Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-05-16

: 10, 1Sl1.
lodging house keeper may nave
heart concealed about her person.
One Sunday afternoon, the lovers
wandered through the park. They SAT
down on retired shaddy bench
Then Rudolph spoke. y,
Little one," he said, tenderly.
have now the place in the orchestra
Of which told thee. There Will pc
bread enough for two. Could'st tnou
marry poor musician, who loves
thee?"
Elsa's hand slipped into his as she
breathed rather than said, Eyes, Ru'
dolph."
There was no one in sight, not even
an absent-minded policeman. Only 9
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 q new authority.
Dear, must now tell thee the
truth. wished to wait until 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 Ger
many to look after our affairs. There
is q great deal Of money. never
thought to have it, for my father once
disinherited me because I would not
marry the girl he had chosen for me.
I would never even see her-the gilded
one. desired love before marriage.
So I ran away to America, and my
violin has kept me in bread and
brought thee to me, dear heart.
"But II my mother needs me, must
20 for a little while"
and does she wish thee to marry
this unloyed girl. my Rudolph
asked ELSA wistfully. Perhaps now =
to please her"
What marry Fraulein Herter Of
the money bags now that | 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 manner"
Rudolph Won Heide- Edeisheim." be
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 fol
money!" cried Rudolph. II ran away
It was all could do. But now must
20 back for little time"
"Thy high-born mother. She will not
wish serving maid for a daughter
laughed Elsa.
Her lover replied with firmness. q
am now the head of the family. She
will accept the wife choose
Elsa kissed him joyfully. "Oh, Ru
dolph, thou art the prince Of lovers,
she murmured. "And now | have
request. Tonight, to please thine Elisa
play on the violin upstairs and let M
accompany thee below as at the be
ginning OF our acquaintance. Question
not. / have reason"
When evening came Rudolph playe'
the home songs, but with melancholy
cadence. Even In the parlor below Elss
felt his sadness at the thought of sep
aration till she could bear 1t no longer
Soon she, called him. AS on that frs
night she heard his quick steps on the
stairs, but now he came running to hel
side. When he saw her, he stopped
transfixed. A beautiful woman In even
ing 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 o.
gold? Wilt thou barter myself fol
money now, my Rudolph" she asked
gayly.
Her lover was dumb and she wen'
on: II, too refused to wed wher
there was no love and thy father OF
fered thee to me as husband. MY
guardians insisted. could not rebel
for Twas not Of age. 1, too ran away
intending to take care Of myself unit
came into my inheritance. There
was much searching for the lost heir
ess. but I had hidden myself well.
knew how to do nothing gainful bu
housework, so became a serving
maid rather than marry thee. Ru
dolph." From }. sheer happiness he'
laughter dubbed up again.
Rudolph held her close. Thou ar
truly a girl of gold-pure gold, n
whispered fondly.
LIMOUSINE AND LIMITED.