Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1898-06-17
A VANISHED GROOM,

sAo W ApHer' 1ue WouulHB canopy mao
been raised, the benediction uttered, the
ring placed on the brides finger, the kiss
given to seal the union. She was his own
at last. His highest ambition had been
gratified. With words of congratulation
his friends crowded around him. 1t was a
joyous atmosphere indeed, while his wife
gazed at him with the lovelight in her
eyes.
dearest" he exclaimed suddenly as he
withdrew with her for a moment to a cor
ner OF the apartment which overlooked the
garden with Its winding paths, from which
strains of music arose, inviting all to the
dance; dearest, I must leave thee now"
"Oh, Abner," the bride half sobbed in
reply, "wouldst hot leave me at this mo-
ment of all moments in the world? Why,
the echoes of the marriage blessings still
resound In the air. Whittier wouldst thou
60, dearest? Surely" she added, with a
look of reproach, "thy place is now at my
side. Wouldst thou forsale me on our
wedding dayp"
NAY, my beloved; make no close in
quiry, nor seek to restrain me. I must 90.
! have sworn to 60. Only trust in me and
doubt not my faithfulness. / shall return
within an hour, and then explain all to
thee. Have no fear for my sake" And
without further farewell than a quick en-
brace Abner left her and hurried into the
open air before the astonished guests could
realize that the bridegroom was missing,
OF all thu youth in Jerusalem Abner
and Caleb were the comeliest lads, and
their friendship had grown into a proverb.
Close companions at school from boyhood
to early manhood, nc love could have been
more tender, no sympathy more profound,
than that which made them kindred spir-
it's. They were fond of the same pleasures,
they shared The same dreams, their studies
and occupations were alike, their aspira-
tions identical. They loved to give free
rein to their fancies with youths rapt ell
thusiasm and build such dream palaces
that the magic splendor of Solomon s crea-
tions paled in comparison. What a daring
architect Is youth! 1t knows not the i'm
possible. 1t bridges the chasm of infinite
time. 1t rears q structure to the highest
heaven. 1t summons to its aid principal
tiles and powers, and never acknowledges
defeat. Love and hope and faith are the
patient genii who at its exultant bidding
transform earth and sky.
Among the topics which Abner and
Caleb were fond Of discussing as they
grew to maturity the future life and i'm
mortality appealed to them most strongly.
The fact that 1t was but dimly foreshad.
owed In the law and the prophets added
to its fascination, and the rare references
to 1t in the debates of the schools only in
creased Its hold upon them. One day in
the heat of their arguments Caleb, more
impassioned than usual, had seized his
companions hand.
"Abner, he exclaimed, "wouldst thou
Know the secrets of eternal life?"
Why, Caleb" Abner rejoined, moved
~ bis friends earnestness, "what a
strange question to ask9 How can we
mortals understand aught of Immortality
Does not our law say that the secret
things belong to the Lord"
Faith can pierce all barriers, dear
friend" Caleb answered impressively,
land love, though buried from sight, can
make its W revelation"
"What dost thou mean, Caleb, by those
mysterious words and thrilling tonesP"
Abner inquired, deeply stirred, for he felt
that never before had their conversation
been 80 earnest.
"Dost thou not believe, Abner, in Inn
mortality"
Surely, Caleb, I do, as the central con-
viction Of my nature"
III this is thy belief, then, may not the
immortal spirit seek converse with NOR
tality and minister to the wants and d.
sires of mortal flesh on earthf''
"Caleb, thou shouldst not speak il this
ofr04n It{o o1,rncA b1rcrL..- UVlSLV-
of the fate of the o Of Aaron who
brought strange fire into the sanctuary ~
MAY, Abner, I am guilty Of no bias
phemy. I am convinced that those who
pass from life do not become as petriled
AZ the slabs that cover them. They hover
around those who loved Thorn and whom
they loved on earth and mingle in their
Joys and SORROWS"
1T must be 90, Caleb, If thou thinkest
10" said Abner after a pause.
Come, Abner," Caleb solemnly az.
claimed, "let us swear by the eternal that
II either OF US die the survivor shall seek
to communicate with the departed one and
visit the sepulcher at the moment of his
highest happiness on earth. Then 1t is my
fervent belief that the secret of heavenly |
happiness will be unfolded, and we shall
attain the highest degree Of intelligence
The compact was made-an unusual
thing In those days among the pious Jew
ish youth-and the conversation ended.
In a few years Caleb died, and Abner, dis
consulate and detected, disdained for
awhile all society, but spent the largest
share Of his leisure at the friends grave,
reflecting on his genial traits and their
loving intercourse. Time, however, works
Its magical changes, and now he had mar
ried.
~ had almost forgotten thee, beloved