Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1881-09-08


no hat, and in her golden hair there
cleaned a diamond star. She was
beautiful with rare loneliness. There
was no fairer face in all that crowded
assemblage. Behind her, leaning on
the back of her chair, was young man
whose gaze of rapt admiration never
withdrew itself-a man of superb
height and breadth of form, and with
eyes and hair dark as the night-eyes
which glowed with feeling as they dwelt
upon her face, for the hope nearest
Fairfax Farley's heart was to win the
woman for his wife.
She turned toward him as the music
died. with a quick indrawing of her
breath.
'Tell me-" she whispered, twas it not
perfect"
II did not hear it." he replied. Il
was thinking but of you"
a vivid flush, almost of annoyance,
rose to her brow; but at that moment
the young musician, recalled by the
laundering plaudits of the people, re-
appeared.
His gaze now wandered over the
house, finally resting on that one ex-
quisite face. He gave sudden start.
Of what, of whom did it remind him?
For full moment their eyes met;
then, with sudden inspiration, he
drew his bow
What was he playing? 1t was ca
dence no man had ever heard before.
It seemed to tell an unknown story, if
but one could have interpreted it. 1t
began in storm of grief, of passion
and despair, unreasOning, hopeless +;
then followed lull, a rift in the clouds,
sudden CLEAN of sunshine, then a
heavy toiling Of weary feet, often torn
and bleeding, but with that rift of sun
shine never quite hidden by the clouds
overhead, no matter how dark or how
dense they gathered; then came a
burst of triumph, song of victory, a
transport of passion, and then peace.
The last note seemed to have no end
ing. Its echoes fingered in a melodious
hush, and rang in the peans of APP
plause.
The girl in the box tore the violets
from her breast, and threw them at
Herr Seiberg's feet. Flowers rained
everywhere. but these only he stopped
to gather. These he held so tightly
that their crushed fragrance was waited
to his senses as he bowed his adieux.
The young musician was the lion of
the hour. Fashionable ladies sought
him out Invitations to fetes, and re-
ceptions, and dinners, aimed upon him.
1t was at one of these latter that ne
and Miss Laurence met
| EET boua 1,roCco1 IyOI11- HOVvaT.C - no
SAID to her, in a low voice.
"My flowers ?" she answered, with a
blush.
Then she remembered the violets
she had so impulsively thrown him.
II had almost forgotten" she added.
"What was it, Herr Seiberg, that you
played? 1t has haunted me ever since.
'Some day" ne replied, II will tell
you. Now you shall know only that
you were its inspiration"
Were his words presumption? She
could not answer; neither could she
know the strange power which ever
Swayed her in this mans presencs.
| "YOu do not teach ?" she said to MIN,
one day.
''No," he answered. "But if you will
be my pupil, it would be indeed pleas
ure"
"And your terms?"
His face flushed.
~ need no gold" he responded. 'It
is only that some day you should hear
my story"
81 see nothing of you, Selma" said
Fairfax Farley, during this time. ''Do
you forget that | have some claims?"
"No, | forget nothing" she said.
But there was sadness rather than
happiness in her tone.
Are you not ready to give me your
answer, dear?" the man continued.
"Why do you hold me in suspense
Why, darling, may [ not have the sweet
promise that | crave?"
Did she shudder? If so, it was but
mOmentary, as the sweet young voice
made answer
'"True," it said, "you have been very
| patient; but be so yet a little longer.
Let me but be sure of myself, 1t is
only for this assurance, Fairfax, that |
wait"
But underneath Fairfax Farley's
courteous claim was a seething mael-
storm, a burning jealousy.
Two weeks later, he waited outside
Miss Laurence's home until Herr Sci
berg stood on the steps, in the moon
light. lie had been passing the eve
ming with her. The two had dined at
her table. An hour before Mr.. Farley
had made his adieux
''Herr Seiberg %
Itwas her voice, addressing the young
musician.
YES" he responded, his surprise
showing mis- tone.
II have waited for you," continued
Mr.. Farley, Sin order to ask of you a
favor. 1t is a great favor, but money
need be no object between us. | am
willing to pay you any price, however
fabulous; and although | know it is
quite out of your line, | want very
much that you should play one solo at
my wedding"
In the moonlight Herr Seiberg's face
showed a strange pallor.
"At your wedding! You are to be
married? May [ enquire to whom?"
Miss Laurence is my betrothed.
Had you not heard?"
Both in question and answer rang a
strained Intensity; but the silence that
followed had in its dumbness more
force than either Then Herr Seiberg
spoke
Tomorrow night, at this hour; you
shall have my decision" he said, and
rapidly strobe away.
Before noon, the day following, Miss
Laurence received Herr Seiberg's card.