St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1904-06-04
The Way to
Mammals Heart
By BELLE MANlArrs
Copyright, 1901, By Daily Story Pub. Coz


tcopyneht. 1901. by Daily Story Pub. Coz
MAURICE CRAMER sat before the
lvI piano in his studio, his fingers
wandering in harmonious random over
the keys Though passionately fond OF
music, the giving Of lessons to untutored
voices had come to be drudgery to him,
save In one instance-to the pupil whose
coming he now awaited. He heard her
step in the corridor. Instantly he
ceased playing and opened the door to
admit Christine Vaughn-a girl as fair
and fresh as a summer morning.
Where is your music?" he asked
after moments conversation.
Il haven't come to take a lesson" she
replied, a shadow coming into her
young eyes. II have come to bid you a
long farewell. Mamma and leave for
Paris tonight"
ITO night" he repeated, vaguely,
forcing q calm constraint to cover his
overwhelming surprise. Isn't it very
sudden journey?"
Eyes; mamma hasn't been feeling well
OF late, and the doctor ordered an ocean
TIP. She learned day or two ago that
some friends of ours in Boston were to
sail tonight and so we made arrange
ments to accompany them. We are quite
rushed in getting ready on SO short no.
tice. Mamma doesn't even know l am
here" she added, naively. Il slipped
away to tell you. shall miss our les
sons"
$50 shall l" he replied in calm, even
voice, but with painfully throbbing
heart.
There followed little desultory con-
versation in regard to her trip, half
agreement to correspond and then
Christine left the studio. 49,
At the nge of 10, Christine Vaughn,
though frank and impulsive, was fully
matured in character. She did not be-
long to that class of mollusks so fire.
quent among girls whose nature depend
upon time and circumstances for devel-
Cpment. Although, not possessed OF
genius or more than ordinary talent, she
was lover of music. Perhaps just at
this time her devotion at its shrine re-
ceived an impetus from the fact that she
was greatly interested in her teacher.
Maurice Cramer, impassive, cool and
forceful, was just the sort of man to
appeal to her proud and impetuous ma
ture. She had reached that point in her
attachment for him which was on the
verge Of ground marked dangerous"
nod ~,,oc e1 d;,v,1x, q ro 70 ~ thu foot %ho%
when the silent but strong hand of her
mother interviewed and snatched her
away, she scarcely realized where she
had been.
Mrs. Vaughn was a wise and subtle
woman and well understood her daugh-
ter. When she saw the tendency of
Chrfstine's thoughts and Cramer's at
tentions, she offered no opposition seem
ingly. She allowed the singing lessons
to continue and was most gracious and |
courteous to her daughters instructor |
when he came to the house. Had she |
shown the slightest objection to the in
timacy, she knew that Christine would
be his warmest champion, SO she sys-
treated him as she did any
ordinary caller.
Cramer was equally wise. He clearly
that Mrs. Vaughn did not in
clude him In the horoscope she had cast
for her daughters future. He was Tar
too proud to fan these passing sparks of
Christine's preference for him into a
flame, as he could easily have
done. Knowing that in the mothers
eyes he was an inferior who would
show marked presumption In aspiring to
be anything more to her daughter than
her teacher of voice." he took infinite
pains to maintain dignity and GOODNESS
II demeanor he was far from feeling.
He dared not hope that Christine loved
him. Her fancy for him he thought to
,e the first passing impulse Of an un-
trained heart, ''the primrose that fell to
make way for the rose."
Mrs. Vaughn, though understanding ,
lis attitude, knew the danger Of trust ,
ng to the strength Of pride which so
,ften totters at the touch of love. She ::
consulted her brother, Gen. Laurent,
rho was her adviser when she needed
me. He appreciated the position and
he necessity for immediate action.
Julia" he said, impressively, "as
military man, should say there is
Iothing so effective as removal from q
.ation.' There is danger in propinQuity
nd opportunity. Make occasion for
rolonged trip abroad.
It was no difficult matter for Mrs.
,eughn to convince her physician that
n ocean voyage was essential to her
tate Of health. Christine, though be-
vildered at the suddenness of the jour-
ey, saw no hidden motive. They would
: gone but . year. and perhaps IN Ab- b