The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1865-11-23

that would be a fruitless search. She
must call on her friends she had known
in SUMMER days-and particularly on her
mothers friends.
Pride, native independence and a sem
sitiveness about intrusion held her back
but stern necessity urged her forward.
Bravely she walked i'll the way Of duty,
though every step was III pain-such
pain as only they VITO have walked by
the same path ems sanfehend. -Four
ladies who symrdtAlle@ with Mary in
each a scholar at eight dollars quarter.
On the faith Of this promise the piano
was hired, and the rent for quarter
paid in advance.
Only three of these scholars came
Older sisters, in the other case interfered.
Their little sister, they said, must not
receive her first lesson from a girl who
had never been taught, and who was
indifferently educated in music. Attic
end of the first quarter, one Of these
scholars was removed under the pres
sure OF Il like influence. It was all in
vain that the child's mother, who
thought more of helping Mary than of
her daughters music, urged that she be
permitted to give another quarters III
struction. The older sisters clamored
against the arrangementin a most heart
less manner, and it ceased.
Poor Mary Wild's heart sunk when
this scholar was taken away. She had
only two left. Faithfully she tried to
increase the original number, but with
out success.
The owner of the piano called prompt
other advance payment. It was made.
The second quarter opened discourage
ingly for Mary Wild. She had only
two scholars, and saw no prospect of OBJ
tanning others. She had been around
among her mothers friends several
times, but even those who manifested
interest in the beginning were growing
indifferent-some even showed annoy
ance.
At the close Of the second quarter,
Mary was unable to meet the prompt
demand which came from the owner of
] the piano. Not obtaining his money,
lie Went away, Say ing mat ii the advance
rent were not paid in a week the instru-
ment would be removed. This was only
Il threat. The rent was not forthcoming
but the piano still continued in Mary's
possession.
Everything looked dark for the striv-
ING girl. She still had but two scholars
and was beginning to give way to feel
ings Of deep encouragement. Weeks
passed, and there was no change. The
third quarter was drawing to close.
One day a lady called. She had two
daughters and Il niece that We're to re-
ceive music lessons. She had heard of
Mary Wild, and was pleased with what
she had heard; asked her terms and
said they We're satisfactory.
My niece does not live with me"
she remarked, "and her mother has no
piano. She will have to come here to
receive lessons. 1t is arranged for her
to practice at my house."
This was satisfactory, and the scholars
were accepted with q thankful heart.
"That man is down stairs again" said
a younger brother, looking into the
room where Mary was sitting, one day,
about three weeks afterthis encouraging
addition to her number of pupils.
"What man:''
The color left the poor girls face rs
she asked the question.
"The man that calneabout the piano.. y
Fear mingled with shame in Mary's
sensitive heart. She went down, tremb-
ling in spite Of every effort at self-com-
posture, to meet this rigid exacter of his
due. His keen eyes read at the first
glance, as she came in, her inability to
pay the rent, and at once his looks hard
ened.
"Have you that little amount ready,
Miss Wild:'
His voice was cold and firm.
Indeed, sir, Pm very sorry. But
she stammered, broke down, then raj
lied, and said almost pleadingly, "there
is no lack of will or effort on my part,
sir. If had the money, l would only
be too eager to pay it. Scholars were
not received in the commencement &C.
cording to expectation. But things are
beginning to look more hopeful. With
in the last few weeks have obtained
three new pupils, at the end Of their
first quarter will receive twenty-four
dollars, and the money shall be kept
sacredly for you.''
There was faint sneering smile OF
the mans thin lips as he shook his head
and answered.
81 can't wait until the end OF the young
ladies' quarter. 1t isn't my way of do
ing business. When you engaged the
instrument, l told you that payment
must be made quarterly, in advance
You now owe quarters rent. II you
cannot pay that, and the advance fol
next quarter. shall at once remove tn,