty young serving,
girl within hearing, who did not seem at
all afraid Of the crossgrained old land.
lord, aud venturcd to differ from him.
eyes, We cen accommodate tho gentle.
man, too." she said. "There will be no
one in the wine room this evening !;
every body will be in the city. Its very
easy to make up bed for the gentle lau
there"
do so, for all l care" muttered the
landlord, and turned away.
The young pianist decided to remain,
as the girl assured him that she would
SEQ he was made comfortable, and that
the landlord was really not half SO much
Of bear as he seemed.
She now hastenei to prepare the even.
ing meal, and tho yonng musician in the
meantime repaired to the large room that
was destined to be his bed room for the
night. As the usual evening guests we're
not expected, the room had not been
lighted; but the moon shone through
the vine. bordered windows, so as TO eua.
Bile the youth to see his way. although
indistinctly. In one corner he discovered
sofa, on which he threw himself, 10
order to rest his weary limbs while wait.
ing supper. He had been there but a
few moments when the door opened and
q man entered, and walked to the farther
and darker end Of tho room with Ger
tainty Of step that showed he was not q
stranger to the apartment. '
A moment afterwald the youth heard
the tones Of piano at first, q few
accords, then . melody, a wild melody,
that might have boen likened to chorus
Of angels. The youth partially rose
from the sofa, and listened - one who
would catch the faintest sound. low
radiant every feature of bis face with 60
static delight! This Improvisation
this heavenly improvlsa:ion-it seemed
to transport him into another and q
higher sphere There was but one.
only one-vho could produce such hsr.
mony, and to sec him and hear him was
the chief object Of the youths journey
He rose, and walked on tiptos toward
the piano, in order, If possible, to see the
performer. The tones grow softer and
softer. until they finally died away.
The finale was divinely beautiful, and
held the youthful enthusiast spell bound
until the maestro himself reused him from
bis reverie. The latter, when ho had Gu.
ished playing, rose, went toward the sofa,
and threw himself down. apparently
fatigued. Az tho light Of the moon fell
on bis face, the youth Nv before him IN
elderly man Of . peculiarly noble and
benevolent mein. a ..... ID
Seeing chat he had not yet bses oh.