The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1894-06-02

to guide him Alright, and as he waited
he heard them speaking, though he
could not distinguish the words.
Going up to the next door he knock
ed gently, and when voice answer
ed softly: "Come in," he opened it
and entered.
He found himself in the same
room that opened out into the
garden. The moonlight outside
spread throughout the simply fur
nished apartments a gentle gray
light that was very pleasant and
soothing. III front of the windows
where the curtains moved in the
breeze, stood the small, square
shaped piano. The remaining
furniture OF the room consisted of a
stiff backed sofa round table, a
bureau and few chairs.
These were only dimly visible in
the uncertain light, but sharply out
lined against the window stood the
hgure OF a young girl, who had
risen on the entrance of the stranger
ard stood beside the piano.
Another door in the background
led on into a larger room, in which
burnt the light of two candles. In
this room the appearance was less
inviting it was the workshop OF
shoemaker. Probably the workmen
had been enjoying themselves and
had lett, for all around were visible
the tools and implements of the days
work.
Then man approached the door.
He looked at the stranger who stood
there silently, his hat in his hand,
with amaz=ment, and asked in
tone that was almost impolite.
Well? What is it? What do
you want1 Would you leave all
an order for shoes at, so late an
hour1
No, replied the stranger; not that.
| must ask your pardon for coming
in here so unceremonious,y. but |
was enticed hither by the lovely
music tha: | heard in the street.
Sir, what has my sisters singing to
do with your was the brusque re-
! ioinder. And turning to Marie:
There YOU are now! l have often
told you to keep the window closed
while you are playing and sing
ing.
The Slim figure, that had hitherto
remained motionless, now seemed
imbued with life, and turning to her
brother the young girl said gently.
Let me have, at least the pleasure
of the evening air; you know how l
enjoy it. He who is fond OF music
can have no evil intentions.
That may be SO, replied her
brother, somewhat softened by her
gentle words. But what next?
Turning to the young girl the
stranger said: You sang just now
song well known to me and well
beloved. You also played sonata
and played it extremely we'll Will
you perhaps give me permission
pardon the boldness-to play this
very sontata over to you again.
Ho no! that's better still, burst
forth the shoemaker. What next,
| should like to know1 l suppose
any one who likes can come In here
and play on my sisters piano! No,
sir no! this wont do. You had
better be getting home; the hour is
late.
The stranger however, appeared
not to have heard these words, and
while the brother VINO always anxi-
Gus about his sister, took good care
to keep all strange men at safe
distance, continued to reason with
her, he sat down and commenced to
play.
How the tones poured forth under
his magic touch like pearls; how
clear and distinct each note stood
out from the last; how we'll he under
stood to draw forth from the worth
less old instrument a series OF tones
so exquisite that they went straight
10 the heart.
1t had long ago grown Still in the
little room. The man who few
moments before had been so excited
had thrown himself into a deep old
fashioned chair, and was listening.
At first indeed he listened against
his will, but soon with attention; nay
with absorbing interest.
And the fair young girl leaned, as
before, on the window in such way
that the moonlight fell full upon her
face. Brighter and more bright
grew the atmosphere around her as
the moon climbed up the sky and
showered her soft beams down upon
her. The sweet perfumed breeze
stole in through the open window.
Presently, with magical effect, the
moonlight shown upon the floor of
the room and over the hands of the
player who turned his face towards
the window whence it came. And
there-amazed at the sight that met
his eyes-his fingers stopped play
ing and his hand slipped from the
keys. Strangely affected, his eyes
rested upon the white face of the
/ girl. who made movement and
half raised her hand as if to contreat
/ him to continue.
Then he began again. But it Was
no longer the well known air, but
a new strange and marvellous air
] that came nourino forth out of the