Short stories, German -- Translations into English
"A twelvemonth later I met Francis Gilmore in Broadway. The world is
small--so small that it is really difficult to keep out of the way of
people one has once known. The likeness of my former pupil to his
sister struck me, and I spoke to him. He looked at me at first with a
puzzled expression, but after a few moments of hesitation he recognized
me, a bright smile lighted up his pleasant face, and he shook hands
warmly.
"'Mr. Warren,' he exclaimed, 'how glad I am to see you! Ellen and I
have often talked of you, and wondered what could have become of you.
Why did we never hear from you?'
"'I did not suppose it would interest you.' I spoke timidly; and yet I
owed nothing to the young fellow, and wanted nothing of him.
"'You wrong us by saying that,' replied Francis; 'do you think me
ungrateful? Do you fancy I have forgotten our pleasant walks in former
days, and the long conversations we used to have? You alone ever taught
me anything, and it is to you I owe the principles that have guided me
through life. Many a day I have thought of you, and regretted you
sincerely. As regards Ellen, no one has ever filled your place with
her; she plays to this day the same pieces of music you taught her, and
follows all your directions with a fidelity that would touch you.'
"'How are your father and mother, and how is your sister?' I inquired,
feeling more deeply moved than I can express.
"'My poor mother died three years ago. It is Ellen who keeps house now.'
"'Your brother-in-law lives with you, then?'
"'My brother-in-law!' replied Francis, with surprise; 'did you not know
that he was on board the Atlantic, which was lost last year in the
passage from Liverpool to New York?'
"I could find no words to reply.
"'As to that,' added Francis, with great composure--'between you and
me, he was no great loss. My dear brother-in-law was not by any means
what my father fancied he was when he gave him my sister as a wife. The
whole family has often regretted the marriage. Ellen lived apart from
her husband for many years before his death.'
"I nodded so as to express my interest in his communications, but I
could not for worlds have uttered a syllable.
"'You will come and see us soon, I hope,' added Francis, without
noticing my emotion. 'We are still at the same place; but to make sure,
here is my card. Come, Mr. Warren--name your own day to come and dine
with us. I promise you a hearty welcome.'
"I got off by promising to write the next day, and we parted.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account