Mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.) 1854-1860, 1859-03-05
PLAcERv1LLE

foolish before the mild questioning Of her eyes,
and the meek dignity Of her manner mutt
tered some excuse for frightening her.
"YOu did not frightcn me-" she answered.
"You have Just left the cathedral; you have
heard the playing. DO you know who the
musician iSH Did any one pass you as you
came awaYY'
"You were In the porch. passed you; 1
have seen no one else"
"No one else! Yet you must have been IN
the cathedral ever since service, or l should
have seen you later. want TO speak to the
person who played. Surely you can help me
to find him"
Her eyes fell, and she seemed to me to hold
debate within herself Just then, an elderly
woman slipped under the arch from the street
without; she put the girls arm under her
own, and led her away, scOlding her for not
having come home earlier.
As | returned to the cathedral, my mind
misSave me rcproachcd myself for having
let the girl escape me, feeling convinced that
she might have aided to sOlvO the mystery.
She had not said she could not help me, but
evidently hcsitatcd. had now little hope Of
securing the unknown musician tonight; but
opened the door cautiously, and called the
boy. lie came whimpCring; he had believed
himself prisoner till morning. Regardless
of his distress, demanded if he had seen the
organist.
"She give me this, (Showing q shilling,)
and went away the very minute she'd adonc
playing. "'---- ...----
.Shci" It flashed upon me.
had spoken to the musician then! that
slight plain young girl. She wOnld surely
come again-I would secure her. That night
I had strange dreams Of musical mysteries,
and Of wonderful child organist, whose play
ing made the solemn lines perform stately
minute in the cathedral yard.
Next evening set my trap-the open door
and instrument-and watched. She had not
been at the service l had searched every hid
ing place; | watched IN vain-in vain for
many successive evenings Yet l fclt sure
that it was but question Of time and patience:
that tho attractions of the place would prove
irresistible.
was very obscrvant of the Sunday con-
grcgation, and Of the few persons who collect
Cd to listen to the afternoon services. Once
believed that saw the wishcd-for face; but
be.howcred bonnet, lifted up after having
been bowed down in drowsiness, interposed.
gave up lingering about In the yard Of an
evening. and ensconced myself instead behind
the screening jasmine at my window. An
evening came, on which my patience was re-
warded. had left upon tho organ desk the
Stabat Mater of Pergolcsi, that Domenichino
Of music. Well just after the cathedral-bell
had tollcd seven, slight figure fitted through
tho archcd way, and passed swiftly up tho
avenue, and then took the path branching of
to the small door; here ithesitated moment,
then disappeared within the building.
sprang up and clappcd my hands, crying
"Thcrc is no mercy, no hope Of escape for
you. lcaped from my window, and crossed
the yard bnrc-hendcd; before d note had
sounded, | had stcalthily ascended the organ
loft; would assure myself that this was my
very miracle. - "a
pccrcd through tho curtain; tho young
girl was eagerly pulling of her glOvcs-fFOnl
such slight, child-like haKdsi Eha looked at
the music before her discOntcntedly evident.
ly she did not know 1t. She turned the leaves
softly trying ono passage and another; her
face frightened with intelligence and interest
The girl-musician was not pretty till she
played, her face wore Q detected expression
when you did not SOC her eyes, It was lustre.
less aud Insignificant BY instinct, she seem.
cd to select the finest passages Of the music
OStOtc HSt Wtiu as HIc pTOCccucUs Joy ITTUUIn'
ted her micn scintillatiOns Of light shot from
beneath the lashcs Of the absorbed eyes; lines
Of thought and power appeared on the young
brow. and smile Of satisfaction made the
mouth very sweet. She had forgotten NIL but
the music | could have sworn that tho sick
ly girl was perfectly bcautiGul-n0 mere girl
and by shc paused, and covered that face with
her hands.
When she removed her hands, and looked
up, stood beside her. She did not start; she
rOsO and stood before me, steadily meeting
my eyes, varying expressions! gatheriDG in
hers at last she slightly smiled. had meant
to be peremptOry, to reprove her for the trou.
bic she had given inc, and to command her to
become our OrganiSt ] found myself speak
ing with the utmost gcntlcness; there was
nothing Of pride or triumph IN her smile, Il
was infinitely sad-a smile Of resignation.
"lf you wish, this shall always be your
place. Nobody but you and myself Il would
not abnegate my right shall touch these keys" "
\ shy, startled joy came into her face.
"Our Organist died in spring. We have
been without one ever since you must ill
his place in this cathedral.
Are you not tho organist ?"
mo; only play for love Of II, and when
no one else is here TO do It,"
Are you the bishop, thcnI"
mo" laughed. But am friend Of
his. appoint you the Organist of WaldOn
Cathedral"
She looked at me to ascertain if l were
mOcking her, il l were to be trusted her face
grow very bright, but she shook her head.
I" am too young; should get frightened.
| should not play such music as ought to be
played here"
81 am the best judge Of that; I will try
you. l will call at your home and arrange
with your relations"
81 have not any relations; but have q
friend whom must consult. will send her
to you with her answer tomorrow"
"YOur answer must be, 'Yes;' and will
do oil in my power to make your duty easy
and pleasant VIII yOn play no more 70.
nightr" .' 'vo'A
She shook her head; 90 rs It was getting
dusk, closed the organ.
"PrOmisc me that, in any case, shall hear
you play again." said. ,.....
"Ohl yes, il you wish It."
"YOu have not asked my name, or where
i've" gave her my card, having followed
her to the door. She paused there, looked
back into the building, and then out At the