The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1885-11-18

ply VIM Piae 9'A ebiAi' ~ AAA'ii
music"
And again the violin obeycd the bow.
as the works Ruben had studied from his
fathers music rose upon the summer air.
"And you were about to break your vi
olin?" the stranger said.
YES for | can never be a farmer
while my brain is full OF music was the
sad reply.
"Ah. You want to be farmer, then.
Would you not rather be "A musician
Rcuben's eyes glistened Long lie and
the stranger talked, and the sun was set
tied when he turned his face homcward.
"Uncle JOSIAH he said, when all the
chores were done and the farmer rested
on the moonlit porch, "if in year can
bring You proof that can support Daisy,
will you give her to me-
II will was the hearty reply. Have
you broken your fiddle, Rcuben;"
"No, and lam going to leave you to-
morrow. ! have been offered work in the
city"
"Work in the city, Well, lad. it may be
you are too peaked for farm work and
will find it easier there. But remember.
if You fail, there's always home for You
here Reuben"
Reuben graspcd the hand stretched out
TO him in his long, slender fingers and his
sobbing God bless you, sir" came from
his very heart.
Not even to Daisy did he tell his new
hopes, but babe her be faithful, and
whether he succeeded or failed he would
return at the end of the year.
When he took his place in the stage
coach for the railway station his new
friend, met in the fair ring, was by his
side.
Little Daisy kept her heart true. Every
market day when the farmer came from
town with his great wagon empty he
took from his pocket n letter from Reu-
ben for Daisy, and every one was hope
full. His work was pleasant and was pay
ing him well. Some of the letters were
dated New York some Boston. some
Philadelphia; and when winter came
Reuben wrote from all the great cities.
even New Orleans, and Daisy's heart
throbhcd high with loving delight to feed
sure his love was true amid the gay scenes
he described, the ucw friends he met.
Winter sped away. spring blossoms
hloomcd and fell, and the end of the year
was drawing near. letter came to
! Uncle Josiah
"Win you bring Daisy to New York"
Reuben wrote. "and judge for Yourself OF
my prospects,"
And Uncle Josiah, after long consulta-
tion with Aunt Polly concluded to 20.
Daisy had new dress of soft white mus
lin made, and bought dainty straw hat
in the village. Then Uncle Josiah wrote
to Ruben by what train to expect him,
and the journey commenced.
Reuben was not at the depot, but in his
! place was a courteous gentleman who cx-
planned to Uncle Josiah that his nephew
was detained by business. took the tray
clcrs to a hotel where their rooms were
engaged, and waited while they had sup
per. Then. telling them he would take
them to Reuben, he put them into Il car
riagc and drove rapidly to white build
ing, whose wide hall was brilliantly illum-
mated. Here wcll-drcsscd men and ladies
in full evening toilets were entering in
crowds, Reubens friend led Uncle
Josiah and Daisy to a seat in the brilliant
hall near the platform, and told them
Reuben would come soon.
In Daisy's hand he put programme
and She wonderingly read of the musical
treat in store for her, only vaguely com
pretending it all. ON every side the buzz
of conversation bore the mime OF the
great l., the famous Niolinist whose
Cremona seemed gifted wiz. speech under
the touch of his inspired fingers.
1t was like dream. \ white-robed la
dy came upon the platform and sang. n
gentleman played a solo upon the piano.
There 0yas Il great noise of people clap
ping their hands and stamping their feet,
fairly bcwildcring poor country-bred Dali
sy,
A great hush, and softly familiar A.
mothers voice, there fell upon DaiSyS
ear the notes of violin, bearing out up
on the air the melody Of Rcubcn'S Carni-
val 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 sound but the music of the Won
drous violin broke the stiffness of the vast
room, where one mans genius kept the
crowd spellbound.
1t was over, and the great vioini~t
bowed and WAS gone. Again the dcafcn-
ing, tumultuouS applause, and Reuben
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 Overland
their escort led Uncle Josiah back to the
carriage Daisy clinging fast tn his arm
At the door of their parlor the new friend
babe them goodnight, and opening the
door they stood face to face with Reuben.
Not the pale. sad boy of year ago, but a
man, sclf-rcliant. glad and noble, one who
had found his life-work and was doing it
we'll.
Uncle Josiah found the strap OF his
glove most unmanageablc while Reuben
caspcd Daisy in his arms and low tender
words fell from the lips of both.
But when Reuben claSping Daisy >tiil
held out his hand, the farmer "ra>pcd il
hard.
NO doubt was an old fool Reuben"
he said; but am not too old to learn.
And Reuben, over the dainty supper
that was presently served, told them how
his violin had won him fame and gold
moro than Uncle Josiah had imagined n
man could earn IN ten years.
Il have an offer to go abroad, Uncle
Reuben said and If accept ii | must sail
next month. May take DaiSy?"
Yes lad. You've kept your promise
III keep mine
You are my guests this week, and then
! am free till we sail. so we may 20 home
for the wedding" Reuben said.
And Uncle Josiah. with inward miSgiv-
ingS about the boy, yielded to DaiSy's
pleading face and consented to the argu-
ment.
\ week of sightseeing, shopping. in
tense happiness. with three of the con-
certS where Daisy'S heart was divided be
tween love and PRIDE and then away TO
the farm.
There was quiet wedding, and Aunt,
Polly wept over the long separation To
come, but the little bride had no misgiv-
ing when she turned her face from her
old home to cross the ocean with her hus-
band And Reuben. in his greatest tri-
umphs when crowned heads were bent to
listen to the voice of his genius. would