Red River prospector. (Red River, Taos County, N.M.) 1900-190?, 1902-03-20

that II was mostly at church that she
had conversation with her old teacher.
lie seemed to have become more and
more reserved.
You see" he said ono time, 4 I'M
dissatisfied. I am alone; and miss
the beautiful in nature OF my native
parish. I feel like an alien among a
people that seem to think only Of
their animals and farm affairs. There
is no regard for music, athletics, or
study in unoccupied time. 4 have 10
clever youngsters at school now-not
a single one such as you were, always
wide awake, smart and cheerful in
song"
THE schoofhfaster does not knew
how many evenings l stood under the
window listening to the violin. 1 was
fearful that someone would see me.
and when the schoolmaster ceased TO
play I used to hide behind the big
woodpile.'
What do you say? Why didn't you
come in, girl2"
81 did not dare to. l wish you
would come to the house with your
violin, now and then, and play for u.s."
II might easily do that"
From that day he often thought Of
her, and it frequently occurred in the
twilight that he hurried to her fathers
house with the violin under his arm.
Time passed, and the schoo1master
had now lived in that parish five years.
He had accustomed himself more and
more to existing conditions, and was
better known and appreciated.
Many Of the older men asked him
spontaneously If he did not intend to
marry soon instead Of sitting there
like an owl upon the church roof all
his life. But the schoolmaster only
laughed and answered that the school
house was so uncomfortable, he did not
dare to bring thither such a frail be-
ing as a The old fellows in
sisted that this difficulty could easily
be overcome; they we're willing to
build a new schoolhouse at any time.
But their efforts seemed f%ruitless.
Then, there broke out an epidemic
Of diphtheria in the town, which
spread into the country and ragged
dreadfully. Young and old became its
victims. The school was closed and
all intercourse among people ceased.
Among those who went down before
the disease were Hanna's parents, also.
And, as she was an only child, she
was left entirely alone in the world.
One evening, a month after her par
ents' burial, she came to the school
house, which had been reopened after
the epidemic had passed.
She and the ~schoolmaster sat and
gossiped a long time about a little of
everything.
Then she remarked:
II should very much like to counsel
with the schoolmaster, if l dared"
Speak out, my girl"
81 am unable to manage the farm at
home, and therefore would rather sell
it, but do not know what to do then"
20, there win surely be some way
out Of such a dificulty-a rich and
beautiful girl can always get along"
he said.
Eyes, but 1 should like to marry"
well, there can be nothing to him
der that"
but there is only one man that I
would have"
Doesn't he wish TOT"
ut is just this that 1 do not know"
Him"
How shall 1 find out? 1t does not
seem as if I could go directly to him
and ask"
HIN; no, perhaps not. Has he
never said anything?"
mol"
rs he a good MANI"
Remarkably so in every way, but
not rich"
HIM! Now since I hear that you
have this affection, 1t will make nc
difference if 1 tell you, for it cannot
come to anything. 1 have cared Tor
you from the first, but have never ven
tured to offer myself because you were
rich. Now it must pass. And If in
any way / can help or counsel you, ]
will do So"
Il believed it, but was uncertain"
Il do not understand YOU"
30, you, who otherwise is so know
ing. have cared for you ever since
went to school, n If you will have
me, then take mel"
ooh, blessed God. little Hanna!
am as happy as a fiddler"
yes, it wal the violin which first
attracted me to you. Do you recol-
lect the time when I euffed sven'i
ears? That was because he said I was
in love with YOU"
The schoolmaster was dazed will
JOY, but however it came about, h,
managed to kiss Hanna and became
quiet by degrees.
When a half year had gone by the
wedding was celebrated.
And when Sven came forward to con.
graduate the bridal couple, he wills.
pered to Hanna:
CONGRATULATIONS Fru. Dryhsh!'"