The Colfax chronicle., 1904-06-04
The Way to
Marnna's Heart
By BELLE MANIArES
(copyright. 1904, BY Daily story Pub. Coy
MAURICE CRAMER sat before the
IVu L., \ a., &c

MAURICE CRAMER sat before the
vI 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
rave 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 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"
Tonight" he repeated, vaguely,
forcing calm constraint to cover his
overwhelming surprise. isn't 1t very
sudden journey?"
"Yes; mamma hasn't been feeling well
OF late, and the doctor ordered an ocean
trip. She learned a day or two ago that
some friends Of ours in Boston were to
sail tonight and so we made arrange
ments 10 accompany them. We are quite
rushed in getting ready on so short no.
tice. Mamma doesn't even know am
here" she added, naively. Il slipped
away to tell you. shall miss our les
sons"
so shall /, he replied in a calm, even
voice, but with painfully throbbing
heart.
There followed little desultory con-
agreement to correspond and then
Christine left the studio.
AT the age of Is, 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-
opment. Although, not possessed of
genius or more than ordinary talent, she
was lover Of music. Perhaps Just at
this time her devotion at it's 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"
and was so dimly aware Of the fact that
when the silent but strong hand of her
mother intervened 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
Christine'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-
tematically treated him as she did anv
ordinary caller.
Cramer was equally wise. He clearly
understood that Mrs. Vaughn did not in
clude him in the horoscope she had cast
for her daughters future. He was far
too proud to fan these passing sparks of
Christines preference for him into a
glowing 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 coldpess
OF demeanor he was far from feeling. |
He dared not hope that Christine loved
him. Her fancy for him he thought to
be the first passing impulse of an un-
trained heart, ''the primrose that fell to |
make way for the rose"
Mrs. Vaughn, though understanding |
his attitude, knew the danger of trust |
Ing to the strength OF pride which so |
often totters at the touch of love. She |
consulted her brother, Gen. Laurent. |
who was her adviser when she needed
one. He appreciated the position and
the necessity for immediate action.
Julia" he said, impressively, "as a
military man, should say there is
nothing 30 effective as removal from
station There 10 danger In propinquity |
and opportunity. Make occasion for Z
prolonged trip abroad
Il was no dificult matter for Mrs.
Vaughn to convince her physician that
an ocean voyage was essential to her
state OF health. Christine. thouxh he i