Middletown transcript., 1905-12-30


hair, and her red lips-which we're
Ee nothing SO much as the cleft fruit OF
tropical pomegranate.
She had figure, graceful and winning
its every 1.-THE curve was challenge to
love, and its every sinuous motion sent
little exquisite thrills Of delight and long
ing through the hearts of the NarroWs
young men.
Sam Sargent, May LOUIS father, had
been city mana bank clerk who had
at one time fallen under an unjust sus-
picion, which he was powerless to dis
proqe, and lie lacked the moral courage
to face it, and live it down. He had
come to the Narrows because it was re-
mote from the world, and settled down
on small farm. In due time, he mar
ried a buxom, butter-making farmers
daughter, who was noted for thrift, and
under her care Sans worldly fortunes
prospered, and his lands grew wide.
OF his five children only May Lou lived
to grow up, and the neighbors went wont
to say that for her father the sun rose and
set in May Lou.
Robert Hobrook was May Louis fav
ored lover-or at least, he had been until
this musical craze had struck her. Then
she told him, with a little undercurrent
Of pathos in her voice, that she longed
for better things-that Beech Narrows
did not satisfy her-that she would never
be happy living her life as her mother
had lived hers washing, baking, cooking
for hungry, hired men, feeding the hens
and turkeys, and wearing calico wrappers
on week days, and on Sundays rusty
black silk made over from year to year by
the village dressmaker.
st may be foolish, Robert, she said
to him that moonlit night in June when
the fire flies made the darkness of the
meadows like the vault of the starry
heavens, and the scent Of the rose and
sweet briar was heavy on the damp air,
"but | cannot help it. l must satisfy
the longing that clamors within me.
When | hear music, my soul goes up on
invisible wings-I feel nearer to the stars
all things seem to me possible. When
| sing, am in another world-aloft and
away, like bird that rises up and at last
is lost in the immensity of blue. | float
above everything that have ever known,
and enter upon new heaven and new
earth ! Oh, Robert, do not think un-
kindly Of me, but must follow out my
destiny"
"And that will separate you from me?"
be asked wistfully.
IL think So" she replied gently, for
her girlish heart was touched by his suf-
fering.
"But if you loved me, Lou,-if you
loved me, would not love be enough"
Would it? | do not know. l cannot
think so. | know | should be wretched
if l had to drag out my life here at Beech
Narrows. To make beds, to wash dishes,
to cook corned beef and cabbage, and
make butter-oh, Robert, you don't know
how loathe the thought OF it. There is
something within me which revolts from
it. My mother says l am a wicked, un-
grateful girl to feel that way about honest
labor, and perhaps | am. But l cannot
help it. Ii is destiny. Leave me to my
idols, Robert, and seek the love OF better
and less selfish girl'
''But I love you, Louise" e"-the poor
fellow said simply.
And you would love some other"
mo, it is not in me. And what will
you do dear, when you are old, and your
glorious voice no longer gives you pleas
ure? You will miss the devotion OF such
husband as I would be to you. You
will miss the cherishing love which the
one man who worships you would give
you Louise, my darling, give up this
wild scheme, and come with me and
make my happiness r
Robert looked very brave and hand
some as he pleaded with her, but the
hands he had taken were gently with
drawn from his clasp.
mo, Robert, | cannot. 1t would drive
me mad. The same old grind-of work
and poverty which has bent into the dust
the women of Beech Narrows for the last
century. Six days out Of seven, and
hurry up to do the work in season to get
to meeting on Sunday, and sit there on
the hard board seats through, the dull
and prosy sermon, with every bone aci-
ing from the unaccustomed relaxation.
Then hurry home and get the dinner,
and put the washing in soak for Mon
days drudgery. No, no, | must 20
different way. / have my talent, and
must improve it. And YOU will come to
hear me sing, Robert, when ] am great
prima DONNA" she added. with CAV
laugh which had little heart in it, and
there was curious break in her voice
that Robert remembered as long as he
lived
The moonlight fell white over them,
and somewhere in the tall elm back of
the house bird stirred uneasily, and
uttered cry.
A shudder ran through the mans stall
swart freme. Something seemed to map
iii his loyal heart. Insensibly lie drew
back from l,er when lie spoke again.
7 viii not urge you, Louise, dear. If
this is to be our parting, | will not sadden
the har,ee r.hiei,@ lenk 70 uar1 40 hriult y
God bless you, my love, and make your
path pleasant. And if ever the time
comes when the life you are leading does
not satisfy-ifever sorrow,or misfortune,