The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1904-01-08

in the city"
"Work in the city! Well, lad, it
may be you are too peaked for farm
work and you will find it easier there.
But remember, if you fail, there's al
ways home for you here, Reuben"
Reuben grasped the hand stretched
out to him in his long, slender fingers
and his sobbing "God bless you, sir;
you are very good to me-" cane from
his very heart.
Not even to Daisy did be tell his
new hopes, but bade her be faithful
and whether be succeeded Or failed he
would return at the end of the year.
When he took his place in the stage
coach for the railway station, his new
friend, met in the fairy ring, was by
his side.
Little Daisy kept her heart true.
Every market day when the farmer
came from town with his great wagon
empty, he took from bis pocket let
ter from Reuben for Daisy, and every
one was hopeful. His work was pleas
ant and was paying him we'll. Some
of the letters were dated New York,
scme Boston, some Philadelphia; and
when winter came Reuben wrote from
all the great cities, even New Orleans,
and Daisy's heart throbbed high with
loving delight to feel sure his love was
true amid the gay scenes he described,
the new friends he met
Winter spec away. sr';ng blossoms
bloomed and fell and the end OF tue
year was drawing near. A letter
came to Uncle Josiah:
Twill you bring Daisy to New
York." Reuben wrote, ''and judge for
yourself OF my prospects?'
And Uncle Josiah, after long con-
sultation with Aunt Polly, concluded
to 60 Daisy had new dress of soft
white muslin made, and bought
dainty straw hat in the village. Then
Uncle Josiah wrote to Reuben by what
train to expect him and the journey
commenced,
Reuben was not at the depot but in
his place was courteous gentleman
who explained to Uncle Josiah that
his nephew was detained by business,
took the travellers to a hotel where
they had supper. Then telling then
be would take them to Reuben, he put
them into a carriage and drove rapidly
to white building, whose wide hall
was brilliantly Illuminated. Here we'll
dressed men and ladies IN full evening
toilets were entering in crowds. Reu-
ben s friend led Uncle Josiah and Daisy
to seats in the brilliant hall near the
platform, and told them Reuben would
come soon.
In Daisy's hand he put a program
and she wonderingly read of the musi-
cal treat in store for her, only vaguely
comprehending it all. On every side
the buzz of conversation bore the name
of the great L., the famous violin
ist, whose Cremona seemed gifted with
speech under the touch of his inspired
fingers.
1t was like a dream. A white-robed
lady came up on the platform and sang,
gentleman played solo upon the
piano. Then there was great noise
of people clapping their hands and
stamping their feet, fairly bewildering
poor country-bred Daisy.
A great hush. and softly, familiar
as mothers voice, there fell upo'
Daisy's ear the notes of violin, bear
ing out upon the air the melody of
Reuben's "Carnival of the Birds"
She looked up then and met the soft
dark eyes of her lover watching her
face as he drew his bow across the
strings. Not sound but the music
of the wondrous violin broke the still
ness of the vast room, where one mans
genius kept the crowd spellbound.
1t was over, and the great violnist
bowed and was gone. Again the deaf
ening, tumultuous applause, and Reu-
ben was back again, playing an air
unfamiliar to Daisy, but seeming to
answer all the deep joy of his soul.
Twice Reub'n played, recalled
each time, and then the concert was
over, and their escort led Uncle
Josiah to the carriage, Daisy clinging
fast to his arm. At the door of their
private parlor the new friend babe
them good night: and opening the door
they stood face to face with Il uben.
Not the pale, sad boy of year ago,
but man, selfreliant, glad and noble,