Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1900-07-25
A MUSICAL HEART.
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BY IDA EsTELLA R. SMITH.

village of Aylesborough. De was a
man of unblemished character, was
known to be very wealthy, and lived
IN an unpretentious manner. He was
a psychist, and his rather peculiar
religious views were the cause of many
heated arguments among those of his
friends whom he considered it his
duty to instruct in the mysteries of
his chosen faith. He fully believed
that when the time should come for
him to "put on Immortality" he would
be received on the next plane by
host of bright spirits. As he was
charitable, owed no man aught that
he could not pay, had kept the COM
mandments and had been as nearly as
possible what the world calls On up
right man, he believed that recep-
tion of unusual grandeur awaited him.
Notwithstanding this assurance, he
seemed to prefer deferring his journey
20 the "ever- green shore" as long as
possible, for real or imaginary pain
in the region of his heart one day
caused the good man to make rather
hurried visit to physician of his ac-
quaintanca
Dr.. Elwell was one among the list
of possible converts to his spiritual
istic doctrine, and as. Philemon en-
tered his Office he Immediately cast
about for an excuse whereby he might,
7. If possible, avoid the expected lecture.
But there was troubled look on his
old friends face TINT quite disarmed
him, and few moments later DR.. FL
wells head was pressed against his
side in listening attitude. AS he
listened, instead of hearing the heat
pnlsations, as he expected, be heard
music!
he raised his head and looked
about, but could no longer hear it.
Once more he pressed his ear against
PEilemon's heart, and once more he
heard the same sweet strain. The
music sounded like the soft tones of
his own piano, as he had heard his
daughter playing before leaving the
house, which stood about 20 yards
distant
IS The doctor walked to the door and
listened, but heard no sound. He
looked toward the house, but there
was nothing gnusuali in that direction.
BY the time the thoroughly puzzled
physioian lad listened. first at the.
sf0fit, fh6E ass ths back door OF thes
Office, alternately pressing his ear
against Philemon sside, he had aroused
the old mans curiosity.
Anything peculiar about it, doc
tor?'
aA little unusual, surely
'sUnnsual?"
II imagine hear music.
swell, doctor, I believe there is to
be show in town. suppose they
are having street parade. !"
The physician hesitated. If he ex-
planned he feared lecture on the su-
pernatural. If he did not explain he
felt that he was deceiving an innocent
man.
Philemon continued, '.I hope that
it will not prove serious, though I
suffer considerably ut times, and
thought best not to neglect it"
eyes"
ssYou seem undecided"
Ell never had case of this kind
before! I think there must be some
mistake, but certainly hear music
every time I press my ear to your
heart" he replied, half fearing an ex.
PLANTATION of the mystery from his pa-
tents standpoint, and preparing to
defend his own belief against all spir-
itualistic delusion.
Philemon was silent. He looked
searchingly into the doctors eyes, half
expecting to see twinkle of merri-
ment, but there was nothing of the
kind. Indeed, his honest face wore
troubled expression quite convincing
/ TO the patient.
Philemon pointed across the street.
81 see DR.. Grey over there. Please
call him."
A moment later DIR. Elwell was e1-
planning to his brother physician the
usual occurrence, and together they
sought an explanation; but to no pur-
pose. DR.. Grey heard music when his
ear rested against Phi'emon's side, as
his friend had heard it.
A serious expression rested on the
usually happy countenace of their pa
tient as he prepared to depart. He
arose, pulled his hat over his eyes,
and walked out as feebly as though
he had grown ten years older. Both
physicians were as puzzled over the
apparent effect of their communication
as they were as to the origin of the
sweet strains. Philemon walked down
the village street like a man in o
dream. A neighbor spoke socially as
he passed, but the old man die no:
hear. He entered his house, mechan-
ically drew chair before the open
fire, seated himself and rested his
head in his hands. His dog stretched
himself at his feet, occasionally open
ing one eye to look up at his master,
who had failed to speak word of well
come, and the omission had not passed
unnoticed by the faithful brute.
A half hour passed. Philemon
moved uneasily. and the mastiff's tail
thumped against the floor reassuring-
II. "Amzie"
The dog bounded to his feet with
whine of plee sure.
-Amzie, my boy, I have much to
attend to; very much, for have this
day received q warning"
He placed his hand on the animals
head, and in sorrowful and affection
ate manner caressed the only creature
left to him whom he believed loved
him disinterestedly.
'.Yes, Amzie, have received o
warning of the approaching change.
suppose ought to be thankful that
the time draws near, but it is uncer-
tain, after all. You must be provided
for, and you shall be! The rascally
relatives who anxiously await my