The new era., 1911-06-15
A Girl of Gold
BY ANNA PHILLIPS SEE
Copyright. 1911. b, Associated Li.sr.r, Pr.s.o

ociated Literary Prsss.)
Little one" he said tenderly. II
have now the place in the orchestra
of which I told thee. There will be
bread enough for two. Couldst thou
marry a poor musician. who loves
thee?"
Elsa's hand slipped into his as she
breathed rather than said, Yes. Ru-
dolph."
There was no one in sight. not even
an absent-minded policeman. Only
curious sparrow saw how Elsa blushed
when Rudolph gave her that first kiss.
A month before their wedding day
letter came from Germany for Ru-
dolph. After he had read 1t he paced
his room for hours. When he sought
Elsa his face was very grave and he
spoke with new authority.
| Dear. must now tell thee the
truth wished to wait till after our
marriage, but things have happened
that compel me to explain now. MY
father has suddenly died. My
mother sends for me and must go
to Germany to look after our affairs
| here lS q 6IcdS OCdA VI thOASy'
never thought to have 1t. for my IA
ther once disinherited me because
would not marry the girl he had cho-
sen for me. would never even see
her-the gilded one. desired love
before marriage. So ran away to
America, and my violin has kept me
in bread and brought thee to ms. dear
heart. a
But II my mother needs me must
go for little while"
"And does she wish thee to marry
this unloved girl, my Rudolph" asked
Elsa wistfully. Perhaps now-to
please her"
What, marry Fraulein Herter OF
the money bags, now that l have
found thee! No, mol"
Elsa turned very white and uttered
little cry She seized her lovers
arm Rudolph, tell me the truth.
What is thy real name?" .
Rudolph Won Heide-Edeisheim," !"
he replied proudly.
The effect on Elsa of this admission
was astonishing. She gasped and be-
came paler still. Then the color
streamed back into her face. her eyes
shone like stars. At last she spoke
mischievously: ...
"And thou wouldst not even see
this Fraulein Herter. That was not
fair to her. Perhaps she might have
attracted thee, in spite Of her gliding"
"Why should my life be bartered
for money!" cried Rudolph. II ran
away. 1t was all could do. But now
I must go back for little time"
"Thy high-born mother! She will
not wish a serving maid for daugh-
ter" laughed Elsa.
Her lover replied with f1rmness. Il
am now the head of the family. She
will accept the wife l choose"
Elsa kissed him joyously. "Oh, Ru-
dolph, thou art the prince Of lovers"
| she murmured. "And now have a
request Tonight, to please thine Elsa,
play on the violin upstairs and let me
accompany thee below as at the be-
ginning of our acquaintance. Ques-
ton not. have a reason"
When evening came Rudolph played
the home songs, but with a melan-
choly cadence. Even in the parlor
below Elsa felt his sadness at the
thought of separation till she could
bear it no longer. Soon she called
him. AS on that first night she heard
his quick steps on the stairs, but now
he came running to her side. When
he saw her he stopped, transfixed. A
beautiful woman in evening dress sat
at the piano. her happy face turned
eXpectantly toward him.
Elsa" he stammered.
"Fraulein Herter, but thine Elsa
nevertheless" She threw herself into
his arms. "Dost thou love the girl
of gold? Wilt thou barter thyself for
money now, my Rudolph" she asked
gayly
Her lover was dumb and she went
on: II, tco. refused to wed when there
was no love and thy father offered
thee to me as husband. My guar
dams insisted. could not rebel, for
was not Of age. l, too, ran away,
intending to take care of myself until
/ came into my Inheritance. There
was much searching for the lost heir
ess, but l had hidden myself well.
knew how to do nothing gainful but
housework, so became a serving
maid rather than marry thee, Ru-
dolph" From sheer happiness her
laughter bubbled up again.
Rudolph held her close. Thou are
truly a girl of gold-pure gold" he
whispered fondly.