Democratic messenger., 1893-03-11
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BEFORE ALL THE WORLD.

A Dramatic Interview and why II Took
Place In the street.
1t was noontime of an October day.
The air was chilly and frosty. and the
many people who crowded the streets
had quickened their steps to winter
gait They jostled each other as they
hastened along. and the lauguid con
fusion of the summer time was over
come. Suddenly two of the many
stopped-a man and maid. They were
passing in opposite directions. and this
was "a meeting entirely by chance, too.
as the surprised manner of each SO
plainly showed.
They stood with clasped hands. gazing
happily and earnestly into each other :
faces. unmindful of the passing throng
for "A few brief. blissful moments.
And then she spoke:
"Oh. Lawrence. then you have not
forgotten me-
Forgotten you. little one." he replied.
'.Could an angel sent To earth forget
heaven:"
Papa told me you had. He has told
hhht N'a 'A0 HDs
care for me-any"-
Forgive me. dearest. hut your father
has lied" he interrupted fiercely. His
opposition To our love is so strong that
he would be SO base even as that to keep
ms separated. All, my love. | can stand
it no longer You love me-"
Dearly"
Then let us fly. am strong and will
protect you from your fathers anger.
Darling. answer. Shall we brave the
storms of life together
And she answered bravely. Yes"
BY this time great many interested
spectators had gathered about the young
couple. who. so engrossed were they i'll
the story of their hearts. failed to notice
the incongruity of the place.
Suddenly IN old man burst through
the crowd which had encircled the young
lovers and confronted them Anger was
plainly written on his wrinkled coun-
tenance.
Grasping the maiden by the wrist,
with Il fierce and sudden movement he
swung her about. placing himself be-
tween her and her lover.
Then. shaking his fist in the face of the
young man. in broken accents he spoke;
oh. you villain! You thief. Is it thus
you would repay my kindness: You
would rob me of my child: You would
destroy the happiness of my home? You
would take my greatest treasure? New
er-r-r-r. sir-r-r. COME home with me.
my child"
But the maid only sought to regain
her position by the young mans side.
The crowd WAS increasing rapidly and
surged about the trio who had chosen
to bring their private affairs 20 public
view
The old man and the yonng began a
stormy conversation and invectives flew
from one to the other The poor girl
gazed reproachfully from ont her large,
expressive eyes at the father.
In the height of his anger the old man.
releasing all hold upon the maid, raised
his cane aloft with both hands and would
have dealt the lover "A mighty blow.
But the young man was too alert, and
ere the blow could fall had grasped the
old mans arm. and giving him violent
twirl sent him reeling against the fore
most of the crowd. which fell back and
allowed the old man to sink TO the
ground.
Without further glance at the pros
trate father the man and maid elbowed
their way through the crowd and quick
ly disappeared.
Slowly the old man rose and gazed
about at the crowd. which was viewing
him with the greatest curiosity.
Then he spoke:
Ladies' and gentlemen. it is sad
and touching scene that you have wit
messed. If you would follow further tn,
fortunes of the unfortunate trio who
have appeared before you. attend the per
formance at the Blank theater next
week. every evening and the usual matt
nees. The regular prices will prevail
Good day. all"
And the crowd faded away. and tn.
streets were rs before. What's Odd.