Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-07-19

as he read thisi What matterei IL 10 him
that the brow Of his youthful protege had
been touched by the aged masters wthercd
lips. Was she not the High Priestess o:
art, who had gained mysterious power from
the spirit o, the waterfall the forest and the
streami 1t was new idea TO think Of her
as an earthly woman for man, young or old
to kiss.
When next he wrote TO Helga, he request
ed her to send him good cabinet photo
graphs OF her mother and herself. How
startled he was when the pictures came
and after compelling himself TO look first at
! the quaint pleased face OF the mother he
gazed long and intently at the counterfeit
sembance of the daughter. What
glorious being she had becomel She was
the inspired artistic the ideal woman. She
would take the world by storm, but-What
ails you, Luther Marsdoni Have you not
educated her for the public service Of art.
Yes-but-
The next day our friend started for New
York and took the first steamer for
Germany For three years he had confined
himself closely to business, important cases
had been intrusted TO him. which he had
not felt able 10 leave, bat just now he saw
nothing others could not attend to for him.
was spoken Of as governor of his state.
Should he be nominated and elected it
would be long before h had another oppor-
tunity for a bright holiday, and he could
have no peace until he had seen helga and
fathomed the meaning Of an expression in
her photograph that reminded him of Il tone
he had failed TO comprehend in her letters.
The girl was capable of profound love-
Nay, it would seem as though she already
loved. But whoml
He reached Wemer in time TO hear Helga
sing at the closing concert of the Conserva-
tory's season. She was the star of the
occasion. and the wondroCs magic OF her
voice and her presence were bewildering to
Luther Marsdon. Bursts OF applause
greeted her. Seldom had graduate of the
Conservatory reused greater enthusiasm, it
was said, and her instructors had over
whelmed her with credentials. Her bene-
factors presence was unknown to her until
all was over and she was being clasped be-
hind the scenes to proud mothers heart
Approaching quietly, he placed bouquet
of rare roses in her hand, and said, "Well
done ~
How glad I am you are here, kind
friendr' exclaimed Helga, as soon AS she
could command words, and it reioiced
Luther that she knew him at once.
"Are you satisfied with me." she asked,
presently.
"More than satisfied, my child" was his
reply.
After exchanging greetings with the good
mother, he led the pair to the waiting car
riage and drove them home.
Earnest conversation followed. Helga
thought favorably of numerous offers she
had received to appear in concerts, and af-
ter earning a little money for herself she
wished TO study for one winter in Paris.
Luther Marsdon listened, watched and
waited. He saw Helga color rise and fall,
as she detected his close scrutiny, but IT
was not until he was alone with her that he
dared feel hopeful Of obtaining what he
coveted. Then condolences were exchanged
and each read the others heart.
During the long months of toll Helga had
fCndly cherished tho image of the stranger
who had come to her on tie mountain, and
provided her with the means of knowledge
and power. Every treasure she had gained,
every laurel she had won she longed 10 lay
at his feet. She knew she could conquer
the world, yet sighed because she deemed
herself incapable of ruling over his heart.
All this'sh admitted after he had told his
love.
Glow little dreamed that you could love
the simple little peasant maiden" said she.
"And how little dreamed that you could
give Your peerless self to the man so much
older than you, who had finished one life
when he found you learning of the Force
grim. Nay, do not smile, my love, there
are wonderful spirits in your native noun
} tains, wonderful spiritual influences, at all
events Inspired by them and by you l
have been born anew"
There was a quiet wedding shortly after
this in an historic Wemar church, and all
the friends of the couple who were united
in the bonds of matrimony were delighted
with the event, except Frau Won Milde,
she protested to the last, and declared she
would never again interest herself in a
pupils career. AS for good Dame Sylvfest,
she bore in her bosom thankful heart.
The proposed life in the great world had
alarmed her and size knew her darling
would be safe in the good Americans care.
She begged her children TO allow her TO
pass one year in Norway before accepting
their invitation to live with them in Ameri-
ca. So they took her 10 her old home, and
then set sail for the new world.
Busy days ensued for Luther Marsdon
and his bride The stately mansion he had
occupied was remodled, "A music hall added
and a concert grand piano placed at the dis
posa Of the mistress of the place Luther
was himself fine musician, was familiar
with the songs of Germany and Scandinav-
ian countries, and so great was the sympa-
thy existing between himself and his young
wife that her song and his accompaniment
were even as the work Of one performer.
Ere long arose the campaign excitement
of the state. Luther Marsdon was nomi-
mated and finally elected governor by a
sweeping majority.
But as we are telling the tale the evening
is wearing on and the multitude is throng-
ing the mansion TO pay its respects TO the
governor and his lady at their first recep
ton " hat splendid couple they make !
The governor is tail, broad -shouldered
stately and dignifed with a mass of slight
~ grizzled hair, and long iron gray beard
The governors lady is n charming specimen
OF the pure browed, clear-cycd daughter OF