The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1888-08-29

aoiy attractive by hilda's presence. AT
first he deceived even himself, and really
thought he had no serious intention in
seeking her society beyond a wish to pass
a few fleeing moments pleasantly, but
he soon found that Ice was the magnet
which s. completely transformed his
careless, ~fun-loying nature into one filed
with the hopes and aspirations of youth
full manhood. Slowly he came TO the
conclusion to brave all the prejudices of
his rank and caste, and to win the peer
less peasant girl for his wife. 1t opened
up a vista of intense and wonderful hap
piness TO Hilda when he fist told her of
his love, and for a few moments she real.
lied nothing bit that, like the prince in
the fairy tale, her lover had come to her
"a maiden of low degree-an1 laid his
gifts Of fortune at her feet as humbly as
though she had been a high-born lady.
Then came the thought of his family, but
Norden treasured her by his own high
courage, and confidence in his ability to
win his fathers forgiveness-once they
were married. At last, in spite of her
better judgment, she consented to a clan
destine marriage. The parish minister
would have refused to marry the young
heir without Count Friedholfs sanction.
This Norden knew full well. So her fer
tile brain hit upon IN expedient. He
dressed himself SO completely ike an N
sophisticated c%ountryman that Hilda her
self&ailed to recognize him. He kept up
his assumed character until the last word
of the ceremony had been said, and they
were pronounced man and wife. Then
he threw off his fiaxen wig, Strengthened
his STOPPING figure, and with a gay laugh
at the clergyman's astonished face, took
the pen and signed his name-Norden
Friedholf-in bold, legible characters, on
the parish register.
"Thank you for this mornings work"
he said. Love hasiagain laughed..at all OBJ
s~tacles."
But it is no laughing matter" said
the minister, Indignantly. Your father,
the Count, will never forgive me. Oh, my
dear young master, what have you
done ?"
Ihave done nothing | am either sor-
~ for, or ashamed of" and the young
heir drew Hilda's trembling form close to
side. :" love Hilda better than my
OurD life anI ror. ,o4k,nc - toEo -
from me-"
But the poor brides heart vas filled
with sudden fear and sorrow. Never be-
fore had the good minister looked at her
withouta kindly smile upon his face, but
now he frlwned at her SO sternly.
"oh, sir" she said, clasping her hands
and sinking down at his feet-her eyes
trimming over with tears as she looked
up at him piteously, sis it so7 Will /
be forgiven ? Then Norden is ru-
med, and through his love for mew
Nonsense, Hildai % said Norden cheer
lily. any father never refused me any
hing in his life. Think you, then, he
would say nay 10 my first plea for forgive
ness ?"
The good old mar stood looking from
one to the other-a mingling of emotions
upon his face. Pity for Hilda-vexation
At Norden--and dismay at his own posi-
ion in the MATERIAL ~contending for the
mastery. At last he said, grayely
What is done cannot now be undone,
the young master ust go at once
his father and make a clean breast
IF it"
Moved by a sudden impulse, Hilda
Snelt before him.
win you give me your blessing, and
me you forgive me? didn't meaan
do wrong"
The old mans eyes were moist as he
aid his wrinkled hands upon her bowed
head and said, solemnly
May God Dless you, and give you a
life"
Hilda pressed her soft lips to his hand.
Thank you, she said. " Whatever
comes, | shall be the better able to bear
~