The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1911-06-09
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A Girl of Gold
BY ANNA PHILLIPS SEE
Copyright. 1911. by Associated Literary P1ess)

none Rudolph and Elsa did their best
to make up for the absence of the mu
sic. Pale little Elsa bloomed into
beauty, and went about her work ever
humming the beloved German airs
Mrs. Green watched the romance with
kind eyes.
One Sunday afternoon the lovers
wandered through the park. They sat
down on retired shady bench. Then
Rudolph spoke.
Little one," he said tenderly. 81
have now the place in the orchestra
of which I told thee. There will be
bread enough for two. Couldst thou
marry 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 abscnt.minded policeman. Only a
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 it he paced
his room for hours. When he sought
Elsa his face was very grave and he
spoke with new authority.
Dear, l must now tell thee the
truth. l wished to wait TIL 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 60
to Germany to look after our affairs
There is great deal Of money. l
never thought to have it, for my IA.
Their once disinherited me because
would not marry the girl he had chic.
sen for me. l would never even see
her-the gilded one. / desired love
before marriage. So l ran away to
America, and my violin has kept me
IN bread and brought thee to me, dear
heart.
But if my mother needs me l must
60 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. no."
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
must 60 back for a little time"
THY high.born mother! She will.
net wish serving maid for a daugh.
ter" laughed Elsa.
Her lover replied with firmness. 81
Am now the head Of the family. She
will accept the wife choose"
Elsa kissed him joyously. "Oh, Ru.
1olph, thou art the prince of lovers" =,
she murmured. "And now l have
Tonight, to please thine Elsa,
play on the violin upstairs and let me
accompany thee below as at the be.
ginning Of our acquaintance. Cues
ion not. have a reason" ,
When evening came Rudolph played
he home songs, but with a melan.
holy cadence. Even in the parlor .
below Elsa felt his sadness at the 7
bought Of separation till she could =
'ear It no longer. Soon she called a
i'm. AS on that first night she heard A
is quick steps on the stairs. but now
e came running to her side. When .
e saw her he stopped, transfixed. A !.
eautiful woman in evening dress sat U
t the piano, her happy face turned
xpectantly toward him.
Elsa" he stammered.
"Fraulein Herter, but thine Elsa
evertheless." She threw herself into
is arms. "Dost thou love the girl
t gold? Wilt thou barter thyself for ID
loney now. my Rudolph" she asked
ayly. ~
Her lover was dumb and she went VI
a: II. too, refused to wed when there ~
as no love and thy father offered
Zee to me as a husband. My guar. a.
lans insisted. ! could not rebel, for "a
was not Of age. l, too, ran away. "
tending to take care Of myself until 81 81
came into my Inheritance. There N
as much searching for the lost heir. 81
Is, but had hidden myself well. I IT.
new how to do nothing gainful but pl
so l became a serving
aid rather than marry thee, Ru. 81
'lph." From sheer happiness her re
lighter dubbed up again. Ct
Rudolph held her close. Thou ara III
uly girl Of gold-pure gold" he W
hispered fondly. OF
dy
til