La Junta tribune., 1907-06-29

sent the instrument be lovso best-o
etradlvarius ajnost beyond peice-to Q
pupil who merely Ascrapes.'" thought
Alger.
did he have many pupils, Miss n
liOtty' experimentaliy.
mo one hut myself. He 10 cid and
can no longer play. Age has sti6ened
his fingers. But he played once-oh.
how be could play! He taught me from
q little child. and when could play
to please him-he gave me this."
"Your teacher was Germanr' ten
tatively.
"A Belgian" quietly. "Now you shalt
hear the voice Of the stradivarius.
She tuned the strings and played.
There was certainty OF chord lingering.
a strength. an almost manliness. COM
bined with emotional warmth, about
her Interpretation OF the dincuit Bach
sonata that amazed Alger.
"Bach's d Minor Sonata Is not for
amateurs" he said gravely to bis aunt.
"Miss Elliott's gift ls beyond question.
She would rank with the great violin
lists of the present day."
II think John possessed some musical
ability" replied Mrs. Elliott serenely.
The girl raised her bow with an in.
descrlbable gesture OF reverence. My
mother" proudly. was a De Beriot.
My master Is my grandfather dbl
not wish to seem to boast. He Is
Francis Auguste de Berlot."
And this from the cattle rnnchr'
thought Algcr.
As the days went by he found him
self desperately In love with the girl
and unable to win from her anything
more than the most chilling courtesy.
He had not even the satisfaction OF
conhding In Mrs. Elliott. Once when
he tried to speak of Vera. meaning 10
confess his love for the girl, his aunt
interrupted him coldly: Say no more.
Paul. accepted your decision us final.
you will remember. and later will
leaves all possess to the Home For
Aged Men"
She swept angrily from the room.
Alger stood for moment ns If stun
ned; then he laughed aloud That's
good news. Now there's no money In
the way. and I'll move heaven and
earth TO win the loveliest girl that
ever
"'Cnme out OF the west" quoted
u merry voice. ana the portiers parted
and Vera stepped from the window
seat into the room.
Alger sprang forward hastily.
Vera" eagcrly. you've known all
the while that love you
"a girl from the west. brought mp Oh
n cattle ranchi" she questioned, hold
Ing him back with her hand on his
breast.
~ don't care where you're from. or
anything else, II you'll only say you
love me. Vera" plcadingly.
"A gr who doesn't know sonata
from sandwich?' mischlevously
"vera. forgive me for that and say
you love me"
Paul" seriously. I've loved you
ever since 1 was a little girl. Secs'.
She drew a locket from her bosom and
pressed back the cover.
Alger gazed in bcwildcrment. II was
his own face that looked up Mt him.
"Aunt Ruth sent that to my father,
claimed 1t as mine and have worn 1t
always"
Vera" with his arms about her,
"why have you been so cruel to me
when I've tried SO hard
"I feared you might propose to me
to please Aunt Ruth and-and because
OF the money"
Here, here! What's all this aboutY'
Aunt Rutl's voice sounded harshly at
the door.
They turned toward her together.
"Vera has promised to marry me.
Aunt Ruth"
"And my latest wllI'- She fairly
hurled the words Mt them.
I'VE don't mind"' they cried togeth-
er rapturously.
-'was never signed" added Aunt
Ruth in Il changed voice. and they
heard her laughing as she softly closed
the door and left them to their hap