The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-02-16
ct bo]iave II Was the wealth which

my father left me. was the only son
of the richest banker of this city. My
father died five years ago, leaving me
more than was good for me. Since that
time have been deceived and betrayed
by every one, without exception, with
whom I have had any connection. Some
have pretended friendship for NEON
account of my money. Others have
pretended to love me-again tor my
money; and 30 it went on. L often
mingled, in the garb of simple work
man, with the masses, and thus one day
became acquainted with charming be-
ing, a young girl, to whom my whole
heart soon went out in love. I disclosed
to her neither my name nor my position.
I loaged to be loved for myself alone,
and for time it appeared as If l were
going to be happy-at last, at lastl
"The young girl and I, whom she
still regarded as simple workman, met
every afternoon in the Marcusplatz,
where we walked up and down together,
passing many happy hours. One day
my dear girl appeared with red eyes
she had been weeping-and told me
that we must part, confessing that her
life belonged to another ! With these
words she tore hers elf from me and dis
appeared in the crowd. Her faithless-
ness decided my destiny. Vainly did I
rush into the pleasures which so-called
good society has to offer, but found
my lost peace of soul never, neverl 1
then determined to bring my joyless
existence to a close.
Unhappy young man," said the
elder, wiping his eyes; from my whole
heart pity you. I must acknowledge
that was more fortunate than you; for
I, at least, was by two women-my wife
and aughter-tenderly loved"
evil you give me your address,
good sir, that I may convince myself of
the truth of your storya It is not ex-
actly mistrust, but I must see to be-
ieye. Tomorrow I will arrange my
affairs as I have already told you. You
will remain at this inn tonight, and in
the morning early I will return. Give
me your word Of honor that you will
not leave this house until I come back,
and that you will not in the meantime
Spodh W duJ OuC VI "hap hoS9 o"AOA
place between us 2"
"You have my word Go to my
dwelling, to my daughter, and you will
find that have told you but the sim
pie truth. My name is Wilhelm Salms.
Here is my address.
With these words he handed the
young man paper, giving the address
OF his dwelling. It lay in suburb in
habited by the poorer classes, at some
distance from the city proper.
"And my name is Carl Teodor." here
upon said the young man. "Take this
bank note it will serve you till my re-
turn"
Carl rang for the waiter, had the land
lord called, commended The old man to
his care in suitable terms, and left the
house.
Hardly had the morning broke when
Carl found himself on the way to the
suburb where lived the daughter of the
old man with whom he had become ac-
quainted under such peculiar circum-
stances. 1t was poor place. The
young man knocked, opened the door,
and involuntarily stepped back.
The young girl whose Inconsistency had
made his life burden unbearable stood
before him
She had grown pale-very pale but
he knew her at the first glance it was
Bertha, whom he had once hoped to
call his own.
At his appearance the young girl
sprang teward him, overcome with Joy,
holding out her little hand. The young
man waved her back, exclaimiug:
"You did not expect to see me 2"
The poor girl sank into a seat, and
covered her pale, beautiful face with
her hands.
care you Wilhelm Salms' daughter?"
asked the young man, coldly, after
pause.
"I am," answered the maiden, tim
"And who and where is that other to
whom, as you told me at parting, your
life belonged2"
"That other is my father" answered
the young girl, looking up to the young
man with glance in which spoke the
tenderest love.
With lightning quickness the truth
.lawned upon him; the scales fell from
his eyes.
Speechlessly he rushed to Bertha,
took her in his arms and pressed her to
his breast.
"Come to your father he faltered.
"My father! Oh, heaven! forgot!
Where is he'2 He has bsen out all
night. have watched for him in tears
the long night through"
"Your father is saved. He is with
me-" was Carls answer as he hurried the
young girl out and throug h the streets
to the arms of her father.
A fortnight later, in the midst OF the
greatest splendor, the marriage OF the
rich young banker, Carl Teodor, to
Bertha Salms, took place.