The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-09-29
THE POWER OF MUSIC.

after this fashion: There were to be two
of us, my friend Dupre and myself. We
were to travel on foot, and allow our.
selves three months for the frolic.
But there is ever some difficulty be-
tween the projection and execution of a
plan-ours was always thrilling one, yet
sufficient to delay, vex and perplex us.
The first time we made the attempt l was
appointed treasurer. At the hotel in
Marseilles very polite gentleman re-
qussted me to change bill for him. l
drew out my purse and performed the
ceremony, and as supposed, returned
my treasure to its place. ] never could
understand how the thing was managed
but 1 never saw it again, and We re-
turned to Bordeaux half ruined and halls
starved. The second time / fell sick. The
third time had just received my diplo.
ma. Dupre also had lately been admitted
to the bar. This time it was he whom
fate chose for the victim-in the neigh.
borhood OF Beziers he got married. l
will relate how the accident happened.
My friend Dupre was handsome man,
and most fascinating companion. Low
ing virtue little. hating vice only lit
tie, rather Indifferent to everything but
pleasure, there was, however, one sub
ject on which he could he enthusiastic
an exquisite musician with a most melo-
dious voice, his mind appeared to expand
whenever he spoke of that art which
alone possessed the power of spiritualiz-
ing his otherwise mundane soul.
We passed through Beziers one morn
ing and walked all day; night was fast
!
pletely before we reached resting place.
The darkness was so extreme that we
could scarcely see step before us, and
we soon discovered that We had lost the
beaten track by finding ourselves entan-
gled among the brushwoOd and briars.
At length at the extremity'o Of valley we
observed bright light, which we hailed
with enthusiastic hurras. To the best OF
our abilities we proceeded straight to-
wards it, unconscious that a wide and
deep ditch interviewed between us. This,
however, We soon discovered by finding
ourselves rolling to the bottom of it in
company.
All" said Dupre, would any of the
beauties whose hearts broke last winter
at my aunt's soirees now refuse the tear
of pity? But it seems to me the first OBJ
ject is to get out. When We are safe out
we will bend our steps once more toward
the brilliant star that has wrecked us,
and which should now conduct us into
port"
A few minutes after found us as nearly
as we could Judge in long avenue of
trees.
Come on" said Dupre, "snd pray
that the philanthropic proprietor may
not have adorned this magnificent avenue
with man traps and spring guns"
''Be silent and listen, said l, suddenly.
II hear man voice. 1t would be awk-
ward to be taken up as yagabonds. Do
you hear?"
Il hear Il woman's voice, said Dupre,
"and that never appeared bad augury
TO me-"
On reaching a bank nearly opposite
TO US, the owners of the voices stopped,
and seating themselves, continued the
conversation while we We're so situated
as to be involuntary listeners, and this
circumstance was destined to decide the
fate of my friend.
my dear daughter" said a manly
voice, II wish to believe your assertion,
but father is not so easily deceived;
entreat you, cohhoe III me as your oes'
friend"
Father replied a voice of much
sweetness, though apparently enfeebled
by suffering or grief, Il can only repeat
that nothing troubles me-
1T is singular" whispered Dupre,
''but that voice surely seems familiar
to me-
"What if it is? be quiet"
what avails this reserve" rejoined
the father, "come and tell me all about
it, my dear"
This grows very interesting said
Dupre.
The young lady spoke again, but in o
broken voice, and 80 low that we heard
only the words grief and Glove"
"And is it for this you are hiding your
head in my bosom? Foolish GIRL You
are beautiful, who would not glory in
possessing you? But understand, you
have perhaps given your heart to one
whose fortune is not equal to mine, and
you think shall oppose your happiness,
but dismiss such fears, if he has but
fair fame and heart worthy my child's
you have only to name him, and l will
call him my son."
THAT must be an uncommon sensible
man." said Dupre.
"Alasl father, his fortune is not thu
obstacle. The difficulty is something
you do not think of it is that-he-doe'