Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1886-12-30

of HIS he thinks.
well, this girl doesn't flirt, | can
tel! you that" he resumes carelessly.-
"She's been playing in public but q
short time, and has dozens of admirers
already; bit, bless you, they can
scarcely win smile from her. Cares
for nothing under heaven but her vio-
lin, they say. Come, you must attendE
l wont take a no. Surely you re not
afraid of losing your heart to our
charming musician?"
This last remark, made half-sneer-
ingly, has just the intended effect
After that Ed had no further trouble
in securing RAlph's promise to be pres
ent.
And when the hour arrives he is
there, elegantly attred, and looking
very handsome after his long soourn
abroad
He sees her at last-the new sensa-
tlon-sees and recognizes her-Maud
! Treynor. Not the Maud of the old
DAYS, however.
| The tail, willowy form was just as
graceful, but somewhat more rounded
far more queenly. The gay, riante
witchery OF the past was gone, but the
charming face was more beautiful now,
he thought; it was grand, thoughtful,
womanly.
And wAen she raised her violin to
her shoulder and drew the bow, with
loving touch, across its quivering, re-
sponsive strings, the look Of rapt in
spiration in her lark eyes, made her
| Lowell face almos; sanity in it's won
drous beauty.
1t is just as the last notes die away
that she sees and recognizes him in
turn.
There is is a swift paling of the vel
vety dusk cheeks, trembling Of the
bow in her white hands that sets all
the strings s-quiver, then she turns
calmly to her seat, only to be half
smoothered before she reaches 1t by the
praises of her enchanted listeners.
She has still another number to per-
form before the musicale 10 over, and
presently she takes her place once
more. But as the first low notes rise
tromhlingly, all know at once that it
is not the selection they were expecting
to hear.
Softly, sadly, dreamily, the sweet
rich strains rise and fall and throb
upon the perfumed air.
Ralph piermont shades bis eyes with
his hand, and breathles6lY drinks in
every sound. He dares not look up
lest his eyes betray him.
For it is his own favorte air that she
is playing that she has PLAYED for
him hundred times in those days,
that he is malIy trying to forget.
Yet now how different. 1t is rem
dcred with a master touch, and with
the whole soul Of the gifted played in
fused with thrilling pAthos into every
note.
He knows irstinctiveIY that she is
playing for HIN, to him; and, AS the
last exquisite strains fade into silence,
he lifts his head and their eyes meet.
He understands.
"You sent back my note unopened,'
she says, half in her old challenging
way, half in soft reproach, as in the
partial seclusion of window recess
they speak for fow minutes CT what
is in each heart.
Yes no replied, Il admit my guilt.
But '--smiiinglY-''even that was but
another proof Of yoar power over me,
you little witch! did not dare trust
myself to read it, for knew YOU could
lead me whittier you would.'
Yet If you had she said mus
inglg. "Wcll'-aft4r a thoughtful
p,use--"perhaps then I should never
have learned to love my violin 60 dear
ly."
And if am ever jealous Of any
thing hereafter" smiles Ralph, tender
ly laying lis hand upon tho case that
holds the little peace maker, lit will
be Of this dear old vioiin.'
Woman is courageous until the