Wichita eagle., 1889-12-03
A PRESENTIMENT.

Some one was playing soft, grave music In
the silence of the great vaulted chamber-a
chamber with desp, wide windows looking on
to the Rospigion gardens of Rome.
A beautiful chamber, the studio of a woman
artist. whose name was well known to the
world Of art. 1t was sighted by shaded
lamps, and out Of shadowy corners cleaned
rich. artistic draperies and stands of palms
and flowers and odd, quaint cabinets laden
with china and bronze and bric-a-brac
A group of people were seated near the
open fireplace there was fragrance of tea
and delicate comestibles, and now and then
the chink Of cups and spoons and soft hum Of
voices. 1t was the day on which Nine. Mon
crieffe received, the one day OF the week on
which her friends and admirers were privil-
edged to intTude on her solitude: for, as a
rule, she lived a very solitary life, and never
had been known to accept any of the invita-
lions showered upon her by the English and
foreign society who winrered at Rome.
She sat now on a low chair by the fire. A
woman no longer young, and with face
whose pale and chiseled beauty was marred
by an expression of intense sadness-the face
of woman for whom life had held tragedy
of no common kind. Her eyes were gazing
drsamily into the clear, bright flames; her
hand, hanging loosely by her side, was
clasped in that of a young and very lovely
girl, who was kneeling on the soft rug at her
feet.
Music has many advantages. In society 1t
readily lends itself to use as well as enter
tainnent,-it is an incentive to confidence and
conversation. The voices rose and fell in
rhythmicai cadence subdued in difference to
an occasional chord; but her companion, as
if enbohsned by the murmurs around, nestled
closer and whispered an entreaty
II have come today" she said, "just to
plead my cause once more. Do say you will
come. II will be the one thing necessary to
complete my happiness. Surely you won't
refuse that"
The woman started, as if aroused from
some deep train Of thought. Her eyes turned
to the young, eager face, and something ten
der and compassionate came into their gaze.
Dear Estells," she said, II love you too
web TO refuse any request that might tend to
your happiness. would do more for you
thar any one / know here In Rome, but
cannot be present at your bridal tomorrow
Do not ask it, for hate to refuse you any
thing"
but do ask it, dear Mime. Moncrieffe, Z"
pleaded the spoiled beauty, the belle and
heiress of the winter city. "You know 1 al
ways get what want, and I want you-to-
morrow"
MY dear, said the artist sadly, III could
break ny rule for any one would do it for
You; but I cannot. Nothing could induce
me to attend a marriage ceremony-even
yours"
You always say that, 1 know. But why
Is there anything you fear! Or is it that
such a ceremony recals"--
Eyes" the woman interrupted; lit recalls
it awailens-it is full of pain and horror TO
me- Estelle, should be only shadow to
the sunshine of your bridal Do not press
the matter further"
The girl WIS silent She knelt there in the
freight a picture OF bright and beautiful
YOUTH 10 whom the future only showed itself
in the golden light of hope. Softly the mu-
sic rose and fell. 1t had changed now to a
plaintive, minor melody. The woman shiv-
cred as the mournful notes echoed through
the vast chamber.
sit was just such n scene as this" she said,
suddenly, 1.-The eve Of another wedding day,
and the music-oh, heavensl Why does he
play that's Why does he play that2"
Shall stop himF" cried the girl, terrified
by the agony of the face bent suddenly low
in the light of the leaping flames.
She half rose to her feet, but a gesture
from that slender, trembling hand stayed her
impulse, and she resumed her former atti-
tude
ibid l brighten you, Estellea am weaker
than 1 thought No, don't move, child; stay
there, and while the music lasts l will try to
speak, TO tell you the reason of a refusal that
seems so ungracious thing 1t is no caprice,
Estelle, for love you as if You were my own
child, and | have prayed for your happiness
ever since l knew that Prince Giovoli had
won your heart
You wish to know why | cannot be a
guest at your Wodding. Shall | tell you my
story Estele, or will it brighten yous We
live in an age of reals,n-of incredulity
No one believes now In dreams or signs, or
presentiments. and yet | know the truth of
each and ali OF these 50 well that am an old
woman before my time and shall carry a
broken heart with me TO my grave for the
sake of one"
The glrl trembled and drew closer. Il al
ways knew, she said, that YOU had suffered.
that some great trouble"-
You shall hear it if you wi.l," said the
woman, IN a strange, dull voice. She bent
her head. The girls blue eyes noted won
deringly the mingled gray and gold of the
soft, thick hair, the haggard lines about the
beautiful pale lips
1T is years ago" she said Quietly, land