The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-03-08

He was content with his student life
until one day, when he happened to se'
handsome young knight, splendid!
mounted, galopiug across the country
"Who is that chevalier who sits hi
horse so gallantly3"
"Your brother.
"But I have never seen my brother.
"He does not want to see you"
"And whyf"
because you are hunchbaok."
"Ahl had forgotten. And WHERE
is he coming froms"
"From the chateau that you see from
the window"
"And what was he doing therei"
"He went there to make himsel
agreeable to the lady whom he wishes tt
marry"
And she loves him"
"She will certainly love him, for ht
is so handsome, and then he rides splen
ddly."
"And is he wisea"
"Not overmuch; indeed, he knows
very little. Your mother has often told
him that he was 80 beautiful that he
needed nothing besides to make hin
loved"
cat what age do people marry9"
"At twenty, If one wishes"
"Wel, want to be married"
"To whom2"
"No matter whom. Have me some
fine clothes made, and tell them to sad
die for me q magnificent horse. I am
going to ride. So they made Esop 8
mantle embroidered with gold, and led
out splendidly caparisoned Arabian.
He eagerly donned his handsome suit,
sprang on bis horse, and then started Oh
to seek his fortunes.
It was scarcely two hours after when
the boy returned bitterly weeping, his
elegant mantle sadly torn and covered
with mud.
"What is the mstter9" my poor mas
ter p cried bis servant.
"Oh am very miserable"
"What has happened 2"
81 have seer q beautiful young girl,
rosy as the dawn, and serene as the star.
nv night. She was at her balcony when
1 passed, so 1 looked at her with eyes
full of admiration. I joined my hands
in supplication. I would have given my
life for her. But when she saw ne she
burst into laughter; then spurred my
horse so fast that I fell off and rolled on
to my back"
"You have hurt yourselfl"
"Never mind that. The laugh OF the
young girl has wounded me so that ]
feel nothing else. My friend, I want tc
de-"
"That is not possible.
"Why not2"
%" First, because you would be lost
for killing yourself, and then you have
still many years to live"
"Who says so"
"The magician"
"What magician9"
Then the old servant told the boy the
history of his birth and baptism, and the
family council over his cradle.
What will become of me then 2
said poor Esop. "Shall I give you
some atlvice2" continued the kindly old
man. "As you cannot enjoy the pleas
ures that your brother lives for, you
must seek comfort elsewhere; your SOU
is pure and good though your body is
deformed, so if you learn the art ol
charming through your soul the best
men will envy you the gift"
Well, in my place what would you
do9"
"I would learn to play the f1ute.'
"What, blow into bit of wood like
blind begger! That would make my
cheeks as ugly as my back"
"It is, however, fine instrument.
But there must be Others"
eyes there is the harp"
"What is that likel"
When the old man explained, EsoI
said: "Bring me harp!"
he soon learned to express himself II
song, while his fingers produced the
sweetest musical Accomplishments to the
equally lovely voice. His heart would
swell with the loftiest strains, while hi!
sapphire eyes glistened with emotion.
Grief had made him a poet, and hi
love soon found voice In delicious bal
lads, written in praise Of the young gir
that he had seen on the balcony. Whe1
he finished singing, he would allow hi
head to droop in his hands, while h
dreamed.
Some one knocked at the door.
"Who sings here3" said q swee
voice.
cit is l." said poor Esop.
"And who are youa"
81 am the elder son OF the count"
"Ahl poor child, will you ever for
give me1" said the retreating voice.
"Who is the woman that speaks 81
sadly2" demanded the young mdn.
| cit is q repentant mother" replied
the old servant.
"She repents Of WHAT"
-" OF having so long neglected he
son."
ut is my mother, thena"
eyes, my poor boy"
"Ah! it ia blessed day She speak
to me at last" Afterward, while ESQ.,
sat dreaming at the window, he saw tn
maids Of the countess scattering flower
| on his usual walk.
{ The next day he took his harp and be
gan new song, but it was gayer thai
that of the day before. One might hav'
thought that he was basking in hi
mothers smiles. Scarcely had he fn
ished his song when some one knocked
at the door. "Who is there 2" b
asked.
ct, your BROTHER" replied a eros
voice.
"And what will yous"
"I wish that you would be quiet. NJ.
ladylove is here, aud your song will an
noy her." Having said this, my Lor'
Phnbus returned to the grand saloon
where his father and mother, with tn
Lady Angelique, waited him:
"Where have you been3" said tn
young girl, poutingly.
81 have beento silence hefenow VIII
WAS singing"
"Why have you done that 2"
because I thought the noise woul'
annoy you"
"On the contrary,~I I like it yer
much. 1t is ravishing. Can you nc
sing like that2"
"No. Why should II"
"Because I am determined that
will not marry you until you can."
Phehus did not know what to do, TO
it was simply impossible for him to pu
together two ideas in song, or to sin,
a single note. Always thinking of hi
| hodv ha had onite forcottan hia mind