The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1872-04-27

hs iaI Us tue pure white satin OF her
sweeping robe, and they had all seen
the long talked of and highly praised
beauty.
A roar like the rushing Of distant
waters sounded in her ears, aud then
swelled into a thuader of applause; aud
coming slowing down in the spleudor of
the foot-lights, her beautiful head erect,
her eyes glowing with excitement. her
beauty enhanced by the elegance of her
costume, Camilla, the little waif, the
child Of poor old Paul Smith, the pro
tege of proud Richard Clayering, re
eeived the homage Of the assembled
crowd.
When the acclamalions had ceased
the orchestra began soft symphony;
and then through the building echoed
the clear, pure notes Of voice that
sounded far away, dreamy, mystic
voice, full Of hope, Of doubt, Of pain
Nearer, still nearer, il sounded, aud
hope half drowned the doubts. but vet
p'1intlye sorrow seemed to remain. 1t
came nearer, and the sorrow was half
expeetant, trembling glimpse of some.
thing better; and then, suddenly the
strange voice broke forth ia triumphal
strain, aud listeners held their breath
as the wondross notes rang out upon
the air, aud then died faintly away.
ror a moment deathly silence
relgned, but it was for moment only:
and then the building vibrated with a
crash ol enthusiasm that came from the
music erazed audience. Men arose in
their seats, and hundreds flung their
floral tributes ut her feet.
In one Of the boxes, above the one
where the masic muster sat an old
odd looking man waved his handker.
chiei aud cheered, with great tears fall.
ing down his wriukled checks; and
Camilla looked up to that one box. and
gave him the only smile that crossed
her lips daring the night.
But at length the curtain fell. and
Camilla went TO the dressing room.
Some one stood in the shadow OF a side.
scene, aud when she asked permission
to pass, caught her By the hands aud
drew her out into the light.
Camilla, is it you? Have | been
listening to my little girl all this glorious
evening ! SpeIk 30 me ain bewil-
dered aud blind"
"Mr. Clayering, When did you
come Oh, am SO happy |" she ex
claimed
Are you happy? Oh, is this my
welcome Have you waited for me.
my darling ?"
She put her hands over her eyes.
moaning, you do not mean your words
| am dreaming =
you are wide awake, Camilla. and
| am asking you to love me, and to be
my wife"
She drew him away for brief mo
ment, and laid her weary head within
his arm. Then she passed on to her
dressing room, and when she returned
she put out her hand and said, "oh
Richard, take me away! nm soul
sick of all this Come, we must not
forget Uncle Paul. lie is waiting in
the box for me-
The box was near at hand, aud 10 a
moment they stood at the door. 1t was
ajar, aud Richard pushed it open to
allow Camilla to enter, and saw the old
man sitting 10 one of the luxurious
chairs, his head lying back upon the
soft cushions, and his hands peacefully
folded.
Uncle Paul p cried Camilla. "Why,
you are fast sl-epl Come, it is time
to 20 home
She started back with cry, for the
hand she touched was icy cold, aud fel
back, stiff and helpless
Camilla, darling, come away.
will attend to him"
"Oh, Richard :"
Hush, love. lie is beyond us now.
Those strains OF music have carried him
to heaven, from whence they came
The poor old man was dead With
the cousummalion OF his hearts wish,
his quiet, unpretendi1g lite, had passed
out Into the new existcucc.
There were mauy inquiries after her
Ia the music-loving world, but Richard
Clavering removed their singing bird
so deity that few knew the cause Of
her flight; aud now she sings only to
him, aud to his.