The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1907-03-14

moved to little plot of daisies. and I
noted that he was sprinkling the flowers.
As he raised the sprinkler there appear
ed to be two old men, so much alike
that l rubbed my eyes to remove the
cobwebs. Then renewed my gazing.
Well, sirs, by this time there were three
old men. Twas certainly surprised at
this and Iglanced down to see If my
forty-five was in its holster. When |
looked up there stood five old men,
sprinkling bed of psnsies, so identical
that involuntarily uttered an excla-
nation. This caused them to look at
me and, as it seemed, each one said
come in!
"My hrst impulse was to run, but the
kind, assuring looks of those aged men
inspired me with confidence and en-
tered the enclosure. And then, instead
OF five, there stood but one aged man,
with q benevolent smile overspreading
his complaisant countenance. He was
apparently pleased to see me and invlt-
ed me to seat myself on a mahogany
bench, placed beneath stately elm.
He remained standing, but neither of
US spoke for several minutes; during
this period of silence was enravished
with the artistic scenery, encompassed
within those stone walls.
"Little plots of flowers lined the as
phalt walks. the banks of trickling
stream, and the sweet scent floating on
the gentle breeze was Intoxicating to
the senses. Rows of evergreens were
so arranged rs to impress one with their
uniform positions. Clambering vines
lined the stone wall, from a fountain
silvery sprays of transparent water shot
upwards to be kissed by the sun, then
fell and trickled along three shell-llned
burrows that passed between bushes on
which clusters OF beautiful roses bloom-
ed. A latticed arbor stood beside the
wide entrance to the mansion. On the
top Of it revolving mirror was placed,
and [now understood why there had
seemed to be more than one man as |
gazed in from the outside. Again, my
eyes wandered and 1 saw door open
out on q balcony. As it swung open l
observed that the inner panels were
gold-fringed mirrors; but l Was spell
bound when there fitted thru the open
door a vision of loveliness that nearly
robbed me of my breath. A maiden!
So bewitching was her beauty, as she
stood gazing at us and blushing, that
imagined myself dreaming and sud-
denly jumped to my feet. To portray
such loveliness is beyond the power of
a human artist.
"'Of course, my fixed gaze was pure,
unalloyed, rudeness, but as L said, l
was spellbonnd. Never had seen such
beauty; nor do again expect to-ull-
less l return to that place. But the
spell was broken when the old man
laughed and said: "The power of beau
ty may turn the head of any youth.
But beauty is not such a priceless treas
ure as some think. Apure heart is the
crowning glory of life. To protect my
daughter from the snsres of the world
l came here, built this palace, and fur
nished it with everything she might wish
for, but I made one mistake-I put up
too many mirrors. And, as 1 am soon
to pass to the land beyond the grave, l
now wish to see my child welded; then
l can die contented. But he who mar
ries her must renounce the world, and
live here, at least ten years."
"'Perhapsit was vanity, but l reasoned
that my suit for the girl would meet
with the old mans approval; and l ac-
cepted his invitation to remain over
night. shall never forget that visit.
The diningroom was literally festooned
with mirrors. After supper we entered
the parlor; the piano sides. doors of
bookcases, the music rack, even chairs,
tables, and shelves reflected one's i'm
age. The girl sang and played; her
playing was superb; her execution of
masterpieces harmonious, and her voice
So sweet and thrilling that love to lin
ger on its memory.
"The evening passed quickly and
was conducted to bedroom, the like
of which can scarcely be paralleled in
the world of reality, romance or fc-
ton. The walls and ceiling were over
laid with mirrors, and an artists brush
had formed them into diamond shapes.