Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1911-06-30


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 a retired shady bench. Then
Rudolph spoke
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 q 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 a
curious sparrow saw how Elsa blushed
when Rudolph gave her that nrst kiss
A month before their wedding day
a 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 a new authority.
Dear, must now tell thee the
truth. wished to walt TIL after our
marriage, but things have happened
that compel me to explain now. Ny
father has suddenly died. Ny
mother sends for me and | must go
to Germany to look after our affairs
There IL a great deal Of money. !
never thought to have 1t. for my IA
Their once disinherited me because l
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 me. dear
heart
| But If my mother needs me ! must
20 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 theei No. mol"
Elsa turned very white and uttered
little cry She seized her lovers
arm. Rudolph. tell me the truth
What is thy real manner"
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 spoko
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 Il ran
away. 1t was all could do. But now
l must go back for little time"
Thy high-born motherl She will
net wish serving maid for a daugh-
ter" laughed Elsa.
Her lover replied with firmness. Il
am now the head Of the family She
will accept the wife I choose"
Elsa kissed him joyously. "oh, Ru
dolph, thou art the prince Of lovers.
she murmured. And now have 9
; 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. Cues
} ton not. ] have q reason"
When evening came Rudolph played
| the home songs, but with a meIan
! choly cadence. Even In the pariol
below Elsa felt his sadness at the
. thought Of separation till she could
: bear 1t no longer. Soon she calle<
} him. As on that first night she heard
| his quick steps on the stairs, but nov
he came running to her side. WheI
! he saw her he stopped. transnxed. 4
. beautiful woman in evening dress "a
Z at the piano. her happy face turne'
j expectantiy toward him.
Elsa" he stammered-
/, "Fraulein Herter, but thine Els
E nevertheless" She threw herself int
. his arms. "Dost thou love the CIR
of gold7 wit thou barter myself TO
money now. my Rudolph" she aske'
' gayly.
!. Her lover was dumb and she wen
Q on: Il, too, refused to wed when Their
r was no love and thy father offere
thee to me as husband. MY guar
d dams insisted could not rebel. 70
q was not OF age. !, too. ran ava,
i intending to take care Of myself unit
: l came into my inheritance. Their
+ was much searching for the lost he'll
d ess, but had hidden myself well.
z knew how to do nothing gainful bu
e Homework. so / became q servin
e maid rather than marry thee. RI
l. doiph" From sheer happiness he
laughter bubbled up again.
d Rudolph held her close. Thou At
e truly q girl Of gold-pure gold." b
. whispered fondly.