New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-17
The Bronze Angel
Bv GUSTAVE HELENE WHITE

ELENE WHITE
shadow caused by her mothers words-and It
did not lift even when Captain Heinzius-the
wounded officer whom they had accepted as a
guest--stepped up to her at the window and
cordially shook her hand. His eyes shone as
he greeted her-and with reason, for in her
house he had learned in six long, wonderful
weeks to look again cheerfully and courage
ously at life, even though his shattered left
arm had cut him off from any further chance
Of active army service.
81 thought you were still over at the pas
tors house discussing arrangements for our
concert" she said, smiling.
And with a smile in return he answered, In
the words Of Bajazzo: "Your singing capt.
waited me-"
dark glow spread over Reginas face and
she asked hastily:
"Have you settled the order of the pieces?'
He nodded eagerly and released her hand.
Eyes, here it is: Introductory organ num-
Der; singing by the church choir; prelude with
the harp; Ave Maria; Regina Wolter; sing
ing by the church choir; cello piece; then Re
gina Wolter again; an organ number to end
with. Is that all right"
Certainly ! have offered to do whatever
can"
"And that will be something splendid" he
said enthusiastically. "But there is one thing
more. There is very little light in the old
church. Where you, the singer, stand, there
ought to be some illumination. SO have an
idea-a request to make which you in your
goodness will surely not deny. You have here
a wonderful work of art-the bronze angel. It
is just as if he had been moulded, in his pure
beauty, for SOME ancient church. If you would
lend him for the evenings he would fit splen
didly into the situation. 1t will not be much
trouble; the next morning he will be brought
back can see already how beautiful It will
be when his candles are lighted
He had become very much interested and his
beaming eyes were fixed on the angels figure
which now shone dimly out Of the half-dark
ness. Only when the silence remained un-
broken and no answer came did he turn again
TO Regina. She leaned against the window
frame, her hands clasped together, and her
gaze, like his, was fixed on the angel. There
was something burning in her look-a deep,
fierce longing. But she shook her head and
said softly:
mo, that will never do. He cannot shed his
lght-not yet"
There was CLEAN in her eyes smile on
her lips.
His candles have never been lighted" she
added.
He looked at her curously.
"All the more reason. then, Fraulen Re
gina" he answered Gould there he a nobler
dedication than the one which would be made
tonight"
Yes; for him there could be- she replied
And again there was note of iubilation in
her voice.
What do you mean? What is the mystery
about this angel? Tell me. please
She nodded assent.
"He is an heirloom, handed down from gen
Grafton TO generation-not in the same family
but by friend 10 friend. Once he was given
to young girl with the blessing and the in
junction. May he bring you good fortune!
When once good fortune comes TO you-rea
great, God given good fortune, that which the
heart dreams of as the most precious thing
on earth-then you must light the angels
candles. Before that you must not light
them
$50 the candle-bearer went from the hands
of one friend into the hands of another Fort
une has touched with its golden wings many
a one of his possessors. From dear friend
he came TO me. But since ! have had him his
candles have never burned"
Regina, some time he will shine-he must
shine. Some time his magic will work for
you. who hold so much good fortune for others
in your hands
Regina, where are you? II is time to co
into the kitchen"
The mothers voice rang through the room