St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-01-02
come from? thought you were at the

DALI"
81 was there replied the doctor, be-
traying some slight embarrassment,
''but left very soon; IL was not in the
right kind of mood for a ball, But 1
am scarcely less surprised to see you,
Miss Magda, promenading the wintry
park, instead of grazing the shining
parguet of the Exchange
1T is because she is a dear, good
child" said her father, lovingly placing
his hand upon his daughters shoulder.
MY wife was suddenly taken i'll, and
While we did not interfere with Magda's
pleasure, she was too good a daughter
to leave her suffering mother, and
willingly renounced the anticipated en-
Joyment. 1t may not have been an
easy task" he added, 'but l can truth
fully say it was gladly DONE"
''Such herOism deserves great praise"
said DR.. Aiming, cleverly turning from
the professors side to that of his young
your first ball, Miss Magda?'
"Yes. of course, put have almost
forgotten the ball" said the young dam
sci in voice which left no doubt as to
the truth of her assertion. How beau
tiful 1t is here, land she gazed about
with shining eyes-''it seems almost to
me, that the last evening of the year is
lar better spent underneath Gods vast
open sky, than in the ball room.'
II am glad that you agree with my
own sentiment, and l may confess to
you that am no great friend of New
Years eve balls. The custom OF oblit-
Grating the solemn thoughts which the
close OF the year brings to every human
heart by loud gayety and mirth never
appealed to my liking. It's an evening
which above all others belongs to the
family. Of COURSE" he added with
great sigh, to those who are so happy
as to have a family.'
Charley and Elizabeth took advantage
OF the favorable opportunity and took
their father i'll their midst, drawing him
along With them and overwhelming him
with thousand questions.
Magda and the doctor followed slowly
on. And while they wandered side by
Slde through the mOOnlit park, the
young man began to tell her in gentle
words OF the happy family life of his
youthful days, and how earnestly he
wished that the circle of home would
once more close warmly and snugly
around him. He told her of his dead
mother, with whom he had always spent
this evening of the year, of her good
ness and tenderness, and the great loss
her death was to him. Before either
were aware Of it. they had arrived at
her fathers house. With polite salute
the doctor attempted to withdraw, but
the professor protested. mo, doctor,
you must come with us. The old year
has so wonderfully led you across our
path that you must help us see its
close"
viii 1t not disturb your wife 2"
My wife cannot hear us in her room,
and, besides, she fell asleep long ago.
Magda will see to it that the punch will
soon be ready"
Magda's nimble feet ran swiftly up
the stairs. Charley and Elizabeth lent
helping hands, and soon the little COM
pany was gathered around the family
board, doing honor to the traditional
fragrant bowl, which Magda had pre-
pared.
The younger children provided oil
manner of New Years eve entertain
meDt, and even the grave father had to
JON in the throwing of apple peels and
slippers. and try his luck at melting
lead. Magda ami DR.. Armstrong took
part In the general merrlment at first,
but as the mystic hour drew near in
which the old year surrenderS its scep-
ter to the new, they grew strangely
quiet. Standing close to the slightly
open window, they listened and peered
into the darkness outside.
Suddenly the first peal of the mid
night bell announced clearly and dis
tinctlY the changing tide. Magda
clasped her arms around her fathers
neck, wishing him "happy new year."
and, making room for Charley and
Elizabeth, turned to DIR. Aiming, who
had modeStly stepped aside, SO as not to
disturb the little family scene.
Il hope the new year will be happy
one for you," she said timidly.
''DO not say for me alone-say for
both of US, Magda, my darling" he
whispered earnestly. 1t was all he
hand into the Doctors with Happy
new yearw over and over again.
Magda's face was bathed in girlish
bushes; her sensitive mouth trembled
as she felt her lovers gaze rest long
ingly upon her. Slowly, tlmiIly she
raised her face to his, and their eyes
met i'll happy promise, while his hand
folded gently over her two dimpled
ones.
The doctor had gone, and the rest of
the family had soon retired. Stepping
softly along the hall, with her slippers
i'll her hand, SO as not to awake her
mother, Magda Slipped into the room.
which she shared with her. But the
mother heard the approach of her child.
'is it you, my little daughter?" she
questioned gently. In amoment Mazda
was by her side, faltering into her ear
the warm New Years wishes for her
mothers welfare. AS the mother
passed her hand caressingly over the
girls face she found the dew of tears
upon the soft velvety cheeks.
Are you still unhappy about the
ball, my poor child?" she asked ten
derby.
Unhappy? Oh, mother, sweet
mother, so happy, so indescribably
happyn' And pressing her blushing
face against the loving breast of her
..other she whispered to her the ex-
quisite hope which had unfolded to her