Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-12-19

daughter, aged seventeen. was clearing
the table. Noticing the piano, the
stranger got up from his chair and. 60
sheets of music.
'WhO plays this Instrument he ask
ed of the girl.
Il play little she said.
"Well. since you have finished re-
moving the dishes, let me hear you
render one of them. Which is your
favOrite?'
Wagner
"Why do you prefer him?"
HE sets me dreaming"
''Here is one of his pieces" He placed
the music in position. Let me hear
you give it,"
She sat down at the piano and played
the piece through.
where have you studied?' the man
asked
Il have never studied
What Never studied? Then you
must study. Do you know. little girl.
that you have rendered that piece with
the exact expression its author would
have wished? You have great musical
talent. You should go to the conserva-
tory of music to study. Now is your
time to begin. The autumn term COM
mences in Il few days.
'But have not the means"
Not the means? SO? never thought
of that
Meanwhile he had taken her place at
the piano and begun to play the piece
she had rendered. The girl stood spell
bound. She had never heard such
music in her life. 1t seemed to her that
she was in fairyland and the fairies
were singing to her il musical har
monies that she had never heard be-
fore. Enchanted castles rose before
her. now reSplendent in the morning
sun. now mellow in its descending
rays, now bathed in Softest moonlight
Wizards were eXerting their strange
influence, making her weep, melting
her into varying moods with entranc
ing sounds. At last the music faded
away with few soft notes. and she
was again in her cabin home.
In the morning. when the stranger
took his departure, he offered to pay
the forester for his lodging, but the
man declined to accept payment
Herr he said, Il was once in better
circumstances. Then l entertained my
friends. Now l have no friends. 1t is
only when a gentleman such as you
comes to my dwelling that l experience
the pleasure of receiving n guest"
The stranger seemed lost in thought
for a time, then said:
"At any rate. you must permit me
to return your hospitality. Come TO the
city this day week and bring your
daughter You will find me at No. -
-strasse. l shall expect you to sup
per. Will you be there?'
How can l refuse?"
When the appointed day arrived the
forester harnessed the only horse he
owned. took his daughter, and together
they drove to the city. AS they passed
through the streets they noticed bill
boards on which was an announcement
of a concert by Herr Wagner. oh
cried the girl. eff l could only hear
him playr' Arriving at their destina-
ton, they were received by their guest
of a week before. After supper he pre-
scented them with two tickets, which
upon examination proved to be for the
Wagner concert Take them he
said. giving them directions where to
go. Then to the girl: Il am pleased to
be able to give you an opportunity to
hear your favorite. AS for myself, l
have an engagement for the evening.
but l will see you after the concert"
The forester and his daughter went
to the concert hall, the latter delighted
at the prospect before her. Entering
the hall, which was packed to over
flowing. they found their seats to be
among the best and sat down, waiting
for the beginning of the performance.
Presently a side door opened, the hum
of conversation ceased, and Il gentle
man of distinguished appearance walk
ed upon the stage.
1t was the stranger whom the fOres
ter had entertained in his hut.
When the concert was finished the
composer beckOned the forester and
his daughter to remain in the hall. AS
soon as he could get away from the
many admirers who encircled him he
advanced TO his guests. At the same
time a man came from the entrance
and stood waiting to speak.
How much?' asked the composer
"Fifteen hundred Marks replied the
man.
''It is enough for the present" Then,
turning to the girl. he added:
This concert is for your benefit.
Funds are provided for your course in
the conservatory"
The girl. overwhelmed. seized his
hand and covered it with kisses and
tears of delight.
Years afterward distinguished pi-
anist visited America and reaped for
tune, which she added to one already
gathered. She was the forester's
daughter. ISABEL HENCKLEY.