The record-union., 1895-07-27

80 sweet and peaceful. And that could
carry with me wherever I might roam
no one could grudge it me, nor dare gain
say my right. 1t would iniure neither
Moidl nor them. First l prayed the holy
Virgin to kindly guide my hand, TO make
it cease trem bling, that [ might pencil
my love truthfully, do justice to form
and feature. And so you, gracious sir.
really think it beautiful? Indeed, that
pleases me much.
It was truly a work of love; | spent
hours upon it, and was neither hungered
nor wearied thereby. By the time it was
finished my good resolves had had time
to take root, and they were not again to
be shaken. | clam bered up the rocks
and fastened down to the village, for |
needed help to remove the poor darling.
And, Just ut the stroke of sunset bell, we
Toni Meisner ana I-bore her within
their home. And he, poor fellow, wept
like child as he wrung my hand and
thanked me.
All. you have indeed quite right, sir!
For truly | have never repented having
conquered my selfish desires. In truth
the devil was III me those few moments
in which l SO longed TO keep Moidl. No,
no, Herr Pastor. l cannot bear it! No
bic fellow? Not | indeedi [ came nigh
unto proving q devil incarnatel But, my
good sir, there is something go sympa-
thetic in your looks | felt sure you would
understand; indeed, | was led on, scarcely
knowing, until l have told you
what l have never breathed to
mortal before. You, Herr Pastor, are
the first to read, not only between the
lines, but deep down into my heart.
Eighteen years have gone their weari-
some way since | penciled that picture of
Moidl. but never once since that evening
has the "Angelus" reached my ears that
l have not with minds eye seen the sun
with loving touch send his last lingering
rays asiant her resting place, loath indeed
TO take leave.
We will come ere long to my sketch of
MoldFs grave, for l returned once again
to 5. And there, just in front of the
cross Toni had placed. [ planted an edel-
weiss brought from near the fatal ledge
of rock. But, alas! l doubt not it is long
since dead-for the blossom does
not thrive in the denser air of the val
ley.
But look, Herr Pastor; yonder comes
the train. And as yet buta small portion
Of my book have | shown.
What? More in the car? And pastor
IN thlrd-class com partment? And he
no better than lit as good? Arrant
nonsense, good sir begging your pardon.
Is not the shepherd more choice than the
sheep, and black sheep at that? Well,
tLeu, as you Will. OHIy IeaV0 you sOOni
for half an hour up the road l plunge into
the Dolomites and wander on as far as
Cortina.
Ever been there? No? A most charm
ing country truly, and a friendly folk
there, too. [ advise you once to try it,
All, no, best thanks, kind sir, but 1
really need not your silver. Keep it, L
beg. and hand it over to the next poor
lump" you meet, and with it my very
bost wishes: who knows but you find
him in more pitiable plight than the ped
der Jakob Schmidt.
But, now L bethink mo of my pack,
long out of mind. Can 1 not persuade the
Herr Pastor to purchase pair of sus-
penders? Or does he perhaps rather re-
quire fresh pocket handkerchief? So,
good? And with it in parting let me
offer a pinch of snuff! Adieu! 4 good
journey most gracious Herr Pastor
New York Evening Post.