The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1897-01-14

cares for best--or, failing the loved
presence, with the memory Of some ten
der message to haunt one through the
day. John missed both bitterly, and
determined to seek in music peace of
mind, since forgetfulness was impos-
sible. z-
He paid extravagantly for his seat
in St. James hall, and took possession
of it just as some one began the 'Moon-
light Sonata" Dreamily he enjoyed
the wonderful mesmeric melody; listen
ing, with closed eyes, he heard its ten
der human voice tell of Elsa, of their be-
trothal and the storminess of their
parting. AS it ended, he awoke, sigh
ing, from his reverie, to q conscious
ness of Elsa's presence. He could not
account for tit seemed part of the
dream-yet there she sat, next to him,
studying the programme, her sweet,
oval face shaded by large black hat
that cunningly revealed the waves and
coils of her chestnut hair. She was
dressed faultlessly and looked at ease
with the world and herself. John had
pictured their meeting so differently
he had had visions of need and dis
tress bringing her back to him, of love
conquering pride, and he missed the
pathetic, downward curve of her red
lips .>+ SS
Unconscious of his scrutiny, she read
on to the end of the page, when she
looked up and their eyes met. She
started little; then held out her hand
with a gracious movement.
''How do you do? You are the last
person in the world I expected to find
here! I hoped to be in time for the
sonata, but see have just missed it."
He did not hear word of the song
that followed-he was wondering what
to say to this strange, cold. but ever
fascinating Elsa. She turned to him in
the interval and said:
"My conscience has often pricked
me about not writing to Mrs. Ponder.
Have you seen her lately?'
eyes, saw her last week." he an
swered, hurriedly, "and she told Inc
something you have right to know"
Elsa held up her little gloyed hand
with deprecating gesture.
ooh, please please-nothtng about
that unfortunate diamond! suppose
it has turned up somewhere. meant
to save up and send you another. but
afterwards thought it would be bet
ter to forget it ALL"
"And me? Well, perhaps you are
right" said John, slowly.
II am not always right" said Elsa,
frankly, smiling on his melancholy
face; ''for instance, should have told
you from the first about my father,
but put it off because like pleasant
topics, and that always made me cry"
"For Gods sake, Elsa, be merciful.
You don't think love you less because
Of that? And, Elsa, dear, 1 have
searched for you for three years to try
and undo what said in a moment OF
madness. Can't you forgive me?"
Elsa's manner baffled him, but when
she spoke her voice was low and trem-
rlous.
II forgave you long ago.; and don't
let us speak of it any more; everything
is past and buried"
Everything but our promises and
plans for the future, you mean?"
''Please don't speak of them, they
were childish. The perfect love anil
trust we spoke of so glibly were myths.
But shall always be grateful to YOU"
II don't understand. You talk in
riddles. WHY should you be grateful
20 me?"
''You told me once that there is al
ways second best. have learned to
find it,
''What do you mean? Where have
you been all this time? Don't keep ME
in such suspense can't bear It'll"
81 suppose owe you an explanation.
When + ran away I made some desperate
resolutions. They came to nothing, for
when I went to my work in the morn
ing, determined to give notice and bury
myself where no one should find me
Mr.. Scarpley was so kind that, in an
swer to his inquiries, was tempted TO
tell him the whole story" Elsa stopped
aud stared at the empty platform for a
moment.
IF I had only known!" murmured
John, frowning. 81 went there, but he
would give me no clew."
t'He is the best and dearest of men,
returned Elsa, warmly. II made him
promise. And though he had only my
word, he believed in me, and--and--
loved me. Desolate, heart-broken and
friendless as I was, he offered me the
truest heart that ever beat, and un-
worthy as was, I accepted it, and have
learnt to value it,
"You married that mani" gasped
John, hardly knowing what he said.
Elsa gently bent her head. ''That
honor was mine," she said, proudly
.'He is not young may call him
plain. L think he is the best and hand
soonest man in the world, and he thinks
I am the most perfect woman that ever
lived. So now you know why \ am
grateful"
The. long-haired favorite again took
his place at the piano. Elsa smiled and
applauded with the rest. It was clea,
she had no pity for Johns heartache.