Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1885-04-04
yourself Of my prospects =

AND Uncle JOSIAH, after q long con-
sultation with Aunt Polly, concluded
to go. Daisy hada new dress of soft
white muslin made, and bought a
dainty straw hat in the village. Then
Uncle Josiah wrote to Reuben by
what train to expect him, and the
fateful journey commenced.
Reuben was not at the depot, but
in his place was a courteous gentle
man who explained to Uncle Josiah
that his nephew was detained by
business, took the travellers to ho-
tel, where theirrooms were engaged
and waited while they had supper.
Then telling them he would take
them to Reuben, he put them into n
carriage and drove rapidly to a white
building whose wide hall was bril-
liantly illuminated. Here well dress
ed men and ladies in full evening
toilets were entering in crowds.
Reuben's friend led Uncle Josiah
and Daisy to a seat in brilliant
hall, near platform, and told them
Reuben would come soon.
In Daisy's hand he put program,
and she wonderingly read Of the must.
cal treat in store for her, only vague
~ comprehending it all On every
ride the buzz of conversation bore the
name Of the great L., the famous
violinist, whose Cremona seemed gift
ed with speech under the touch of his
inspired fingers
Itwas like dream. A white robed
lady came upon the platform and sang,
q gentleman played upon the piano.
Then there was great noise ofpeo-
pie clapping their hands and stamping
with their feet, fairly bewildering
poor country-bred Daisy.
Agreat hush, and softly, familiar as
mothers voice, there fell upon Daisy's
ear the notes of a violin, bearing out
upon the air the melody of Reuben's
Carnival of the birds
She looked up then and met the
soft, dark eyes Of her lover watching
her face as he drew his bow across
the strings. Not q sound but the
music of the wondrous violin broke
the stiffness OF the vast room, where
one mans genius kept the crowd spell
bound.
It was over, and the great violinist
bowed and was gone. Again the deaf.
ening, tumultuous applause, and Reu-
ben was back again playing an air
unfamiliar to Daisy, but seeming to
answer all the deep JOY Of her soul.
Twice Reuben played, recalled each
time, and then the concert was over,
and their escort led Uncle Josiah back
to the carriage Daisy clinging fast to
his arm. At the door of their private
parlor the new friend babe them good
night, and opening the door they
stood face to face with Reuben. Not
the pale sad boy of year ago, but
q man, self-reliant, glad and noble,
one who had found his life work and
doing it well.
Uncle Josiah found the strap ofhis
glove most manageable while Reu-
ben clasped Daisy in his arms, and
low, tender words fell from the lips
of both.
But when Reuben, clasping Daisy
still, held out his hand, the farmer
grasped it hard.
i don't doubt 1 was an old fool,
Reuben / he said, but I'm not toe
old to learn.
And Reuben, over the dainty sup
per that was presently served, told
them how his violin had won him
fame and gold--more than Uncle Jo-
siah had imagined one man could
earn in ten years.
4 have an offer now to 60 abroad,
Uncle, Reuben said, and If I accept
1T I must sail next month. May
take Daisyi'
Yes, lad. You've kept your prom
ise-I1l keep mine