The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1881-06-15

platz, where we walked up and down
together, passing many happy hours.
One day my dear girl appeared with
red eycs--shc had been weeping
and told me we must part; confess
ing that her life belonged to another |,
With these words she tore herself
from me and disappeared in the
crowd. Her faithlessness decided
my destiny. Vainly did | rush into
the pleasures which so called good
society," has to offer, but found my
lost peace Of soul never, neveri |
then determined TO brinr my joy
less existence to close.
Unhappy young man." said the
elder wiping his eyes; from my
whole heart / pity you. | must ac-
knowledge that was more fortunate
than you: for | at least was by two
women-my wife and daughter
tenderly loved"
"Will you give me your address,
kind sir, that | may convince my
self of the truth of your story 81? 1t is
not exactly mistrust, but | must see
to believe. Tomorrow | will ar
range nv affairs as | have already
told YOU. You will remain at this
inn tonight, and in the morning |
will return. Give me your word of
honor that YOU will not leave this
house until | come back, and that
YOU will not. in the meantime speak
to anv one of what has taken place
between us.
"You have my word. Go TO my
dwelling, to my daughter, and you
will find that | have told you but
the simple truth. My name is VIII
helm Salm. Here is my full adj
dress"
With these words he handed the
young man paper, giving the adj
dress of his house. 1t lay in a suburb
inhabited by the poorer classes, at
some distance from the city proper.
"And my name is Carl Teodor, /"
said the young man. Take this
bank note it will serve till my re-
turn"
Carl rang for the waiter, had the
landlord called, commended the old
man to his care in suitable terms
and left the house.
Hardly had the marning broke
when Carl found himself on the way
to the suburb where lived the daugh-
ter of the old man with whom he
had become acquainted under such
peculiar circumstances. 1t was a
poor place. The young man knock
ed opened the door, and involuntari-
ly stepped back.
What did he see!
The young girl whose Inconsistency
had made his life burden unbeara-
bic stood before him.
She had grown pale-very pale
but he knew her at first glance; it
was Bertha, whom he had once
hoped to call his own!
At his appearance, the young girl
sprang toward him, overcome with
Joy, holding out her little hand.
The young man waved her back say
ing. You did not expect to see
me?"
The poor girl sank into her seat,
and covered her pale, beautiful
countenance with her pale hands.
"Are you Wilhelm Salms' daugh-
ter?" asked the young man coldly
after a pause.
II am" answered the maiden
timedly.
"And who, and where is that other,
to whom, as you told rue at parting,
your lite belonged ?"
THAT other is my father" answer
ed the young girl, looking up to the
young man with a glance in which
spoke the tenderest of love.
With lightning quickness the
truth dawned upon him, the scales
fell from his eyes.
Speechlessly be rushed to Bertha,
took her in his arms, and pressed
her to his breast.
'.Come to your fatherr he falter-
ed.
"My father, Oh heaven ! | forgot
where is he? He has been out all
night. have watched for him in
tears the long night through"
Your father is saved. He is with
me-" was Carl's answer, as he hur-
ried the young girl out, and through
the streets to the arms of her father.
a fortnight later, in the midst of
great splendor, the marriage of the
rich young banker, Carl Teodor, to
Bertha Salms, took place.