Sistersville daily oil review. [volume] (Sistersville, W. Va.) 1902-1905, 1904-01-30
fHE STRANGER and THE
FORESTER'S DAUGHTER
[Original.l

| far ABOVE Sucn Il uuLuDl0 dUOuS. 1nel
furniture had evidently been taken
from a more pretentious dwelling and
| was kept with a neatneSs unusual
among peasants. Besides, there was
piano, of very old make, something
not to be found among simple foresters.
Every attention was shown the
stranger, man with noble counte-
nance-indeed one Of those lofty faces
that seem to mark the highest limit Of
the animal before it passes into the
spiritual. After supper he sat before
| blazing fire, dreaming, while the oldest
daughter, aged seventeen, was clearing
the table. Noticing the piano, the
stranger got up from his chair and, go
ing to it, began to look over some loose
sheets Of music.
"Who plays this instrument" he ask
ed Of the girl.
81 play a 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 himT
"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:
0uybaro ho uo vOn ctu1ia6T' tho man
asked.
81 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 60 to the conserva-
tory Of music to study. Now Is your
time to begin. The autumn term COM
mences in a few days"
"But have not the means"
mot 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 in 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 a 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, 81 was once in better
circumstances. Then I entertained my
friends. Now have no friends. 1t is
only when a gentleman such as you
comes to my dwelling that experience
the pleasure of receiving a guest"
The stranger seemed lost in thought
for 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 | refuSeY
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, 'if l could only hear
him playw 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
20. Then to the girl: 81 am pleased to
be able to give you an opportunity TO
hear your favorite. AS for myself,
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 gentle
man Of distinguished appearance walk
ed upon the stage.
It was the stranger whom the fores-
Ger 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