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

. 10 have seized upon the soul OF thl:
, warm hearted, sympathetic man
: pity for the whole of humanity hao
t flooded his being and he put it forth
in music. For the large dark eye:
: that shone in the pallid face of the
, young girl and gazed so fxedly into
. the magical moonlight outside were
sightless orbs-the girl was blind?
That was what the player at the
piano had discovered, and that was
what had filled him with such power
of sympathy.
/ And yet how lovely she was in
her helplessness! What wonder
tul charm OIL maidenhood lay around
her slim form as she stood there
with her beautiful head turned to
ward the moonlight street
Gently the breeze played among
the tresses OF golden hair on her
neck and brow. Beneath her fine
exquisitely chiseled nose lay small
mouth, whose sensitive lips plainly
spoke of bitter pain and stern renun
citation.
| Her light colored dress was cut
low and showed off her beautiful
neck. Her slender hands hung
down by her side and where clasped
as in supplication.
Ever deeper and more heartfelt
sounded the music as the man gazed
earnestly upon the pale moonlit
countenance. 1t seemed to inspire
him, and he seemed to draw the
marvellous power of his musical
thoughts from those sightless eyes
and pathetic features.
And then suddenly as the chords
and harmonies rose in the wordrous
tones OF the glorious climax there
were signs of passionate excite.
ment in the form that had been so
still.
With loud wild cry, Marie sank
down at his feet.
Beethoven! she cried.
Yes it is Beethoven, he answered.
Beethoven who was playing for you
tor you alone my poor sweet child.
And he took her head gently in
his two hands and impressed a kiss
softly upon the pure pale brow.
Quickly she rose to her feet.
Thank you, oh thank you, she cried
with rapture. Never shall l forget
this blessed hour. Now | know at
last what music is, and row for the
first time l can understand how to
study diligently. With this day my
life has acquired new meaning and a
new purpose.
The honest shoemaker, who may
we'll have been doing little during
the past quarter of an hour, got up, and
approaching his visitor with heavy steps,
offered his hand.
| must ask your forgiveness for hav-
ing wished to show you the door, he
said, but how could l have suspected
in you such distinguished man and
in such a profession?
Say nothing more about that,
answered Beethoven, smiling. You
had right to regard me as bold
intruder, and | have all the same
accomplished my aim and purpose,
and have played to your sister the
sonata | composed many years ago.
She expressed wish to hear it PLAYED
by the composer himself, not knowing
that he happened to be standing within
reach of her voice. But, now, fare
we'll and good night, TOR it is growing
late and | must go home.
Taking his hat, he once more ap-
preached the blind girl and took her
hand.
God protect you, Maria, he said,
softly, and as he withdrew his hands
he felt burning tear fall upon it-a
tear from those poor, sightless eyes.
Then he turned hastily away, and
with a bow to the brother, lett the
house.
After going a little distance he slack
ened his pace, and unutterable sorrow
came into his heart.
He himself had fought with many a
bitter woe and cruel fate, but the sor-
rows OF others seemed harder to him
than any of his own he had been
forced to bear.
When he reached his lonely, simple
little home, although it was very late,
he did not retire to rest, but went into
his study. He was still too deeply
affected by the experience of the even
ing to be able to sleep.
The moon shone brightly into the
room. Beethoven opened his piano
and sought to bring back again the
music that had been called forth from
his very soul by the young girls sor.
row. And they came back to him
melodies, chords, harmonies-all
So he lit candle and began busily
to write the whole night along he sat
and worked, and when the gray light
of morning crept in through the win
dows the work was finished and Beet
hoven had gwen to the world his
"Moonllght Sonata"
Stranger (at door)-I am trying
to find lady whose married name |