The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1894-05-29

laUe.
The stranger, however, appeared not to
have heard these words, and while the
brother, who, always anxious about his
| sister, took good care to keep all strange
| men at a safe distance, continued to rea-
| son with her he sat down and commenced
! to play.
How the tones poured forth under his
| magic touch like pearls; how pure and dis
| tinct each note stood out from the last;
| how well he understood to draw forth
from the worthless old instrument a series
of tones so exquisite that they went
straight to the hearth
1t had long ago grown still in the little
room. The man, who few moments be-
fore had been SO excited, had thrown him
was listening. At first indeed he listened
against his will, but soon with attention
may, 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 Bright
er 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 shone upon the floor of the
room and over tho hands of the player,
who turned his face toward the window
whence it came.a And there-amazed at
the sight that met his eyes-his fingers
stopped playing and his hands slipped
from the keys. Strangely affected, his eyes
rested upon the white face of the girl, who
made a movement and half raised her
hand as if to entreat him to continue.
Then he began again. But it was no
longer the well known air, but new,
strange and marvellous music that came
pouring forth out of the black and white
keyboard. A deeply touching and sad mel
ody fell upon the ears of the astonished
listeners.
While his eyes were fixed upon that
quiet face in the moonlight, with the fea-
lures SO strongly marked, now and even to
himself undreamed of sounds came from
beneath his fingers. Unutterable pity
seemed to have seized upon the soul of this
warm hearted, sympathetic man. pity for
the whole of humanity had flooded his be-
ing, and he put it forth in music, for
. the large, dark eyes that shone in the pal
lid face of the young girl and gazed so fix
edly 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 powers of sympathy.
And yet how lovely she was in her help
lessness What wonderful charm of
maidenhood lay around her slim, form as
she stood there with her beautiful head
turned toward the moonlit street.!
Gently the breeze played among the
tresses of golden hair on her neck and
brow. Beneath her fine, exquisitely CHS
eled nose lay small mouth, whose sensi-
tive lips plainly spoke of bitter pain and
stern remuneration.
Her light colored dress was cut low and
showed off her beautiful neck. Her slen-
der hands hung down by her side and were
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 fea-
lures.
And then suddenly as the chords and
harmonies rose in the wondrous tones Of
the glorious climax there were signs of pas
sionate excitement in the form that had
been SO still
With a loud, wild cry Marie sank down
at his feet.
"Beethoven!'' she cried.
"Yes, it is Beethoven" he answered,
Beethoven who was playing for you, for
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 forget this
blessed hour. Now know at last what
music is, and now for the first time I can
understand how to study diligently. With
this day my life has acquired new mean
ing 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 approach
ing his visitor with heavy steps offered
him his hand.
II must ask your forgiveness for having
wished to show you the door, he said,
''but how could have suspected in you
such distinguished man and in such
profession?"
Say nothing more about that" an
swered Beethoven, smiling. ''You had
right to regard me as bold intruder, and
I 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 farewell and good
night, for it is growing late, and must
60 home"
Taking his hat, he once more approached
the blind girl and took her hand
"God protect you, Marie, ~ he said soft
~, and as he withdrew his hand he felt
burning tear fall upon ia tear from
those poor sightless eyes.
Then he turned hastily away, and with
bow to the brother left the house.
Afber going little distance he slacken-
ed his pace, and unutterable sorrow came
into his heart
He himself had fought with many
bitter woe and cruel fate but the sor-
rows of others seemed then harder to him
than any of his own he had been forced
to bear.
When he reached his lonely, simple lit
tie home, although it was very late, he
did not retire to rest, but went into his
study. He was still too deeply affected by