The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1904-12-10
FRANKLIN. La. SATURDAY. DECEMBER 49, 1904

Theodore went and told Mrs Peter
son about the accident, and after he
had gone a loud wall rose from the
three girls, but when the household ef-
fleets We're moved in and the PeterSOns
themselves went to their new home,
there in the drawing-room. was 4
beautiful brand new piano awaiting
them.
They all stood in the doorway and
stared in amaZement.
Mr.. Foster had it sent Aunt Sarah
Peterson explained. She had been
there attending to that end OF the
moving. He said that as it was due
to his carelessness that the other was
wrecked, he should take the liberty
Of replacing it by this one Maud
the eldest girl. went and tried the ip
strument. Isn't it beautiful:' she
cried rapturously.
Time went on and the girls practiccd
diligently. Their aunt also took adj
vantage Of the chance to play. so that
Theodore had all the music he want
ed.
One day Theodore asked Maud to
30 with him to the piano shop.
II want you to try them ALL he SAID.
"and see if there is one you like bet
ter than the one at home
Maud tried them. NO" she de-
clared. "there isn't one so nice
by the way, won't you play that
new walt for me-"
She seated herself at the nearest IL
strument and began to play. When
she had finished she looked around. Dut
Theodore was not beside Acr, as she
had supposed. Instead she saw hl1
at the Ear end of the room coming TO-
ward her with piece of paper IL his
hand. When he reached her he r'assed
her tie paper. ~ birthday present
my dear; l believe it is your birthday
today
Maud looked at the paper h,ankly.
Then it dawred upon her that it was
receipt for the piano at home. MADE
out in her name. Maud would never
tell her sisters what she did at thct
morlent. but when she came homo ano
told them about it they all declared
that Mr.. Foster was dear
"Dcn't you thinl, it would be better
for YOU to go out Of doors moro. Miss
S1rah:" Theodore asled her enc Cay.
Il would be greatly hoaored if you
would accompany ne on my daily
walks. 1t is rather tedious Going home
alone"
And 50 it became the custom for the
old bachc lor and the maiden aunt TO
walk cut every cay together. But al
ter a year Of this Miss Sarah told him
ono CAV that she was goinc; away for
six months visit. Theodore was
filled with colsternaticn at this. and
begged her to consider. Ec pleaded So
earnestly end eloCuently that she
finally promised to stay away only TWO
weeks. and when she came back &c
name the day
That was the longest walk they had
taken. and toward the end OF 1t Inc
cdorc said: my dear. there is some-
thing I have wanted to tell you ever
| since I have known you. 1t IS about
the piano" ;,
81 don't think you will have to tel
mo now" she said 81 have known il
all the time. saw you do it,
"Saw me Go it? Do what"
"Cut the rope"
He stood still and looked at her.
81 was at the window. l had come
| over 70 see the things, you know, anc
saw YOU take out your knife. step ul
70 the hub Of the wheel and cut th'
rope"
And you never told"
"No: YOU see." she said, confusedly
her color rising. at flashed upon m'
at once what you did it for-that oie
piano was an instrument OF torture
and that was the beginning OF tn
end. l think"
81 don't understand what you NEAR
by the end
| She turned a radiant glance upor
him. "Why, don't you see-to-day. =
st. Louis Star.