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

ably attractive by Hilda's presence. AT
first he deceived even himself, and really
thought he had no serious intention in
seeking her society beyond wish to pass
few fieeting moments pleasantly, but
he soon found that lore was the magnet
which so completely transformed his
careless, fun-loying nature into one filed
with the hopes and aspirations of youth
ful 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 vista of intense and wonderful hap
piness to Hilda when he fist told her of
his love, and for 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 high-born lady,
Then came the thought of his family, but
Norden reassured her by mis- 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 WE'LL So her fer
tile brain hit upon an expedient. He
dressed himself so completely ike an un-
sophisticated countryman that Hilda her
selfkiiled to recognize him. He kept up
his assumed character until the last word
of the ceremony had been said, and they
we're pronounced man and wife. Then
he threw off his faxen wig, Strengthened
his STOPPING figure, and with gay laugh
at the clergyman's astonished face, took
the pen and signed his name-Norden
Friejholf-in bold. legible characters, on
the parish register.
"Thank you for this mornings work.
he said. "Love hasIagain laughed:at all OBJ
stacles"
" 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 p
" have done nothing am either sor-
ry for, or ashamed of and the young
heir drew Hilda's trembling form close to
his side. love Hilda better than my
own life, and now nothing can take her
from me-"
But the poor brides heart was filed
with sudden fear and sorrow. Never be-
fore had the good minister looked at her
without 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
brimming over with tears as she looked
up at him piteously, is it so? Will l
never be forgiven ? Then Norden is ru-
ined, and through his love for me :"
Nonsense, Hilda p said Norden cheer
ily MY father never refused me any
thing in his life. Think you, then, he
would say nay to my first plea for forgive
ness 2"
The good old man stood looking from
one to the other--a mingling of emotions
upon his face. Pity for Hilda-vexation
at Wonderland dismay at his own posi-
ton in the MATERIAL contending for the
mastery. At last he said, gravely;
What is done cannot now be undone,
and the young master must go at once
to his father and make clean breast
of it."
Moved by sudden impulse, Hilda
knelt before him.
"Will you give me your blessing, and
tell me you forgive me? didn't meaan
to do wrong"
The old mans eyes were moist as be
laid his wrinkled hands upon her bowed
head and said, solemnly
May God oless you, and give you
happy life"
Hilda pressed her soft lips to his hand.
Thank you, she said. Whatever
comes, l shall be the better able to bear
it."